81 FR 90958 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 242 (December 16, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 242 (December 16, 2016)
| Page Range | 90958-90961 | |
| FR Document | 2016-30038 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 90958-90961] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-30038] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2016-9509; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-177-AD; Amendment 39-18750; AD 2016-25-24] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive general visual inspections for broken battery retaining rods and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective January 3, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 3, 2017. We must receive comments on this AD by January 30, 2017. 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 final rule, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016- 9509. 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-2016- 9509; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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. 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: Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2016-0204, dated October 13, 2016; corrected October 19, 2016 (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: [[Page 90959]] Several occurrences have been reported of battery [retaining] rod failures on certain Airbus aeroplanes. Subsequent examination of broken [battery retaining] rod parts determined that these failures were due to quality defects of the material used during parts manufacturing. Each battery is secured on an aeroplane by two [battery retaining] rods. Failure of one rod, in case of severe turbulence during flight or hard landing, could lead to battery displacement, or roll on the remaining rod side, up to a point where the remaining rod could be disengaged. The battery could ultimately detach from its housing and damage relays, connectors, contactor boxes, air ducts and surrounding structure. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the loss of the normal electrical generation not followed by an automatic recovery of essential network. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16 (later revised) to provide instructions for inspection and replacement of battery [retaining] rods. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive general visual inspections (GVI) of the four battery [retaining] rods (two per battery), and, in case of findings, replacement of [broken] battery [retaining] rods. Pending the outcome of the on-going investigation, this [EASA] AD is considered an interim action and further [EASA] AD action may follow. This [EASA] AD is republished to add two missing models to the applicability (the respective MSN were already listed in the original [EASA] AD) and to correct the battery [retaining] rod Part Number (P/N). You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016- 9509. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016. The service information describes procedures for general visual inspections to look for broken battery retaining rods. 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. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information The MCAI specifies to replace broken rods in accordance with Airbus AOT A92N001-16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016. However, Airbus AOT A92N001-16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016, does not include procedures to replace broken rods. This AD requires that broken rods be replaced using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. FAA's Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the detachment of a battery from the housing and damage to other electrical equipment and surrounding structure could lead to loss of normal electrical power generation and recovery of essential network and consequential control of the airplane. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9509; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-177-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 330 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: Estimated Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost per Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspection......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $28,050 = $185. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this replacement. On-Condition Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replace Battery Rod.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per \1\ $0 $85 per battery rod. hour = $85 per battery rod. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Parts costs are not available from the manufacturer. [[Page 90960]] According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 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): 2016-25-24 Airbus: Amendment 39-18750; Docket No. FAA-2016-9509; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-177-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective January 3, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320- 212, A320-214, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-271N, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321- 231, and A321-232 airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 5182, 5295, 5327, 5406, 5470, 5545, 5650, 5656, 5664, 5671, 5679, 5685, 5690, 5700, 5701, 5711, 5717, 5722, 5725, 5731, 5732, 5734, 5738, 5740, 5742, 5744, 5746, 5748, 5750 through 5752 inclusive, 5754 through 5756 inclusive, 5758 through 5760 inclusive, 5762, 5763, 5765 through 6100 inclusive, 6102 through 6285 inclusive, 6287 through 6418 inclusive, 6420 through 6463 inclusive, 6465 through 6619 inclusive, 6621 through 6641 inclusive, 6643 through 6672 inclusive, 6674 through 6719 inclusive, 6721 through 6771 inclusive, 6773 through 6828 inclusive, 6830 through 6832 inclusive, 6834 through 6838 inclusive, 6840 through 6867 inclusive, 6869 through 6903 inclusive, 6905, 6906, 6908 through 6913 inclusive, 6915 through 6919 inclusive, 6921 through 6944 inclusive, 6947 through 6951 inclusive, 6953 through 6966 inclusive, 6968 through 6972 inclusive, 6974, 6976 through 6992 inclusive, 6994 through 7000 inclusive, 7002 through 7010 inclusive, 7012, 7014 through 7032 inclusive, 7034 through 7045 inclusive, 7047 through 7050 inclusive, 7052, 7054 through 7059 inclusive, 7061 through 7071 inclusive, 7073 through 7078 inclusive, 7080, 7081, 7084 through 7093 inclusive, 7095 through 7098 inclusive, 7100, 7101, 7104, 7105, 7108 through 7110 inclusive, 7112 through 7121 inclusive, 7123, 7125, 7127, 7128, 7130, 7132, 7133, 7135, 7136, 7138 through 7140 inclusive, 7142 through 7146 inclusive, 7148, 7149, 7152 through 7156 inclusive, 7158, 7160, 7161, 7163 through 7167 inclusive, 7169 through 7171 inclusive, 7173, 7174, 7176, 7177, 7179, 7180, 7182 through 7184 inclusive, 7187, 7189, 7191, 7194, 7196 through 7200 inclusive, 7203, 7204, 7206, 7207, 7210, 7212 through 7225 inclusive, 7227, 7228, 7230, 7232, 7235, 7238, 7241 through 7244 inclusive, 7248, and 7261. