82 FR 22910 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 96 (May 19, 2017)

Page Range		22910-22913
FR Document		2017-10034
We are revising an earlier notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-05-02, which applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, - 232, and -233, and A321 series airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by proposing to require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or revised structural inspection requirements and adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 96 (Friday, May 19, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 96 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22910-22913]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10034]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6429; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-117-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening 
of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-05-02, which 
applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233, and A321 series airplanes. This action revises the NPRM 
by proposing to require revising the maintenance or inspection program 
to incorporate new or revised structural inspection requirements and 
adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions 
impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are 
reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment 
on these proposed changes.

DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 11, 2016 (81 FR 29198), is reopened.
    We must receive comments on this SNPRM by July 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: 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 SNPRM, 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-
6429; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
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-2016-6429; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-117-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
SNPRM because of 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 SNPRM.

Discussion

    On February 25, 2015, we issued AD 2015-05-02, Amendment 39-18112 
(80 FR 15152, March 23, 2015) (``AD 2015-05-02''). AD 2015-05-02 
requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Airbus 
Model A318, A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233, and A321 
series airplanes.
    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to 
supersede AD 2015-05-02 that would apply to

[[Page 22911]]

certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and 
-233, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 11, 2016 (81 FR 29198) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was 
prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) which 
indicates that principal structural elements and certain life-limited 
parts are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). The NPRM proposed 
to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or revised structural inspection 
requirements.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, the manufacturer has issued more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations and added Model A320-251N and -
271N airplanes to the applicability.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0239, dated December 2, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes 
are currently included in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The Damage Tolerant 
Airworthiness Limitation Items are published in ALS Part 2, approved 
by EASA.
    The instructions contained in the ALS Part 2 have been 
identified as mandatory actions for continued airworthiness. Failure 
to comply with these instructions could result in an unsafe 
condition.
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2015-0083 to require accomplishment 
of all maintenance tasks as described in ALS Part 2 at Revision 03. 
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus issued Revision 04, and 
later on Revision 05 of the ALS Part 2, including new and/or more 
restrictive items, and new A320 models were certified.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0083, which is superseded, expands the 
Applicability by adding the models A320-251N and A320-271N, requires 
accomplishment of all maintenance tasks as described in the ALS Part 
2, Revision 05 (hereafter referred to as `the ALS' in this [EASA] 
AD), and provides specific compliance times for ALS task 572021-01-1 
(Wide Spread Fatigue Damage related).

    The required action is revising the maintenance or inspection 
program to incorporate new or revised structural inspection 
requirements. The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, accidental 
damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and WFD, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. 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-
6429.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
     A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 1--Safe Life--Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL--ALI), 
Revision 04, dated June 20, 2016. This service information describes 
mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations for the ``safe-
life'' structure.
     A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2--Damage-Tolerant--
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT--ALI), Revision 05, dated July 8, 
2016. This service information describes mandatory instructions and 
airworthiness limitations arising from fatigue and damage tolerance 
evaluation of damage tolerant structural elements.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing the 
NPRM. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the 
FAA's response to each comment.

Requests To Specify Revised Service Information

    Airbus requested that we revise the NPRM to specify the latest ALS 
Part 1 document, which is currently Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 
1 SL--ALI, Revision 03, dated February 22, 2016. Airbus and United 
Airlines (UAL) requested that we revise the NPRM to specify Revision 05 
of Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2--DT--ALI, which is expected to 
be published soon.
    We agree with the commenters' requests. We have reviewed the latest 
ALS documents: Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--SL--ALI, Revision 
04, dated June 20, 2016; and Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2--
DT--ALI, Revision 05, dated July 8, 2016.
    We have added paragraph (j) to this proposed AD to specify that the 
incorporation of Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--SL--ALI, 
Revision 04, dated June 20, 2016, is a method of compliance for the 
requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this proposed AD. We have 
redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
    We have also revised paragraph (i) of this proposed AD to specify 
incorporation of Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2--DT--ALI, 
Revision 05, dated July 8, 2016.

Request To Allow Repair Design Approval Sheets (RDAS)

    UAL requested that we allow the instructions for continued 
airworthiness (ICA) defined in Airbus/EASA-approved RDAS as an 
acceptable adaptation to an ALI task for the affected repair location 
in lieu of obtaining approval of an FAA alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC). UAL stated that paragraph (j) of the proposed AD (in 
the NPRM) (referred to as paragraph (k) of this proposed AD (in the 
SNPRM)) prohibits alternative action(s), including inspections and/or 
intervals, unless approved by an AMOC.
    We do not agree with UAL's request. 14 CFR part 39.17 states that 
if a change in a product affects an operator's ability to accomplish 
the actions required by the airworthiness directive in any way, the 
operator must request FAA approval of an AMOC. For approval of an AMOC, 
the operator must provide evidence that the change will eliminate the 
unsafe condition or include the specific proposed actions to address 
the unsafe condition. An operator can submit a RDAS as substantiation 
to support a request for an AMOC in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this proposed AD. We have not changed 
this proposed AD in this regard.

