81 FR 3053 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 12 (January 20, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 12 (January 20, 2016)
| Page Range | 3053-3056 | |
| FR Document | 2016-00699 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 20, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 3053-3056] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-00699] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2014-0922; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-156-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require the modification of eight fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides. The NPRM was prompted by a report that fatigue cracking could appear at certain fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This action [[Page 3054]] revises the applicability by adding post-Airbus modification 32208 airplanes, which are also affected. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to detect and correct cracking at certain fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs, which could lead to failure of the fasteners and reduced structural integrity of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes. DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by March 7, 2016. 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 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. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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-2014- 0922; 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 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-2014-0922; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-156-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 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 and A320 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74035). The NPRM was prompted by a report that fatigue cracking could appear at certain fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs. The NPRM was intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its LOV of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. The NPRM proposed to require the modification of eight fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs on the LH and RH sides. Actions Since Previous NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, 2014) Was Issued Since we issued the NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, 2014), we have determined that airplanes having Airbus modification 32208, which were excluded from the applicability of NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, 2014), are also affected. For this reason, the FAA added airplanes having Airbus modification 32208 to the applicability of this proposed AD and increased the number of airplanes in the Costs of Compliance section to 294 airplanes. The European Aviation Safety Agency, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0085, dated May 13, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Model A319 and Model A320 series airplanes. The MCAI states: During the A320 fatigue test campaign for Extended Service Goal (ESG), it was determined that fatigue damage could appear at certain fastener locations on the longeron [area] below the emergency exit cut-outs, on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides of the fuselage. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a modification, which has been published through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-53-1265 for in-service application to allow aeroplanes to operate up to the new ESG limit. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0176 to require modification (cold working) of 8 fastener locations in the longeron area (Stringer 20A) below the emergency exit cut-outs on the LH and RH sides. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was identified that post-mod 32208 aeroplanes, which were excluded from the Applicability of that [EASA] AD, are also affected. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0176, which is superseded, but no longer excludes post-mod 32208 aeroplanes from the Applicability. As described in FAA Advisory Circular 120-104 (http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs have been developed to support initiatives that will ensure the continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure. The last element of those initiatives is the requirement to establish a LOV of the engineering data that support the structural maintenance program under 14 CFR 26.21. This proposed AD is the result of an assessment of the previously established programs by the design approval holder (DAH) during the process of establishing the LOV for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes. The actions specified in this proposed AD are necessary to complete certain programs to ensure the continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure and to support an airplane reaching its LOV. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/ / [[Page 3055]] www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0922. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2014. The service information describes procedures for modifying the fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs on both RH and LH sides of the fuselage. 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. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this proposed AD. We considered the comment received. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, 2014) and the FAA's response to the comment. Request To Allow the Use of Later Revisions of Service Bulletin United Airlines (United) requested that the NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, 2014) contain a statement allowing use of later revisions of the service information as an acceptable method of compliance for the proposed AD. United stated the modification addressed by the NPRM allows operators to reach an ESG. United stated that the service information mentioned in the NPRM may not incorporate the proper effectivity, since Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 01, dated July 2, 2013, is restricted to operators who have applied for Airbus's request for change/request for modification order (RFC/RMO) process. United stated the effectivity of Airbus Service Bulletin A320- 53-1265, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2014, will likely not agree with the applicability of the NPRM. We partially agree. We disagree to allow use of later revisions of service documents in an AD because use of unpublished service information is not allowed by the Office of the Federal Register's regulations for approving materials incorporated by reference. However, we have reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2014, which updated the kit information and the effectivity. We revised the applicability in this proposed AD to reflect the effectivity of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2014. We also revised the references in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD to refer to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2014, and revised paragraph (h) of this proposed AD to allow credit for actions done using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 01, dated July 2, 2013. Affected operators may request approval to use a later revision of the referenced service information as an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) using the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this proposed AD. FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM 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. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, 2014). As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM. 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 the specified service information, 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 an airworthy 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 SNPRM affects 294 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take about 12 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this SNPRM. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this SNPRM on U.S. operators to be $299,880, or $1,020 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); [[Page 3056]] 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. 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-2014-0922; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM- 156-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by March 7, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, except those on which Airbus modification (mod) 152637 has been embodied in production. (1) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN). (2) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN). (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report that fatigue cracking could appear at certain fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain fastener locations in the longeron area below the emergency exit cut-outs, which could lead to failure of the fasteners and reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Modification of Fastener Locations Before the accumulation of 48,000 total flight cycles or 96,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first since the airplane's first flight, modify the 8 fastener locations in the longeron area (stringer 20A) below the emergency exit cut-outs on both RH and LH sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1265, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2014. (h) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53- 1265, dated January 2, 2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53- 1265, Revision 01, dated July 2, 2013; which are not incorporated by reference in this AD. (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 an airworthy 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 2015-0085, dated May 13, 2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA- 2014-0922-0002. (2) 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. 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 January 5, 2016. Victor Wicklund, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-00699 Filed 1-19-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 20, 2016 / Proposed Rules 3053
on a substantial number of small entities January 9, 2014, including Appendix SBF28– approved by the DOA, the approval must
under the criteria of the Regulatory 28–058/APP01, dated July 15, 2014. include the DOA-authorized signature.
