81 FR 91060 - 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 | 91060-91062 | |
| FR Document | 2016-29676 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 91060-91062] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-29676] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2016-9498; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-105-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination from fatigue testing on the Model A321 airframe that cracks could develop in the cabin floor beam junction at certain fuselage frame locations. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking in the cabin floor beam junction at certain fuselage frame locations, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, 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. 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- 9498; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9498; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-105-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0105, dated June 6, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe [[Page 91061]] condition on all Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states: Following the results of a new full scale fatigue test campaign on the A321 airframe in the context of the A321 extended service goal, it was identified that cracks could develop in the cabin floor beam junctions at fuselage frame (FR) 35.1 and FR 35.2, on both left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides, also on aeroplanes operated in the context of design service goal. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage. Prompted by these findings, Airbus developed an inspection programme, published in Service Bulletin (SB) A320-53-1317, SB A320- 53-1318, SB A320-53-1319, and SB A320-53-1320, each containing instructions for a different location. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the affected cabin floor beam junctions and [for cracking], depending on findings, accomplishment of a repair. This [EASA] AD is considered an interim action, pending development of a permanent solution. * * * * * You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016- 9498. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued the following service information, which describes procedures for inspections for cracking on the frame to cabin floor beam junction at certain fuselage frame locations, and repairs. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1317, dated December 15, 2015 (FR 35.1 on the right-hand side). Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1318, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.1 on the left-hand side). Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1319, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 on the right-hand side). Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1320, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 on the left-hand side). 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. FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 175 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspection....................... 6 work-hours x $85 $0 $510 per inspection $89,250 per per hour = $510 cycle. inspection cycle. per inspection cycle. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 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-2016-9498; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM- 105-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 30, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, - 212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a determination from fatigue testing on the Model A321 airframe that cracks could develop in the [[Page 91062]] cabin floor beam junction at certain fuselage frame locations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the cabin floor beam junction at certain fuselage frame locations, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Repetitive Inspections Before exceeding 36,900 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, or within 2,100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the frame to cabin floor beam junction on the aft and forward sides at frame (FR) 35.1 and FR 35.2 on the left-hand and right-hand sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus service information specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD. Repeat the inspection of the frame to cabin floor beam junction on the aft and forward sides at FR 35.1 and FR 35.2 on the left-hand and right-hand sides thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15,300 flight cycles. (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1317, dated December 15, 2015 (FR 35.1 right-hand side). (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1318, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.1 left-hand side). (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1319, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 right-hand side). (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1320, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 left-hand side). (h) Repair If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair 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). Although the service information specified in paragraph (g) of this AD specifies to contact Airbus for repair instructions, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for Compliance), this AD requires repair as specified in this paragraph. Repair of an airplane as required by this paragraph does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, unless specified otherwise in the instructions provided by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. (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. (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. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: 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 2016-0105, dated June 6, 2016, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9498. (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 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 December 2, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-29676 Filed 12-15-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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of this AD: Incorporate ModSum 4–903234 to Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
modify installed Jetway Compatible Handrail Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
Stowage Bracket, in accordance with PART on the availability of this material at the account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
A3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of FAA, call 425–227–1221. Internet http://www.airbus.com. You
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–52–79,
Issued in Renton, Washington, on may view this referenced service
Revision C, dated February 2, 2016.
December 2, 2016. information at the FAA, Transport
Incorporating ModSum 4–903234 terminates
the actions required by paragraph (g) of this Michael Kaszycki, Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
AD. Acting Manager, Transport Airplane SW., Renton, WA. For information on
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. the availability of this material at the
[FR Doc. 2016–29671 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] FAA, call 425–227–1221.
This paragraph provides credit for actions
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Examining the AD Docket
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective You may examine the AD docket on
date of this AD using the service information
identified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the Internet at http://
of this AD. www.regulations.gov by searching for
(1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–52–79, Federal Aviation Administration and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
dated May 1, 2014. 9498; or in person at the Docket
(2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–52–79, 14 CFR Part 39 Management Facility between 9 a.m.
Revision A, dated November 18, 2014. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
(3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–52–79, [Docket No. FAA–2016–9498; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–105–AD]
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
Revision B, dated April 8, 2015. contains this proposed AD, the
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions RIN 2120–AA64 regulatory evaluation, any comments
The following provisions also apply to this received, and other information. The
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus street address for the Docket Operations
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Airplanes office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft AGENCY: Federal Aviation the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA, be available in the AD docket shortly
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
Administration (FAA), DOT.
after receipt.
AD, if requested using the procedures found ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR (NPRM).
39.19, send your request to your principal Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
inspector or local Flight Standards District SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new International Branch, ANM–116,
Office, as appropriate. If sending information airworthiness directive (AD) for all Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
Program Manager, Continuing Operational This proposed AD was prompted by a 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart determination from fatigue testing on fax 425–227–1149.