Request for Repair Policy Clarification

    UAL requested that we clarify the repairs required by the proposed 
AD. UAL explained that paragraph 5.3 of Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS 
Part 2, DT--ALI, Revision 04, dated December 18, 2015, states that 
operators must follow the structural repair manual or RDAS in case of 
damage or repairs. UAL stated that it is not certain that this 
provision provides authority to incorporate the adapted ICA for the 
repairs without requesting approval of an FAA AMOC.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. AMOCs are not required to 
address findings from the required ALS inspection because the AD does 
not mandate corrective actions. An AMOC is only required if there are 
deviations from the ALS inspection method or interval. Operators of 
U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and 
operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are 
acceptable to the

[[Page 22912]]

FAA. We have not changed this proposed AD in this regard.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.
    Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on 
this SNPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,182 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2015-05-02, and retained in this 
proposed AD, take about 2 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 2015-05-02 is $170 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 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 $200,940, or $170 
per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs'' 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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) 
2015-05-02, Amendment 39-18112 (80 FR 15152, March 23, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-6429; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
117-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-05-02, Amendment 39-18112 (80 FR 15152, 
March 23, 2015) (``AD 2015-05-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with 
an original certificate of airworthiness or original export 
certificate of airworthiness issued on or before July 8, 2016.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, 
and -271N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Periodic 
Inspections.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder which indicates that principal structural elements and 
certain life-limited parts are subject to widespread fatigue damage 
(WFD). We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, 
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, 
and WFD, 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) Retained Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2015-05-02, with no changes. Within 30 days after March 2, 2015 (the 
effective date of AD 2014-23-15, Amendment 39-18031 (80 FR 3871, 
January 26, 2015) (``AD 2014-23-15'')), revise the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALIs) specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of 
this AD. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions 
is at the applicable time identified in the ALIs specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD; or within 4 months after 
March 2, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2014-23-15); whichever 
occurs later.
    (1) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated May 13, 2011.
    (2) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2--Damage-Tolerant 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALI), Revision 02, dated May 28, 
2013.

(h) Retained Limitation: No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With an 
Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 
2015-05-02, with an exception. Except as specified in paragraph (i) 
or (j) of this AD, as applicable, after accomplishing the revision 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used unless the 
actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(i) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection

[[Page 22913]]

program, as applicable, to incorporate the ALIs specified in Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (DT--ALI), Revision 05, dated July 8, 2016. The 
initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is at the 
applicable time identified in the ALIs specified in
    Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2, DT--ALI, Revision 05, 
dated July 8, 2016, without exceeding the inspection intervals in 
the ALIs specified in the service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. Accomplishing this action terminates 
the requirements of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(j) New Method of Compliance for Maintenance or Inspection Program 
Revision

    Revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate the ALIs specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL--ALI), Revision 04, dated June 
20, 2016, is a method of compliance for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. The initial compliance time for 
accomplishing the actions is at the applicable time identified in 
the ALIs specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation 
Items (SL--ALI), Revision 04, dated June 20, 2016, without exceeding 
the inspection intervals in the ALIs specified in the service 
information identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Accomplishing 
this action terminates the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD.

(k) New No Alternative Actions and/or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (i) or 
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) and/or intervals may be used unless the actions and/or 
intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(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 the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. 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 AD 2015-05-02, are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) 
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 European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0239, dated December 2, 
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-2016-6429.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.
    (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. 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 May 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10034 Filed 5-18-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
22910 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 96 / Friday, May 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