Flexibility Act. (h) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection (k) Related Information
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Program (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Before further flight after completing the Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation installation specified in paragraph (g) of this Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
safety, Incorporation by reference, AD, or within 30 days after the effective date Directive 2014–0108, dated May 8, 2014, for
Safety. of this AD, whichever occurs later: Revise the related information. This MCAI may be
airplane maintenance or inspection program, found in the AD docket on the Internet at
The Proposed Amendment http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
as applicable, by incorporating the fuel
Accordingly, under the authority airworthiness limitation items and critical and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–8467.
delegated to me by the Administrator, design configuration control limitations (2) For service information identified in
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part (CDCCLs) specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(c) of this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V.,
Fokker Services Proforma Service Bulletin Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357,
39 as follows:
SBF28–28–058, dated January 9, 2014, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands;
including Appendix SBF28–28–058/APP01, telephone +31 (0)88–6280–350; fax +31
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (0)88–6280–111; email technicalservices@
DIRECTIVES dated July 15, 2014. The initial compliance
times for the tasks are at the latest of the fokker.com; Internet http://
times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 service information at the FAA, Transport
continues to read as follows: and (h)(3) of this AD.
(1) At the applicable time specified in Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28–28–050, Renton, WA. For information on the
Revision 3, dated December 11, 2014. availability of this material at the FAA, call
§ 39.13 [Amended] (2) Before further flight after completing 425–227–1221.
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the installation specified in paragraph (g) of Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
the following new airworthiness this AD. 5, 2016.
directive (AD): (3) Within 30 days after the effective date Victor Wicklund,
of this AD.
Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA– Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
2015–8467; Directorate Identifier 2014– (i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
NM–107–AD. CDCCLs [FR Doc. 2016–00636 Filed 1–19–16; 8:45 am]
(a) Comments Due Date After accomplishment of the revision BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no
We must receive comments by March 7, alternative actions (e.g., inspections),
2016. intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(b) Affected ADs actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as
an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) Federal Aviation Administration
None.
in accordance with the procedures specified
(c) Applicability in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
14 CFR Part 39
This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions
Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0922; Directorate
The following provisions also apply to this Identifier 2014–NM–156–AD]
airplanes, certificated in any category, all
AD:
serial numbers. RIN 2120–AA64
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance:
(d) Subject The Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28, Fuel. has the authority to approve AMOCs for this Airplanes
AD, if requested using the procedures found
(e) Reason in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR AGENCY: Federal Aviation
39.19, send your request to your principal Administration (FAA), DOT.
This AD was prompted by a design review
that revealed no controlled bonding inspector or local Flight Standards District ACTION: Supplemental notice of
provisions are present on a number of critical Office, as appropriate. If sending information proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
locations inside the fuel tanks or connected directly to the International Branch, send it reopening of comment period.
to the walls of the fuel tanks. We are issuing to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace
this AD to prevent an ignition source in the Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier
fuel tank vapor space, which could result in Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 proposed airworthiness directive (AD)
a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; for certain Airbus Model A319 and
the airplane. telephone 425–227–1137; fax 425–227–1149. A320 series airplanes. The NPRM
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-
(f) Compliance proposed to require the modification of
AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate eight fastener locations in the longeron
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already principal inspector, or lacking a principal area below the emergency exit cut-outs
done. inspector, the manager of the local flight on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand
standards district office/certificate holding (RH) sides. The NPRM was prompted by
(g) Installation of Bonding Provisions district office. The AMOC approval letter a report that fatigue cracking could
At the next scheduled opening of the fuel must specifically reference this AD. appear at certain fastener locations in
tanks after the effective date of this AD, but (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
the longeron area below the emergency
no later than 84 months after the effective requirement in this AD to obtain corrective exit cut-outs. This proposed AD is
date of this AD, install additional and actions from a manufacturer, the action must
intended to complete certain mandated
improved bonding provisions in the fuel be accomplished using a method approved
tanks, and do the applicable related by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– programs intended to support the
investigative and corrective actions, in 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or airplane reaching its limit of validity
accordance with the Accomplishment the European Aviation Safety Agency (LOV) of the engineering data that
Instructions of Fokker Services Proforma (EASA); or Fokker B.V. Service’s EASA support the established structural
Service Bulletin SBF28–28–058, dated Design Organization Approval (DOA). If maintenance program. This action
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![3054 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 20, 2016 / Proposed Rules
revises the applicability by adding post- street address for the Docket Office the FAA added airplanes having Airbus
Airbus modification 32208 airplanes, (telephone: 800–647–5527) is in the modification 32208 to the applicability
which are also affected. We are ADDRESSES section. Comments will be of this proposed AD and increased the
proposing this supplemental NPRM available in the AD docket shortly after number of airplanes in the Costs of
(SNPRM) to detect and correct cracking receipt. Compliance section to 294 airplanes.