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electrical System Installation. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of broken battery retaining rods. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken battery retaining rods, which, in the event of a hard landing or severe turbulence, can cause the battery to detach from its housing, resulting in damage to other electrical equipment and surrounding structure. This condition could lead to loss of normal electrical power generation and subsequent inability to restore electrical power to essential airplane systems. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Repetitive Inspections Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 months, accomplish a general visual inspection of each battery retaining rod part number (P/N) D9241023700000, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016. (h) Additional Inspections After Any Hard Landing or Any Flight in Severe Turbulence In addition to the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD, after any hard landing, or after any flight in severe turbulence: Before further flight, accomplish a general visual inspection of each battery retaining rod P/N D9241023700000, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A92N001-16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016. (i) Corrective Action If, during any general visual inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as applicable, any battery retaining rod is found broken, before further flight, replace each affected battery retaining rod with a serviceable part 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). Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Additional guidance for the replacement of battery retaining rods can be found in Tasks 24-38- 51-000-001-A, Removal of the Batteries, and 24-38-51-400-001-A, Installation of the Batteries, of the Airbus A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). (j) Provision Regarding Terminating Action Replacement of failed battery retaining rods on an airplane with serviceable parts, as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive general visual inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for that airplane. [[Page 90961]] (k) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus AOT A92N001-16, dated August 25, 2016. (l) 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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (m) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed. (n) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0204, dated October 13, 2016; corrected October 19, 2016; for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9509. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD. (o) 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 Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office-EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.airbus.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-30038 Filed 12-15-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![90958 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
requested using the procedures found in 14 Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., • Mail: U.S. Department of
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
send your request to your principal inspector telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https:// 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
or local Flight Standards District Office, as www.myboeingfleet.com. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
appropriate. If sending information directly (4) You may view this service information
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Washington, DC 20590.
attention of the person identified in 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may information on the availability of this Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC- material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Requests@faa.gov. (5) You may view this service information W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, that is incorporated by reference at the Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
notify your appropriate principal inspector, National Archives and Records p.m., Monday through Friday, except
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager Administration (NARA). For information on Federal holidays.
of the local flight standards district office/ the availability of this material at NARA, call For service information identified in
certificate holding district office. 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// this final rule, contact Airbus,
(3) For service information that contains www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond
steps that are labeled as Required for locations.html.
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Compliance (RC), the provisions of
Issued in Renton, Washington, on Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93
paragraphs (j)(3)(i) and (j)(3)(ii) apply.
November 25, 2016. 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email:
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures John P. Piccola, Jr., account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
identified in an RC step, must be done to Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You
comply with the AD. If a step or sub-step is Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. may view this referenced service
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC [FR Doc. 2016–29251 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] information at the FAA, Transport
requirement is removed from that step or BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
sub-step. An AMOC is required for any SW., Renton, WA. For information on
deviations to RC steps, including substeps the availability of this material at the
and identified figures.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
available on the Internet at http://
Federal Aviation Administration www.regulations.gov by searching for
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, 14 CFR Part 39 9509.
