82 FR 50 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 1 (January 3, 2017)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by in-service experience and further analysis, which showed that the galley 5 without kick-load retainers, was unable to withstand the expected loading during several flight phases or in case of emergency landing. This proposed AD would require modification of galley 5 by adding kick-load retainers. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50-52]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30806]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9519; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-099-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by in-service experience and further analysis, 
which showed that the galley 5 without kick-load retainers, was unable 
to withstand the expected loading during several flight phases or in 
case of emergency landing. This proposed AD would require modification 
of galley 5 by adding kick-load retainers. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 17, 
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-
9519; 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-2016-9519; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-099-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

[[Page 51]]

for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive, 2016-0040, dated March 2, 2016, (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Following in-service experience and further analyses, it was 
ascertained that the galley 5 without kick-load retainers on 
external position could not withstand the expected loading during 
several flight phases or in case of emergency landing.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to galley/trolley 
detachment and collapse into an adjacent cabin aisle or cabin zone, 
possibly spreading loose galley equipment items, compartment doors 
or leaking fluids, blocking an evacuation route, and consequently 
resulting in injury to crew or passengers.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued 6 
Service Bulletins (SB) to provide modification instructions for the 
affected aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of galley 5 trolley compartments to install kick-load 
retainers.

    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-
9519.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following Airbus service information: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-25-1B29, dated June 19, 2014, and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1B30, dated June 19, 2014. The service information 
describes procedures for installing kick-load retainers on certain 
galley 5 trolley compartments. These documents are distinct since they 
apply to different airplane configurations. 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 19 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification........................  2 work-hours x $85 per                  $0            $170          $3,230
                                       hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2016-9519; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
099-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 17, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-112, A319-115, A320-214, 
A320-232, and A321-111 airplanes, certificated in any category, with 
manufacturer's serial numbers 1479, 3096, 3693, 3713, 3739, 3791, 
3896, 3902, 3907, 3931, 3949, 3969, 4030, 4045, 4049, 4059, 4066, 
4077, 4083, 4124, 4146, 4158, 4188, 4198, 4206, 4209, 4218, 4235, 
4255, 4264, 4304, 4321, 4371, 4374, 4395, 4411, 4417, 4431, 4485, 
4492, 4502, 4528, 4541, 4548, 4592, 4595, 4638, 4651, 4669, 4703, 
4724, 4737, 4746, 4770, 4780, 4783, 4826, 4827, 4860, 4863, 4865, 
4902, 4934, 4945, 4951, 4952, 4971, 4996, 5023, 5029, 5042, 5088, 
5095, 5132, 5159, 5164, 5171, 5175, 5192, 5210, 5227, 5241, 5247, 
5251, 5275, 5277, 5297, 5306, 5340, 5343, 5348, 5356, 5366, 5370, 
5385, 5387, 5392, 5396, 5400, 5407, 5418, 5427, 5438, 5456, 5458, 
5469, 5495, 5517, 5555, 5624, 5674, 5678, 5698, 5699, 5704, 5709, 
5714, 5791, 5745, 5753, 5761, 5781, 5786, 5788, 5789, 5798, 5804, 
5810, 5821, 5827, 5842, 5874, 5882,

[[Page 52]]

5889, 5903, 5907, 5916, 5924, 5958, 5984, 5994, 6000, 6004, 6054, 
6080, 6107, 6166, 6176, 6234, 6266, 6293, 6335, 6344, 6365, 6430, 
and 6444.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by in-service experience and further 
analysis, which showed that the galley 5 without kick-load retainers 
was unable to withstand the expected loading during several flight 
phases or in case of emergency landing. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent galley/trolley detachment and collapse into an adjacent 
cabin aisle or cabin zone, possibly spreading loose galley equipment 
items or compartment doors, or leaking fluids. These hazards could 
block an evacuation route and result in injury to crew or 
passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Install Kick-Load Retainers

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
kick-load retainers on the galley 5 trolley compartments as 
specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Airbus Model A319 airplanes, manufacturer's serial 
numbers 5678, 5698, 5704, 5745, 5753, 5761, 5781, 5786, 5788, 5789, 
5798, 5810, 5827, and 5842, do the installation in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1B29, dated June 19, 2014.
    (2) For Airbus Model A320 airplanes, manufacturer's serial 
numbers 5458, 5517, 5624, 5672, and 5804, do the installation in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1B30, dated June 19, 2014.
    (3) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) 
of this AD, use 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).

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0040, dated March 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-2016-9519.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 15, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30806 Filed 12-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P