be accomplished using a method approved DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Internet http://www.airbus.com. You
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– may view this referenced service
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or Federal Aviation Administration information at the FAA, Transport
the European Aviation Safety Agency Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design 14 CFR Part 39 SW., Renton, WA. For information on
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the availability of this material at the
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6429; Directorate
the DOA, the approval must include the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Identifier 2015–NM–117–AD]
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket
service information contains procedures or You may examine the AD docket on
tests that are identified as RC, those Airworthiness Directives; Airbus the Internet at http://
procedures and tests must be done to comply Airplanes www.regulations.gov by searching for
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are AGENCY: Federal Aviation and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
Administration (FAA), DOT. 6429; or in person at the Docket
procedures and tests that are not identified Management Facility between 9 a.m.
as RC may be deviated from using accepted ACTION: Supplemental notice of
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
methods in accordance with the operator’s proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); except Federal holidays. The AD docket
maintenance or inspection program without reopening of comment period. contains this SNPRM, the regulatory
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided evaluation, any comments received, and
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier
the procedures and tests identified as RC can other information. The street address for
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
be done and the airplane can be put back in the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–
to supersede Airworthiness Directive
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
(AD) 2015–05–02, which applies to all
changes to procedures or tests identified as Comments will be available in the AD
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320–211,
RC require approval of an AMOC. docket shortly after receipt.
–212, –214, –231, –232, and –233, and
(m) Related Information A321 series airplanes. This action FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
revises the NPRM by proposing to Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
require revising the maintenance or International Branch, ANM–116,
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
inspection program to incorporate new Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0021, dated
or revised structural inspection 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
February 8, 2017, for related information.
requirements and adding airplanes to 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov the applicability. We are proposing this fax 425–227–1149.
by searching for and locating Docket No. AD to address the unsafe condition on SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FAA–2016–7264. these products. Since these actions Comments Invited
(2) For more information about this AD, impose an additional burden over that
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace proposed in the NPRM, we are We invite you to send any written
Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, reopening the comment period to allow relevant data, views, or arguments about
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 the public the chance to comment on this proposed AD. Send your comments
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; these proposed changes. to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149. DATES: The comment period for the
(3) For service information identified in FAA–2016–6429; Directorate Identifier
NPRM published in the Federal 2015–NM–117–AD’’ at the beginning of
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Register on May 11, 2016 (81 FR 29198),
Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, your comments. We specifically invite
is reopened. comments on the overall regulatory,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 We must receive comments on this
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email economic, environmental, and energy
SNPRM by July 3, 2017. aspects of this SNPRM. We will
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, consider all comments received by the
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may
using the procedures found in 14 CFR closing date and may amend this
view this service information at the FAA,
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following SNPRM because of those comments.
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
methods: We will post all comments we
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to receive, without change, to http://
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the www.regulations.gov, including any
instructions for submitting comments. personal information you provide. We
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, • Fax: 202–493–2251. will also post a report summarizing each
2017. • Mail: U.S. Department of substantive verbal contact we receive
Michael Kaszycki, Transportation, Docket Operations, M– about this SNPRM.
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Discussion
[FR Doc. 2017–10035 Filed 5–18–17; 8:45 am] Washington, DC 20590. On February 25, 2015, we issued AD
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail 2015–05–02, Amendment 39–18112 (80
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 FR 15152, March 23, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–
p.m., Monday through Friday, except 05–02’’). AD 2015–05–02 requires
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Federal holidays. actions intended to address an unsafe
For service information identified in condition on all Airbus Model A318,
this SNPRM, contact Airbus, A319, A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond –232, and –233, and A321 series
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac airplanes.
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email part 39 by adding an AD to supersede
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; AD 2015–05–02 that would apply to