including substeps and identified figures, can
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9509; Directorate Examining the AD Docket
still be done as specified, and the airplane
Identifier 2016–NM–177–AD; Amendment
can be put back in an airworthy condition. You may examine the AD docket on
39–18750; AD 2016–25–24]
(4) An AMOC that provides an acceptable the Internet at http://
level of safety may be used for any repair RIN 2120–AA64 www.regulations.gov by searching for
required by this AD if it is approved by the and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 9509; or in person at the Docket
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has Airplanes Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO
to make those findings. For a repair method p.m., Monday through Friday, except
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Federal holidays. The AD docket
to be approved, the repair must meet the Administration (FAA), DOT.
certification basis of the airplane, and the contains this AD, the regulatory
approval must specifically refer to this AD. ACTION: Final rule; request for evaluation, any comments received, and
comments. other information. The street address for
(k) Related Information
the Docket Operations office (telephone:
(1) For more information about this AD, SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
contact Fnu Winarto, Aerospace Engineer, airworthiness directive (AD) for certain section. Comments will be available in
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., series airplanes. This AD requires
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
repetitive general visual inspections for
6659; fax: 425–917–6590; email: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
broken battery retaining rods and
fnu.winarto@faa.gov. International Branch, ANM–116,
replacement if necessary. We are issuing
(2) Service information identified in this Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
this AD to address the unsafe condition
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
available at the addresses specified in on these products.
98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–1405;
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD. DATES: This AD becomes effective fax: 425–227–1149.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
January 3, 2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Director of the Federal Register
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference Discussion
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
of a certain publication listed in this AD The European Aviation Safety Agency
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR as of January 3, 2017. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
part 51. We must receive comments on this for the Member States of the European
(2) You must use this service information AD by January 30, 2017. Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0204,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
as applicable to do the actions required by ADDRESSES: You may send comments, dated October 13, 2016; corrected
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. using the procedures found in 14 CFR October 19, 2016 (referred to after this
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following as the Mandatory Continuing
81205–SB270026–00, Issue 002, dated June
13, 2016.
methods: Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
(ii) Reserved. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to MCAI’’); to correct an unsafe condition
(3) For service information identified in http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the for certain Airbus Model A319, A320,
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial instructions for submitting comments. and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data • Fax: 202–493–2251. states:
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16DER1.SGM 16DER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_91200/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 90959
Several occurrences have been reported of information describes procedures for and comment prior to adoption of this
battery [retaining] rod failures on certain general visual inspections to look for rule because the detachment of a battery
Airbus aeroplanes. Subsequent examination broken battery retaining rods. This from the housing and damage to other
of broken [battery retaining] rod parts service information is reasonably electrical equipment and surrounding
determined that these failures were due to
quality defects of the material used during
available because the interested parties structure could lead to loss of normal
parts manufacturing. Each battery is secured have access to it through their normal electrical power generation and
on an aeroplane by two [battery retaining] course of business or by the means recovery of essential network and
rods. Failure of one rod, in case of severe identified in the ADDRESSES section. consequential control of the airplane.
turbulence during flight or hard landing,
Differences Between This AD and the Therefore, we determined that notice
could lead to battery displacement, or roll on and opportunity for public comment
the remaining rod side, up to a point where
MCAI or Service Information
before issuing this AD are impracticable
the remaining rod could be disengaged. The The MCAI specifies to replace broken and that good cause exists for making
battery could ultimately detach from its rods in accordance with Airbus AOT this amendment effective in fewer than
housing and damage relays, connectors, A92N001–16, Rev 01, dated October 10,
contactor boxes, air ducts and surrounding
30 days.
2016. However, Airbus AOT A92N001–
structure. 16, Rev 01, dated October 10, 2016, does Comments Invited
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to the loss of the
not include procedures to replace This AD is a final rule that involves
normal electrical generation not followed by broken rods. This AD requires that requirements affecting flight safety, and
an automatic recovery of essential network. broken rods be replaced using a method we did not precede it by notice and
To address this potential unsafe condition, approved by the Manager, International opportunity for public comment. We
Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane invite you to send any written relevant
(AOT) A92N001–16 (later revised) to provide Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus’s data, views, or arguments about this AD.
instructions for inspection and replacement EASA Design Organization Approval
of battery [retaining] rods.