at certain fastener locations in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The European Aviation Safety Agency,
longeron area below the emergency exit Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, which is the Technical Agent for the
cut-outs, which could lead to failure of International Branch, ANM–116, Member States of the European Union,
the fasteners and reduced structural Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has issued EASA Airworthiness
integrity of the airplane. Since these 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA Directive 2015–0085, dated May 13,
actions impose an additional burden 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405; 2015 (referred to after this as the
over those proposed in the NPRM, we fax 425–227–1149. Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
are reopening the comment period to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
allow the public the chance to comment an unsafe condition on certain Model
on these proposed changes. Comments Invited A319 and Model A320 series airplanes.
DATES: We must receive comments on We invite you to send any written The MCAI states:
this SNPRM by March 7, 2016. relevant data, views, or arguments about During the A320 fatigue test campaign for
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
this proposed AD. Send your comments Extended Service Goal (ESG), it was
using the procedures found in 14 CFR to an address listed under the determined that fatigue damage could appear
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. at certain fastener locations on the longeron
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following [area] below the emergency exit cut-outs, on
FAA–2014–0922; Directorate Identifier
methods: the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides
2014–NM–156–AD’’ at the beginning of
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to of the fuselage.
your comments. We specifically invite
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the This condition, if not detected and
comments on the overall regulatory,
instructions for submitting comments. corrected, could affect the structural integrity
economic, environmental, and energy
• Fax: 202–493–2251. of the aeroplane.
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
• Mail: U.S. Department of To address this potential unsafe condition,
consider all comments received by the Airbus developed a modification, which has
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
closing date and may amend this been published through Airbus Service
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Bulletin (SB) A320–53–1265 for in-service
proposed AD based on those comments.
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., We will post all comments we application to allow aeroplanes to operate up
Washington, DC 20590. receive, without change, to http:// to the new ESG limit. Consequently, EASA
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of www.regulations.gov, including any issued AD 2014–0176 to require modification
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– personal information you provide. We (cold working) of 8 fastener locations in the
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room longeron area (Stringer 20A) below the
will also post a report summarizing each emergency exit cut-outs on the LH and RH
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., substantive verbal contact we receive
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 sides.
about this proposed AD. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was
p.m., Monday through Friday, except identified that post-mod 32208 aeroplanes,
Federal holidays. Discussion
which were excluded from the Applicability
For service information identified in We issued a notice of proposed of that [EASA] AD, are also affected.
this proposed AD, contact Airbus, rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR For the reason described above, this
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond part 39 by adding an AD that would [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac apply to certain Airbus Model A319 and AD 2014–0176, which is superseded, but no
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 longer excludes post-mod 32208 aeroplanes
A320 series airplanes. The NPRM
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email from the Applicability.
published in the Federal Register on
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74035). As described in FAA Advisory
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You The NPRM was prompted by a report Circular 120–104 (http://www.faa.gov/
may view this referenced service that fatigue cracking could appear at documentLibrary/media/Advisory_
information at the FAA, Transport certain fastener locations in the Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue longeron area below the emergency exit have been developed to support
SW., Renton, WA. You may view this cut-outs. The NPRM was intended to initiatives that will ensure the
referenced service information at the complete certain mandated programs continued airworthiness of aging
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, intended to support the airplane airplane structure. The last element of
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. reaching its LOV of the engineering data those initiatives is the requirement to
For information on the availability of that support the established structural establish a LOV of the engineering data
this material at the FAA, call 425–227– maintenance program. The NPRM that support the structural maintenance
1221. proposed to require the modification of program under 14 CFR 26.21. This
eight fastener locations in the longeron proposed AD is the result of an
Examining the AD Docket
area below the emergency exit cut-outs assessment of the previously established
You may examine the AD docket on on the LH and RH sides. programs by the design approval holder
the Internet at http:// (DAH) during the process of establishing
www.regulations.gov by searching for Actions Since Previous NPRM (79 FR the LOV for Airbus Model A319 and
74035, December 15, 2014) Was Issued
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– A320 series airplanes. The actions
0922; or in person at the Docket Since we issued the NPRM (79 FR specified in this proposed AD are
Management Facility between 9 a.m. 74035, December 15, 2014), we have necessary to complete certain programs
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, determined that airplanes having Airbus to ensure the continued airworthiness of
except Federal holidays. The AD docket modification 32208, which were aging airplane structure and to support
contains this proposed AD, the excluded from the applicability of an airplane reaching its LOV.