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certain Airbus Model A318, A319, integrity of the airplane. You may proposed AD. We have redesignated
A320–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and examine the MCAI in the AD docket on subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
–233, and A321 series airplanes. The the Internet at http:// We have also revised paragraph (i) of
NPRM published in the Federal www.regulations.gov by searching for this proposed AD to specify
Register on May 11, 2016 (81 FR 29198) and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– incorporation of Airbus A318/A319/
(‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was 6429. A320/A321 ALS Part 2—DT—ALI,
prompted by an evaluation by the Revision 05, dated July 8, 2016.
Related Service Information Under 1
design approval holder (DAH) which Request To Allow Repair Design
CFR Part 51
indicates that principal structural Approval Sheets (RDAS)
elements and certain life-limited parts Airbus has issued the following
are subject to widespread fatigue service information. UAL requested that we allow the
damage (WFD). The NPRM proposed to • A318/A319/A320/A321 instructions for continued airworthiness
require revising the maintenance or Airworthiness Limitations Section (ICA) defined in Airbus/EASA-approved
inspection program, as applicable, to (ALS) Part 1—Safe Life—Airworthiness RDAS as an acceptable adaptation to an
incorporate new or revised structural Limitation Items (SL—ALI), Revision ALI task for the affected repair location
inspection requirements. 04, dated June 20, 2016. This service in lieu of obtaining approval of an FAA
information describes mandatory alternative method of compliance
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued instructions and airworthiness (AMOC). UAL stated that paragraph (j)
Since we issued the NPRM, the limitations for the ‘‘safe-life’’ structure. of the proposed AD (in the NPRM)
manufacturer has issued more • A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part (referred to as paragraph (k) of this
restrictive airworthiness limitations and 2—Damage-Tolerant—Airworthiness proposed AD (in the SNPRM)) prohibits
added Model A320–251N and -271N Limitation Items (DT—ALI), Revision alternative action(s), including
airplanes to the applicability. 05, dated July 8, 2016. This service inspections and/or intervals, unless
The European Aviation Safety Agency information describes mandatory approved by an AMOC.
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent instructions and airworthiness We do not agree with UAL’s request.
for the Member States of the European limitations arising from fatigue and 14 CFR part 39.17 states that if a change
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness damage tolerance evaluation of damage in a product affects an operator’s ability
Directive 2016–0239, dated December 2, tolerant structural elements. to accomplish the actions required by
2016 (referred to after this as the This service information is reasonably the airworthiness directive in any way,
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness available because the interested parties the operator must request FAA approval
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct have access to it through their normal of an AMOC. For approval of an AMOC,
an unsafe condition. The MCAI states: course of business or by the means the operator must provide evidence that
identified in the ADDRESSES section. the change will eliminate the unsafe
The airworthiness limitations for Airbus
A320 family aeroplanes are currently
condition or include the specific
Comments proposed actions to address the unsafe
included in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) We gave the public the opportunity to condition. An operator can submit a
documents. The Damage Tolerant participate in developing the NPRM. RDAS as substantiation to support a
Airworthiness Limitation Items are published The following presents the comments request for an AMOC in accordance
in ALS Part 2, approved by EASA. received on the NPRM and the FAA’s with the procedures specified in
The instructions contained in the ALS Part response to each comment. paragraph (l)(1) of this proposed AD. We
2 have been identified as mandatory actions have not changed this proposed AD in
for continued airworthiness. Failure to Requests To Specify Revised Service
this regard.
comply with these instructions could result Information
in an unsafe condition. Request for Repair Policy Clarification
Previously, EASA issued AD 2015–0083 to Airbus requested that we revise the
require accomplishment of all maintenance NPRM to specify the latest ALS Part 1 UAL requested that we clarify the
tasks as described in ALS Part 2 at Revision document, which is currently Airbus repairs required by the proposed AD.
03. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1 SL— UAL explained that paragraph 5.3 of
issued Revision 04, and later on Revision 05 ALI, Revision 03, dated February 22, Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS
of the ALS Part 2, including new and/or more 2016. Airbus and United Airlines (UAL) Part 2, DT—ALI, Revision 04, dated
restrictive items, and new A320 models were requested that we revise the NPRM to December 18, 2015, states that operators
certified. specify Revision 05 of Airbus A318/ must follow the structural repair manual
For the reason described above, this or RDAS in case of damage or repairs.
A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2—DT—
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2015–0083, which is superseded, ALI, which is expected to be published UAL stated that it is not certain that this
expands the Applicability by adding the soon. provision provides authority to
models A320–251N and A320–271N, We agree with the commenters’ incorporate the adapted ICA for the
requires accomplishment of all maintenance requests. We have reviewed the latest repairs without requesting approval of
tasks as described in the ALS Part 2, Revision ALS documents: Airbus A318/A319/ an FAA AMOC.
05 (hereafter referred to as ‘the ALS’ in this A320/A321 ALS Part 1—SL—ALI, We agree that clarification is
[EASA] AD), and provides specific Revision 04, dated June 20, 2016; and necessary. AMOCs are not required to
compliance times for ALS task 572021–01–1 Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS address findings from the required ALS
(Wide Spread Fatigue Damage related). Part 2—DT—ALI, Revision 05, dated inspection because the AD does not
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The required action is revising the July 8, 2016. mandate corrective actions. An AMOC
maintenance or inspection program to We have added paragraph (j) to this is only required if there are deviations
incorporate new or revised structural proposed AD to specify that the from the ALS inspection method or
inspection requirements. The unsafe incorporation of Airbus A318/A319/ interval. Operators of U.S.-registered
condition is fatigue cracking, accidental A320/A321 ALS Part 1—SL—ALI, airplanes are required by general
damage, or corrosion in principal Revision 04, dated June 20, 2016, is a airworthiness and operational
structural elements, and WFD, which method of compliance for the regulations to perform maintenance
could result in reduced structural requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this using methods that are acceptable to the