Send your comments to an address
(DOA). listed under the ADDRESSES section.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive general visual FAA’s Determination and Requirements Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2016–9509;
inspections (GVI) of the four battery of This AD Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–177–
[retaining] rods (two per battery), and, in case This product has been approved by AD’’ at the beginning of your comments.
of findings, replacement of [broken] battery
the aviation authority of another We specifically invite comments on the
[retaining] rods. overall regulatory, economic,
Pending the outcome of the on-going country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our environmental, and energy aspects of
investigation, this [EASA] AD is considered this AD. We will consider all comments
an interim action and further [EASA] AD bilateral agreement with the State of
action may follow. Design Authority, we have been notified received by the closing date and may
This [EASA] AD is republished to add two of the unsafe condition described in the amend this AD based on those
missing models to the applicability (the MCAI and service information comments.
respective MSN were already listed in the referenced above. We are issuing this We will post all comments we
original [EASA] AD) and to correct the AD because we evaluated all pertinent receive, without change, to http://
battery [retaining] rod Part Number (P/N). information and determined the unsafe www.regulations.gov, including any
You may examine the MCAI on the condition exists and is likely to exist or personal information you provide. We
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov develop on other products of these same will also post a report summarizing each
by searching for and locating Docket No. type designs. substantive verbal contact we receive
FAA–2016–9509. about this AD.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Related Service Information Under 1 Date Costs of Compliance
CFR Part 51 An unsafe condition exists that We estimate that this AD affects 330
Airbus has issued Alert Operators requires the immediate adoption of this airplanes of U.S. registry.
Transmission (AOT) A92N001–16, Rev AD. The FAA has found that the risk to We estimate the following costs to
01, dated October 10, 2016. The service the flying public justifies waiving notice comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
Inspection ................................ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $185 ....................................... $0 $85 $28,050
We estimate the following costs to do be required based on the results of the determining the number of aircraft that
any necessary replacements that would inspection. We have no way of might need this replacement.
ON-CONDITION COSTS
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
Replace Battery Rod .................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per battery rod ........................ 1 $0 $85 per battery rod.
1 Parts costs are not available from the manufacturer.
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![90960 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
According to the manufacturer, some PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (d) Subject
of the costs of this AD may be covered DIRECTIVES Air Transport Association (ATA) of
under warranty, thereby reducing the America Code 92, Electrical System
cost impact on affected individuals. We ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Installation.
do not control warranty coverage for continues to read as follows: (e) Reason
affected individuals. As a result, we
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. This AD was prompted by reports of
have included all costs in our cost broken battery retaining rods. We are issuing
estimate. § 39.13 [Amended] this AD to detect and correct broken battery
Authority for This Rulemaking retaining rods, which, in the event of a hard
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding landing or severe turbulence, can cause the
Title 49 of the United States Code the following new airworthiness battery to detach from its housing, resulting
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue directive (AD): in damage to other electrical equipment and
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, 2016–25–24 Airbus: Amendment 39–18750; surrounding structure. This condition could
section 106, describes the authority of Docket No. FAA–2016–9509; Directorate lead to loss of normal electrical power
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Identifier 2016–NM–177–AD. generation and subsequent inability to restore
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more electrical power to essential airplane
(a) Effective Date systems.
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority. This AD becomes effective January 3, 2017. (f) Compliance
We are issuing this rulemaking under (b) Affected ADs Comply with this AD within the
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, None. compliance times specified, unless already
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: done.
General requirements.’’ Under that (c) Applicability
(g) Repetitive Inspections
section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Airbus Model A319–
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in 111, A319–112, A319–113, A319–114, A319– Within 4 months after the effective date of
115, A319–131, A319–132, A319–133, A320– this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to
air commerce by prescribing regulations
211, A320–212, A320–214, A320–231, A320– exceed 4 months, accomplish a general visual
for practices, methods, and procedures inspection of each battery retaining rod part
the Administrator finds necessary for 232, A320–233, A320–251N, A320–271N,
A321–111, A321–112, A321–131, A321–211, number (P/N) D9241023700000, in
safety in air commerce. This regulation accordance with the instructions of Airbus
A321–212, A321–213, A321–231, and A321–
is within the scope of that authority 232 airplanes, certificated in any category, Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
because it addresses an unsafe condition manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 5182, A92N001–16, Rev 01, dated October 10,
that is likely to exist or develop on 5295, 5327, 5406, 5470, 5545, 5650, 5656, 2016.