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531.
the Model A321 airframe that cracks
Before using any approved AMOC, notify could develop in the cabin floor beam Comments Invited
your appropriate principal inspector, or junction at certain fuselage frame
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of locations. This proposed AD would We invite you to send any written
the local flight standards district office/ require repetitive inspections for relevant data, views, or arguments about
certificate holding district office. The AMOC cracking in the cabin floor beam this proposed AD. Send your comments
approval letter must specifically reference junction at certain fuselage frame to an address listed under the
this AD. locations, and repair if necessary. We ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any FAA–2016–9498; Directorate Identifier
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products. 2016–NM–105–AD’’ at the beginning of
actions from a manufacturer, the action must your comments. We specifically invite
be accomplished using a method approved DATES: We must receive comments on
by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170,
comments on the overall regulatory,
this proposed AD by January 30, 2017.
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation economic, environmental, and energy
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, aspects of this proposed AD. We will
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by using the procedures found in 14 CFR consider all comments received by the
the DAO, the approval must include the 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following closing date and may amend this
DAO-authorized signature. methods: proposed AD based on those comments.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to We will post all comments we
(k) Related Information
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the receive, without change, to http://
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing instructions for submitting comments.
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
www.regulations.gov, including any
• Fax: 202–493–2251. personal information you provide. We
Airworthiness Directive CF–2015–02, dated
January 27, 2015, for related information.
• Mail: U.S. Department of will also post a report summarizing each
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket Transportation, Docket Operations, M– substantive verbal contact we receive
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room about this proposed AD.
by searching for and locating Docket No. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
FAA–2016–9438. Washington, DC 20590. Discussion
(2) For service information identified in • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail The European Aviation Safety Agency
this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q- address above between 9 a.m. and 5 (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt p.m., Monday through Friday, except for the Member States of the European
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5,
Canada; telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–
Federal holidays. Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
375–4539; email thd.qseries@ For service information identified in Directive 2016–0105, dated June 6, 2016
aero.bombardier.com; Internet http:// this NPRM, contact Airbus, (referred to after this as the Mandatory
www.bombardier.com. You may view this Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Continuing Airworthiness Information,
referenced service information at the FAA, Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Proposed Rules 91061
condition on all Airbus Model A321 You may examine the MCAI in the have access to it through their normal
series airplanes. The MCAI states: AD docket on the Internet at http:// course of business or by the means
Following the results of a new full scale www.regulations.gov by searching for identified in the ADDRESSES section.
fatigue test campaign on the A321 airframe and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9498. FAA’s Determination and Requirements
in the context of the A321 extended service
goal, it was identified that cracks could of This Proposed AD
Related Service Information Under 1
develop in the cabin floor beam junctions at
CFR Part 51 This product has been approved by
fuselage frame (FR) 35.1 and FR 35.2, on both
left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides, also Airbus has issued the following the aviation authority of another
on aeroplanes operated in the context of service information, which describes country, and is approved for operation
design service goal. procedures for inspections for cracking in the United States. Pursuant to our
This condition, if not detected and on the frame to cabin floor beam bilateral agreement with the State of
corrected, could reduce the structural junction at certain fuselage frame Design Authority, we have been notified
integrity of the fuselage. locations, and repairs. of the unsafe condition described in the
Prompted by these findings, Airbus • Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53– MCAI and service information
developed an inspection programme, referenced above. We are proposing this
published in Service Bulletin (SB) A320–53–
1317, dated December 15, 2015 (FR 35.1
1317, SB A320–53–1318, SB A320–53–1319, on the right-hand side). AD because we evaluated all pertinent
and SB A320–53–1320, each containing • Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53– information and determined an unsafe
instructions for a different location. 1318, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.1 on condition exists and is likely to exist or
For the reasons described above, this the left-hand side). develop on other products of the same
[EASA] AD requires repetitive detailed • Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53– type design.
inspections (DET) of the affected cabin floor 1319, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 on
beam junctions and [for cracking], depending the right-hand side). Costs of Compliance
on findings, accomplishment of a repair. • Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
This [EASA] AD is considered an interim 1320, dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 on We estimate that this proposed AD
action, pending development of a permanent the left-hand side). affects 175 airplanes of U.S. registry.
solution. This service information is reasonably We estimate the following costs to
* * * * * available because the interested parties comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
Inspection ............... 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 $510 per inspection cycle ........... $89,250 per inspection cycle.
$510 per inspection cycle.
We have received no definitive data under Executive Order 13132. This PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
that would enable us to provide cost proposed AD would not have a DIRECTIVES
estimates for the on-condition actions substantial direct effect on the States, on
specified in this proposed AD. the relationship between the national ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Government and the States, or on the continues to read as follows:
Authority for This Rulemaking
distribution of power and Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Title 49 of the United States Code responsibilities among the various
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue levels of government. § 39.13 [Amended]
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, For the reasons discussed above, I ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
section 106, describes the authority of certify this proposed regulation: the following new airworthiness
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory directive (AD):
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–9498;
detail the scope of the Agency’s 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–105–AD.
authority. DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
We are issuing this rulemaking under (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (a) Comments Due Date
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in We must receive comments by January 30,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Alaska; and 2017.
General requirements.’’ Under that 4. Will not have a significant (b) Affected ADs
section, Congress charges the FAA with economic impact, positive or negative,
None.