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 96 / Friday, May 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules 22913

program, as applicable, to incorporate the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) prompted by reports of low clearance in
ALIs specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/ and (h) of this AD. the aft equipment bay between auxiliary
A321 ALS Part 2, Damage Tolerant (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the power unit (APU) generator power
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT—ALI), effective date of this AD, for any requirement
Revision 05, dated July 8, 2016. The initial
cables and a hydraulic line, which can
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
compliance time for accomplishing the a manufacturer, the action must be cause damage to wire insulation. This
actions is at the applicable time identified in accomplished using a method approved by proposed AD would require an
the ALIs specified in the Manager, International Branch, ANM– inspection of the APU generator power
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2, 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or cables and the adjacent hydraulic line
DT—ALI, Revision 05, dated July 8, 2016, the European Aviation Safety Agency for damage, and repair, if necessary; and
without exceeding the inspection intervals in (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design modification of the APU generator
the ALIs specified in the service information Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by power cable installation. We are
identified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. the DOA, the approval must include the
Accomplishing this action terminates the proposing this AD to address the unsafe
DOA-authorized signature.
requirements of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. condition on these products.
(m) Related Information DATES: We must receive comments on
(j) New Method of Compliance for
Maintenance or Inspection Program (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing this proposed AD by July 3, 2017.
Revision Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
Airworthiness Directive 2016–0239, dated using the procedures found in 14 CFR
Revising the maintenance or inspection December 2, 2016, for related information.
program, as applicable, to incorporate the 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
ALIs specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/ on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov methods:
A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section by searching for and locating Docket No. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
(ALS) Part 1—Safe Life Airworthiness FAA–2016–6429. http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
Limitation Items (SL—ALI), Revision 04, (2) For more information about this AD, instructions for submitting comments.
dated June 20, 2016, is a method of contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, • Fax: 202–493–2251.
compliance for the actions required by International Branch, ANM–116, Transport • Mail: U.S. Department of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. The initial Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
compliance time for accomplishing the
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
actions is at the applicable time identified in telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149.
the ALIs specified in Airbus A318/A319/ W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
(3) For service information identified in
A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Washington, DC 20590.
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Section (ALS) Part 1—Safe Life Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL—ALI), Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; address above between 9 a.m. and 5
Revision 04, dated June 20, 2016, without telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
exceeding the inspection intervals in the Federal holidays.
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
ALIs specified in the service information For service information identified in
airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
You may view this service information at the this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc.,
Accomplishing this action terminates the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone
(k) New No Alternative Actions and/or information on the availability of this 514–855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; email
Intervals material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet
After accomplishing the revision required Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, http://www.bombardier.com. You may
by paragraph (i) or specified in paragraph (j) 2017. view this referenced service information
of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., Michael Kaszycki,
inspections) and/or intervals may be used
at the FAA, Transport Airplane
unless the actions and/or intervals are Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
approved as an AMOC in accordance with Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Renton, WA. For information on the
the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) [FR Doc. 2017–10034 Filed 5–18–17; 8:45 am] availability of this material at the FAA,
of this AD. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P call 425–227–1221.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions Examining the AD Docket
The following provisions also apply to this DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION You may examine the AD docket on
AD:
the Internet at http://
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Federal Aviation Administration
(AMOCs): The Manager, International www.regulations.gov by searching for
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to 14 CFR Part 39 0481; or in person at the Docket
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested [Docket No. FAA–2017–0481; Directorate Management Facility between 9 a.m.
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Identifier 2016–NM–196–AD] and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your except Federal holidays. The AD docket
request to your principal inspector or local RIN 2120–AA64 contains this proposed AD, the
Flight Standards District Office, as
regulatory evaluation, any comments
appropriate. If sending information directly Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
to the International Branch, send it to the received, and other information. The
Inc., Airplanes street address for the Docket Operations
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information may AGENCY: Federal Aviation office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
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be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- Administration (FAA), DOT. the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
REQUESTS@faa.gov. be available in the AD docket shortly
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM). after receipt.
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/ SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer,
certificate holding district office. airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Avionics and Services Branch, ANE–
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD Bombardier, Inc., Model BD–100–1A10 172, FAA, New York Aircraft
2015–05–02, are approved as AMOCs for the airplanes. This proposed AD was Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart

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Document Created: 2018-11-08 08:47:21
Document Modified: 2018-11-08 08:47:21
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening of comment period.
Dates		The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 11, 2016 (81 FR 29198), is reopened.
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		82 FR 22910
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 22910 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 96 (May 19, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