products identified in this rulemaking 5664, 5671, 5679, 5685, 5690, 5700, 5701, (h) Additional Inspections After Any Hard
action. 5711, 5717, 5722, 5725, 5731, 5732, 5734, Landing or Any Flight in Severe Turbulence
5738, 5740, 5742, 5744, 5746, 5748, 5750
Regulatory Findings In addition to the inspections required by
through 5752 inclusive, 5754 through 5756
paragraph (g) of this AD, after any hard
We determined that this AD will not inclusive, 5758 through 5760 inclusive, 5762, landing, or after any flight in severe
have federalism implications under 5763, 5765 through 6100 inclusive, 6102 turbulence: Before further flight, accomplish
Executive Order 13132. This AD will through 6285 inclusive, 6287 through 6418 a general visual inspection of each battery
not have a substantial direct effect on inclusive, 6420 through 6463 inclusive, 6465 retaining rod P/N D9241023700000, in
through 6619 inclusive, 6621 through 6641 accordance with the instructions of Airbus
the States, on the relationship between
inclusive, 6643 through 6672 inclusive, 6674 AOT A92N001–16, Rev 01, dated October 10,
the national government and the States, through 6719 inclusive, 6721 through 6771
or on the distribution of power and 2016.
inclusive, 6773 through 6828 inclusive, 6830
responsibilities among the various through 6832 inclusive, 6834 through 6838 (i) Corrective Action
levels of government. inclusive, 6840 through 6867 inclusive, 6869 If, during any general visual inspection
For the reasons discussed above, I through 6903 inclusive, 6905, 6906, 6908 required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD,
certify that this AD: through 6913 inclusive, 6915 through 6919 as applicable, any battery retaining rod is
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory inclusive, 6921 through 6944 inclusive, 6947 found broken, before further flight, replace
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; through 6951 inclusive, 6953 through 6966 each affected battery retaining rod with a
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the inclusive, 6968 through 6972 inclusive, 6974, serviceable part using a method approved by
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 6976 through 6992 inclusive, 6994 through the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
7000 inclusive, 7002 through 7010 inclusive, 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
7012, 7014 through 7032 inclusive, 7034 the European Aviation Safety Agency
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in through 7045 inclusive, 7047 through 7050 (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Alaska; and inclusive, 7052, 7054 through 7059 inclusive, Organization Approval (DOA).
4. Will not have a significant 7061 through 7071 inclusive, 7073 through Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD:
economic impact, positive or negative, 7078 inclusive, 7080, 7081, 7084 through Additional guidance for the replacement of
on a substantial number of small entities 7093 inclusive, 7095 through 7098 inclusive, battery retaining rods can be found in Tasks
under the criteria of the Regulatory 7100, 7101, 7104, 7105, 7108 through 7110 24–38–51–000–001–A, Removal of the
Flexibility Act. inclusive, 7112 through 7121 inclusive, 7123, Batteries, and 24–38–51–400–001–A,
7125, 7127, 7128, 7130, 7132, 7133, 7135, Installation of the Batteries, of the Airbus
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 7136, 7138 through 7140 inclusive, 7142 A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation through 7146 inclusive, 7148, 7149, 7152 Manual (AMM).
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
safety, Incorporation by reference, through 7156 inclusive, 7158, 7160, 7161,
7163 through 7167 inclusive, 7169 through (j) Provision Regarding Terminating Action
Safety. 7171 inclusive, 7173, 7174, 7176, 7177, 7179, Replacement of failed battery retaining
Adoption of the Amendment 7180, 7182 through 7184 inclusive, 7187, rods on an airplane with serviceable parts, as
7189, 7191, 7194, 7196 through 7200 required by paragraph (i) of this AD, does not
Accordingly, under the authority inclusive, 7203, 7204, 7206, 7207, 7210, 7212 constitute terminating action for the
delegated to me by the Administrator, through 7225 inclusive, 7227, 7228, 7230, repetitive general visual inspections required
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 7232, 7235, 7238, 7241 through 7244 by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for that
follows: inclusive, 7248, and 7261. airplane.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 90961
(k) Credit for Previous Actions (ii) Reserved. We must receive comments on this
This paragraph provides credit for actions (3) For service information identified in AD by January 30, 2017.
