82 FR 10721 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 30 (February 15, 2017)

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-23- 13, for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2015-23-13 currently requires modification of the pin programming of the flight warning computer (FWC) to activate the stop rudder input warning (SRIW) logic; and an inspection to determine the part numbers of the FWC and the flight augmentation computer (FAC), and replacement of the FWC and FAC if necessary. Since we issued AD 2015-23-13, we have determined that, for certain airplanes, additional modification instructions must be accomplished to allow installation of the minimum FWC and FAC configuration compatible with SRIW activation. This proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, also require accomplishment of additional modification instructions to install the minimum FWC and FAC configuration compatible with SRIW activation. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10721-10725]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-02662]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 10721]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9573; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-149-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-23-
13, for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. 
AD 2015-23-13 currently requires modification of the pin programming of 
the flight warning computer (FWC) to activate the stop rudder input 
warning (SRIW) logic; and an inspection to determine the part numbers 
of the FWC and the flight augmentation computer (FAC), and replacement 
of the FWC and FAC if necessary. Since we issued AD 2015-23-13, we have 
determined that, for certain airplanes, additional modification 
instructions must be accomplished to allow installation of the minimum 
FWC and FAC configuration compatible with SRIW activation. This 
proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, also require accomplishment 
of additional modification instructions to install the minimum FWC and 
FAC configuration compatible with SRIW activation. We are proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 3, 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 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-
9573; 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-2016-9573; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-149-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

    On November 9, 2015, we issued AD 2015-23-13, Amendment 39-18330 
(80 FR 73099, November 24, 2015) (``AD 2015-23-13''), for all Airbus 
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2015-23-13 was 
prompted by a determination that, in specific flight conditions, the 
allowable load limits on the vertical tail plane could be reached and 
possibly exceeded. Exceeding allowable load limits could result in 
detachment of the vertical tail plane. AD 2015-23-13 requires 
modification of the pin programming of the FWC to activate the SRIW 
logic; an inspection to determine the part numbers of the FWC and the 
FAC, and replacement of the FWC and FAC if necessary. We issued AD 
2015-23-13 to prevent detachment of the vertical tail plane and 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
    Since we issued AD 2015-23-13, we have determined that, for certain 
airplanes, additional modification instructions must be accomplished to 
allow installation of the minimum FWC and FAC configuration compatible 
with SRIW activation.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0132, dated July 5, 2016; corrected July 
20, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During design reviews that were conducted following safety 
recommendations related to in-service incidents and one accident on 
another aircraft type, it has been determined that, in specific 
flight conditions, the allowable load limits on the vertical tail

[[Page 10722]]

plane could be reached and possibly exceeded.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight 
detachment of the vertical tail plane, possibly resulting in loss of 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus developed modifications 
within the flight augmentation computer (FAC) to reduce the vertical 
tail plane stress and to activate a conditional aural warning within 
the flight warning computer (FWC) to further protect against pilot 
induced rudder doublets.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0217 (later revised) [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2015-23-13] to require installation and 
activation of the stop rudder input warning (SRIW) logic. In 
addition, that [EASA] AD required upgrades of the FAC and FWC, to 
introduce the SRIW logic and SRIW aural capability, respectively. 
After modification, the [EASA] AD prohibited (re)installation of 
certain Part Number (P/N) FWC and FAC.
    Since EASA AD 2014-0217R1 was issued, Airbus made available 
additional modification instructions that, for certain aeroplanes, 
must be accomplished to allow installation of the minimum FWC and 
FAC configuration compatible with SRIW activation.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0217R1, which is superseded, and 
includes reference to modification instructions, which must be 
accomplished on certain aeroplanes.
    This [EASA] AD is republished to remove a typographical error in 
Appendix 1 [of the EASA AD].

    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-
9573.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-22-1480, Revision 03, dated 
October 13, 2015. This service information describes procedures for 
modifying the pin programming to activate the SRIW logic.
    Airbus has also issued the following service information. The 
service information describes procedures for replacing FWCs and FACs. 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
configurations and software packages.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1375, dated January 15, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, Revision 05, 
including Appendix 01, dated November 24, 2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1447, Revision 03, dated 
April 21, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1454, dated February 12, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 07, 
including Appendix 01, dated March 23, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1502, dated November 14, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1539, Revision 01, dated 
February 24, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1553, dated March 21, 
2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1554, dated April 19, 
2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1414, Revision 03, dated 
September 15, 2014.
    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 these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,032 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2015-23-13, and retained in this 
proposed AD take about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor 
rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the actions that are required by AD 2015-23-13 is $255 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $263,160, or $255 
per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 6 work-hours (3 work-hours for an FWC and 3 work-hours for 
an FAC), and require parts costing $88,000 (FAC), for a cost of $88,510 
per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these actions.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-23-13, Amendment 39-18330 (80 FR 73099, November 24, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:


[[Page 10723]]


Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-9573; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
149-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-23-13, Amendment 39-18330 (80 FR 73099, 
November 24, 2015) (``AD 2015-23-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto Flight; 
31, Instruments.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that, in specific flight 
conditions, the allowable load limits on the vertical tail plane 
could be reached and possibly exceeded. Exceeding allowable load 
limits could result in detachment of the vertical tail plane. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent detachment of the vertical tail plane and 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Pin Programming Modification, With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-23-13, with new service information. Within 48 months after 
December 29, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-23-13), modify the 
pin programming to activate the stop rudder input warning (SRIW) 
logic, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-22-1480, Revision 02, dated March 30, 2015; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1480, Revision 03, dated October 13, 
2015. As of the effective date of this AD, use only Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-22-1480, Revision 03, dated October 13, 2015.

(h) Retained Inspection To Determine Part Numbers (P/Ns), Flight 
Warning Computer (FWC) and Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) 
Replacement, With New Replacement Part Numbers

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-23-13, with new replacement part numbers. Prior to or 
concurrently with the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD: 
Inspect the part numbers of the FWC and the FAC installed on the 
airplane. If any FWC or FAC having a part number identified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, as applicable, is installed 
on an airplane, prior to or concurrently with the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace all affected FWCs and FACs with 
a unit having a part number identified in figure 1 to paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Airbus service information specified 
in paragraph (i) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, 
use only figure 1 to paragraph (h)(3) of this AD to identify the 
replacement part numbers.
    (1) Paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (h)(1)(xvii) of this AD 
identify FWCs having part numbers that are non-compatible with the 
SRIW activation required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (i) 350E017238484 (H1-D1).
    (ii) 350E053020303 (H2-E3).
    (iii) 350E016187171 (C5).
    (iv) 350E053020404 (H2-E4).
    (v) 350E017248685 (H1-D2).
    (vi) 350E053020606 (H2-F2).
    (vii) 350E017251414 (H1-E1).
    (viii) 350E053020707 (H2-F3).
    (ix) 350E017271616 (H1-E2).
    (x) 350E053021010 (H2-F3P).
    (xi) 350E018291818 (H1-E3CJ).
    (xii) 350E053020808 (H2-F4).
    (xiii) 350E018301919 (H1-E3P).
    (xiv) 350E053020909 (H2-F5).
    (xv) 350E018312020 (H1-E3Q).
    (xvi) 350E053021111 (H2-F6).
    (xvii) 350E053020202 (H2-E2).
    (2) Paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (h)(2)(xxxiv) of this AD 
identify FACs having part numbers that are non-compatible with the 
SRIW activation required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (i) B397AAM0202.
    (ii) B397BAM0101.
    (iii) B397BAM0512.
    (iv) B397AAM0301.
    (v) B397BAM0202.
    (vi) B397BAM0513.
    (vii) B397AAM0302.
    (viii) B397BAM0203.
    (ix) B397BAM0514.
    (x) B397AAM0303.
    (xi) B397BAM0305.
    (xii) B397BAM0515.
    (xiii) B397AAM0404.
    (xiv) B397BAM0406.
    (xv) B397BAM0616.
    (xvi) B397AAM0405.
    (xvii) B397BAM0407.
    (xviii) B397BAM0617.
    (xix) B397AAM0506.
    (xx) B397BAM0507.
    (xxi) B397BAM0618.
    (xxii) B397AAM0507.
    (xxiii) B397BAM0508.
    (xxiv) B397BAM0619.
    (xxv) B397AAM0508.
    (xxvi) B397BAM0509.
    (xxvii) B397BAM0620.
    (xxviii) B397AAM0509.
    (xxix) B397BAM0510.
    (xxx) B397CAM0101.
    (xxxi) B397AAM0510.
    (xxxii) B397BAM0511.
    (xxxiii) B397CAM0102.
    (xxxiv) Soft P/N G2856AAA01 installed on hard P/N C13206AA00.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, figure 1 to paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD identifies the FACs and FWCs having the part 
numbers that are compatible with SRIW activation required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 10724]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15FE17.001

BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

(i) Retained Service Information for Actions Required by Paragraph (h) 
of This AD, With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2015-23-13, with new service information. Do the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Airbus service information specified 
in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(10) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1375, dated January 15, 2014 
(FAC 621 hard B).
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, Revision 05, including 
Appendix 01, dated November 24, 2014 (FAC 622 hard B).
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1447, Revision 03, dated 
April 21, 2015 (FAC CAA02 hard C).
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1454, dated February 12, 
2014 (FAC CAA02).
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 07, including 
Appendix 01, dated March 23, 2015 (FAC 623 hard B).
    (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1502, dated November 14, 
2014 (FAC CAA02).
    (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1539, Revision 01, dated 
February 24, 2016 (FAC CAA03).
    (8) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1553, dated March 21, 2016 
(FAC B624).
    (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1554, dated April 19, 2016 
(FAC CAA03).
    (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1414, Revision 03, dated 
September 15, 2014 (FWC H-F7).

(j) Retained Exclusion From Actions Required by Paragraphs (g) and (h) 
of This AD, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2015-23-13, with no changes. An airplane on which Airbus 
Modification 154473 has been embodied in production is excluded from 
the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, provided that 
within 30 days after December 29, 2015 (the effective date of AD 
2015-23-13), an inspection of the part numbers of the FWC and the 
FAC installed on the airplane is done to determine that no FWC 
having a part number listed in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, and no 
FAC having a part number listed in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, has 
been installed on that airplane since date of manufacture. A review 
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable

[[Page 10725]]

in lieu of this inspection if the part numbers of the FWC and FAC 
can be conclusively determined from that review. If any FWC or FAC 
having a part number identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable, is installed on a post Airbus Modification 
154473 airplane: Within 30 days after December 29, 2015, do the 
replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

(k) Retained Parts Installation Prohibitions, With New Requirements

    This paragraph restates the parts installation prohibitions 
specified in paragraph (k) of AD 2015-23-13, with new requirements.
    (1) After modification of an airplane as required by paragraphs 
(g), (h), or (j) of this AD: Do not install on that airplane any FWC 
having a part number listed in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD or any 
FAC having a part number listed in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (2) For an airplane that does not have a FWC having a part 
number listed in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD and does not have a FAC 
having a part number listed in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: As of 
the effective date of this AD, do not install a FWC having a part 
number listed in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD or a FAC having a part 
number listed in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

(l) Retained Later Approved Parts, With a Different Effective Date

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 
2015-23-13, with a different effective date. Installation of a 
version (part number) of the FWC or FAC approved after March 5, 2015 
(the effective date of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2014-0217R1), is an approved method of compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h) or (j) of this AD, provided the 
requirements specified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD 
are met.
    (1) The version (part number) must be approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or EASA; or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
    (2) The installation 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.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph restates the credit provided by paragraph 
(m)(1) of AD 2015-23-13. This paragraph provides credit for actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before December 29, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-
23-13) using the service information specified in paragraphs 
(m)(1)(i) or (m)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1480, dated July 9, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1480, Revision 01, dated 
February 6, 2015.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-
1480, Revision 02, dated March 30, 2015.
    (3) This paragraph restates the credit provided by paragraph 
(m)(2) of AD 2015-23-13. This paragraph provides credit for actions 
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before December 29, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-
23-13) using the applicable Airbus service information identified in 
paragraphs (m)(3)(i) through (m)(3)(xviii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, dated January 25, 
2013.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, Revision 01, dated 
July 30, 2013.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, Revision 02, dated 
October 14, 2013.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, Revision 03, dated 
November 8, 2013.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1427, Revision 04, dated 
February 11, 2014.
    (vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1447, dated October 18, 
2013.
    (vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1447, Revision 01, dated 
September 18, 2014.
    (viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1447, Revision 02, dated 
December 2, 2014.
    (ix) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, dated October 31, 
2013.
    (x) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 01, dated 
February 25, 2014.
    (xi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 02, dated 
April 30, 2014.
    (xii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 03, dated 
July 17, 2014.
    (xiii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 04, dated 
September 15, 2014.
    (xiv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 05, dated 
November 13, 2014.
    (xv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1461, Revision 06, dated 
January 21, 2015.
    (xvi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1414, dated December 19, 
2012.
    (xvii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1414, Revision 01, dated 
March 21, 2013.
    (xviii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1414, Revision 02, dated 
July 30, 2013.
    (4) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-
1539, dated December 28, 2015.

(n) 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].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for 2015-23-13, are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0132, dated July 5, 2016; 
corrected July 20, 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-2016-9573.
    (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 January 27, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-02662 Filed 2-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P