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in on a substantial number of small entities
air commerce by prescribing regulations under the criteria of the Regulatory (c) Applicability
for practices, methods, and procedures Flexibility Act. This AD applies to Airbus Model A321–
the Administrator finds necessary for 111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and
safety in air commerce. This regulation List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
–232 airplanes, certificated in any category,
is within the scope of that authority Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation all manufacturer serial numbers.
because it addresses an unsafe condition safety, Incorporation by reference, (d) Subject
that is likely to exist or develop on Safety.
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
products identified in this rulemaking
The Proposed Amendment America Code 53, Fuselage.
action.
Accordingly, under the authority (e) Reason
Regulatory Findings delegated to me by the Administrator, This AD was prompted by a determination
We determined that this proposed AD the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part from fatigue testing on the Model A321
would not have federalism implications 39 as follows: airframe that cracks could develop in the
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cabin floor beam junction at certain fuselage request to your principal inspector or local DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
frame locations. We are issuing this AD to Flight Standards District Office, as
detect and correct cracking in the cabin floor appropriate. If sending information directly Federal Aviation Administration
beam junction at certain fuselage frame to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
locations, which could result in reduced Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
structural integrity of the airplane.
14 CFR Part 39
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
(f) Compliance Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind [Docket No. FAA–2015–8428; Directorate
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; Identifier 2014–NM–032–AD]
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149. RIN 2120–AA64
done. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-
AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
(g) Repetitive Inspections any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate Airplanes
Before exceeding 36,900 total flight cycles principal inspector, or lacking a principal
since first flight of the airplane, or within inspector, the manager of the local flight AGENCY: Federal Aviation
2,100 flight cycles after the effective date of standards district office/certificate holding Administration (FAA), DOT.
this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a district office. ACTION: Supplemental notice of
detailed inspection for cracking of the frame (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
to cabin floor beam junction on the aft and requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
forward sides at frame (FR) 35.1 and FR 35.2 reopening of comment period.
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
on the left-hand and right-hand sides, in
be accomplished using a method approved SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier
accordance with the Accomplishment
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– proposal to supersede Airworthiness
Instructions of the Airbus service information
specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or Directive (AD) 2011–17–09 for all
and (g)(4) of this AD. Repeat the inspection EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved Airbus Model A330–200, –200
of the frame to cabin floor beam junction on by the DOA, the approval must include the Freighter, and –300 series airplanes; and
the aft and forward sides at FR 35.1 and FR DOA-authorized signature. AD 2012–25–12 for all Airbus Model
35.2 on the left-hand and right-hand sides (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except A330–200 and –300 series airplanes.
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15,300 as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: If The notice of proposed rulemaking
flight cycles. any service information contains procedures
(NPRM) proposed to require revising the
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1317, or tests that are identified as RC, those
dated December 15, 2015 (FR 35.1 right-hand maintenance or inspection program, as
procedures and tests must be done to comply
side). with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
applicable, to incorporate new or
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1318, not identified as RC are recommended. Those revised airworthiness limitation
dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.1 left-hand procedures and tests that are not identified requirements. The NPRM was prompted
side). as RC may be deviated from using accepted by revisions to certain airworthiness
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1319, limitations items (ALI) documents,
methods in accordance with the operator’s
dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 right-hand which specify more restrictive
maintenance or inspection program without
side).
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided instructions and/or airworthiness
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1320,
dated October 9, 2015 (FR 35.2 left-hand the procedures and tests identified as RC can limitations. This action revises the
side). be done and the airplane can be put back in NPRM by proposing to require revising
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or the maintenance or inspection program,
(h) Repair changes to procedures or tests identified as as applicable, to incorporate more
If any crack is found during any inspection RC require approval of an AMOC. restrictive, instructions and/or
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before airworthiness limitations that the
further flight, repair using a method (j) Related Information
manufacturer has recently issued. We
approved by the Manager, International (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane are proposing this AD to address the
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directive 2016–0105, dated
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA June 6, 2016, for related information. This DATES: We must receive comments on
Design Organization Approval (DOA). MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the this SNPRM by January 30, 2017.
Although the service information specified in Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
paragraph (g) of this AD specifies to contact
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– using the procedures found in 14 CFR
Airbus for repair instructions, and specifies
2016–9498. 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
that action as ‘‘RC’’ (Required for
Compliance), this AD requires repair as (2) For service information identified in methods:
specified in this paragraph. Repair of an this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
airplane as required by this paragraph does Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
not constitute terminating action for the Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; instructions for submitting comments.
repetitive actions required by paragraph (g) of telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 • Fax: 202–493–2251.
this AD, unless specified otherwise in the 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
• Mail: U.S. Department of
instructions provided by the Manager, airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
You may view this service information at the
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Airbus’s EASA DOA. Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
The following provisions also apply to this Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
AD: Issued in Renton, Washington, on
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance December 2, 2016.
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
(AMOCs): The Manager, International Michael Kaszycki,
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Federal holidays.
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. [FR Doc. 2016–29676 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] For Airbus service information
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your BILLING CODE 4910–13–P identified in this SNPRM, contact
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:25 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16DEP1.SGM 16DEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_91302/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-14 09:07:05
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 09:07:05
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 30, 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 91060 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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