required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
if those actions were performed before the Office-EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 using the procedures found in 14 CFR
effective date of this AD using Airbus AOT 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
A92N001–16, dated August 25, 2016. 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email:
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet: methods:
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions http://www.airbus.com. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
The following provisions also apply to this (4) You may view this service information http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
AD: at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, instructions for submitting comments.
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For • Fax: 202–493–2251.
(AMOCs): The Manager, International information on the availability of this • Mail: U.S. Department of
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to (5) You may view this service information 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested that is incorporated by reference at the W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. National Archives and Records Washington, DC 20590.
Administration (NARA). For information on
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
request to your principal inspector or local the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: http://
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: locations.html. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport December 2, 2016.
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Federal holidays.
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; Michael Kaszycki, For service information identified in
telephone: 425–227–1405; fax: 425–227– Acting Manager, Transport Airplane this final rule, contact Bombardier, Inc.,
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9- Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. [FR Doc. 2016–30038 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone:
Before using any approved AMOC, notify BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 514–855–5000; fax: 514–855–7401;
your appropriate principal inspector, or
email: thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com;
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/ Internet: http://www.bombardier.com.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION You may view this referenced service
certificate holding district office. The AMOC
approval letter must specifically reference information at the FAA, Transport
Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any SW., Renton, WA. For information on
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective 14 CFR Part 39 the availability of this material at the
actions from a manufacturer, the action must [Docket No. FAA–2016–9503; Directorate FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
be accomplished using a method approved Identifier 2016–NM–179–AD; Amendment available on the Internet at http://
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 39–18744; AD 2016–25–18] www.regulations.gov by searching for
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
RIN 2120–AA64 and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved
by the DOA, the approval must include the 9503.
DOA-authorized signature. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Examining the AD Docket
Inc. Airplanes
(m) Special Flight Permits You may examine the AD docket on
Special flight permits, as described in AGENCY: Federal Aviation the Internet at http://
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Administration (FAA), DOT. www.regulations.gov by searching for
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 ACTION: Final rule; request for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
and 21.199), are not allowed. comments. 9503; or in person at the Docket
(n) Related Information Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new p.m., Monday through Friday, except
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Federal holidays. The AD docket
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2016–0204, dated October 13, 2016; corrected Bombardier, Inc. Model BD–700–1A10 contains this AD, the regulatory
October 19, 2016; for related information. and BD–700–1A11 airplanes. This AD evaluation, any comments received, and
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet requires an inspection for discrepancies other information. The street address for
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching of the attachment points of the links the Docket Operations office (telephone
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9509. between the engine rear mount 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
(2) Service information identified in this assemblies, and corrective actions if section. Comments will be available in
AD that is not incorporated by reference is necessary. This AD was prompted by a the AD docket shortly after receipt.
available at the addresses specified in report indicating that during
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz
maintenance, an engine mount pin was Ahmed, Airframe Engineer, Airframe
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference found backed out of the rear mount link, and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–
(1) The Director of the Federal Register and the associated retaining bolt was 171, FAA, New York Aircraft
approved the incorporation by reference also found fractured. We are issuing this Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(IBR) of the service information listed in this AD to address the unsafe condition on Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR these products. 11590; telephone: 516–228–7329; fax:
part 51.
DATES: This AD becomes effective 516–794–5531.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by January 3, 2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference Discussion
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
(AOT) A92N001–16, Rev 01, dated October of certain publications listed in this AD Transport Canada Civil Aviation
10, 2016. as of January 3, 2017. (TCCA), which is the aviation authority
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Document Created: 2018-02-14 09:07:33
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 09:07:33
| 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 | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule; request for comments. | |
| Dates | This AD becomes effective January 3, 2017. | |
| 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 90958 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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