regulatory evaluation, any comments NPRM (79 FR 74035, December 15, You may examine the MCAI in the
received, and other information. The 2014), are also affected. For this reason, AD docket on the Internet at http://
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![3056 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 20, 2016 / Proposed Rules
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in (g) Modification of Fastener Locations (j) Related Information
Alaska; and Before the accumulation of 48,000 total (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
4. Will not have a significant flight cycles or 96,000 total flight hours, Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
economic impact, positive or negative, whichever occurs first since the airplane’s Airworthiness Directive 2015–0085, dated
first flight, modify the 8 fastener locations in May 13, 2015, for related information. This
on a substantial number of small entities the longeron area (stringer 20A) below the MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
under the criteria of the Regulatory emergency exit cut-outs on both RH and LH Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/
Flexibility Act. sides, in accordance with the #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0922-0002.
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus (2) For service information identified in
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Service Bulletin A320–53–1265, Revision 02, this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation dated July 10, 2014. Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
safety, Incorporation by reference, (h) Credit for Previous Actions Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
Safety. telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
This paragraph provides credit for the 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
The Proposed Amendment actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
if those actions were performed before the You may view this referenced service
Accordingly, under the authority effective date of this AD using Airbus Service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
delegated to me by the Administrator, Bulletin A320–53–1265, dated January 2, Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53– WA. You may view this service information
1265, Revision 01, dated July 2, 2013; which at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
39 as follows: are not incorporated by reference in this AD. 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
PART 39–AIRWORTHINESS (i) Other FAA AD Provisions information on the availability of this
DIRECTIVES material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
The following provisions also apply to this
AD: Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 5, 2016.
continues to read as follows: (AMOCs): The Manager, International Victor Wicklund,
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Directorate, FAA, has the authority to Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
§ 39.13 [Amended] approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. [FR Doc. 2016–00699 Filed 1–19–16; 8:45 am]
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
the following new airworthiness request to your principal inspector or local
directive (AD): Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2014–0922; to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–156–AD. Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration
(a) Comments Due Date International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind 14 CFR Part 39
We must receive comments by March 7, Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
2016. telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149. [Docket No. FAA–2015–8469; Directorate
(b) Affected ADs Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- Identifier 2014–NM–105–AD]
AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
None. RIN 2120–AA64
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
(c) Applicability principal inspector, or lacking a principal
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding Services B.V. Airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
this AD, certificated in any category, except district office. The AMOC approval letter AGENCY: Federal Aviation
those on which Airbus modification (mod) must specifically reference this AD.
Administration (FAA), DOT.
152637 has been embodied in production. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(1) Airbus Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes, actions from a manufacturer, the action must (NPRM).
all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN). be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
(2) Airbus Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes, all 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or airworthiness directive (AD) for all
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN). the European Aviation Safety Agency Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes.
(d) Subject Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by This proposed AD was prompted by a
Air Transport Association (ATA) of the DOA, the approval must include the design review that revealed insufficient
America Code 53, Fuselage. DOA-authorized signature.
measures were taken to ensure the
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
(e) Reason service information contains procedures or correct locking of the attachments of the
This AD was prompted by a report that tests that are identified as RC, those fuel quantity tank units (FQTUs) in each
fatigue cracking could appear at certain procedures and tests must be done to comply wing tank. When an FQTU becomes
fastener locations in the longeron area below with this AD; any procedures or tests that are loose, this could lead to insufficient
the emergency exit cut-outs. We are issuing not identified as RC are recommended. Those clearance between the FQTU and the
this AD to detect and correct cracking at procedures and tests that are not identified adjacent tank structure or other metal
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
certain fastener locations in the longeron area parts, and under certain conditions,
below the emergency exit cut-outs, which methods in accordance with the operator’s create an ignition source inside the wing
could lead to failure of the fasteners and maintenance or inspection program without
fuel vapor space. This proposed AD
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can would require modifying the FQTUs by
(f) Compliance be done and the airplane can be put back in applying sealant to cover the nuts,
Comply with this AD within the an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or washers, and stud ends at the FQTU
compliance times specified, unless already changes to procedures or tests identified as attachments in each main wing tank.
done. RC require approval of an AMOC. This proposed AD would also require
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Document Created: 2016-01-19 23:43:35
Document Modified: 2016-01-19 23:43:35
| 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 | Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period. | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this SNPRM by March 7, 2016. | |
| 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 | 81 FR 3053 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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