83 FR 13885 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 63 (April 2, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 63 (April 2, 2018)
| Page Range | 13885-13888 | |
| FR Document | 2018-06590 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 63 (Monday, April 2, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 13885-13888] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-06590] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2018-0168; Product Identifier 2017-NM-135-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and - 271N airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to [[Page 13886]] incorporate the specified maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 17, 2018. 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 service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206- 231-3195. 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-2018- 0168; 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 NPRM, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223. 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-2018-0168; Product Identifier 2017-NM-135-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0170, dated September 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes. The MCAI states: The System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR) for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4 document. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. Previously, EASA issued AD 2016-0093 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017-19-24, Amendment 39-19054 (82 FR 44900, September 27, 2017) (``AD 2017-19-24'')] to require accomplishment of all maintenance tasks as described in ALS Part 4 at Revision 03. ALS Part 4 Revision 04 was not mandated because no significant changes were introduced with this Revision. The new ALS Part 4 Revision 05 (hereafter referred to as `the ALS' in this [EASA] AD) includes new and/or more restrictive requirements and extends the applicability to model A320-251N, A320-271N, A321-251N, A321-253N and A321-271N aeroplanes. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2016-0093, which is superseded, and requires accomplishment of all tasks as described in the ALS. 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-2018- 0168. Relationship of Proposed AD to AD 2017-19-24 This NPRM would not supersede AD 2017-19-24. Rather, we have determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all of the requirements of AD 2017-19-24. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 05, dated April 6, 2017. This service information describes preventive maintenance requirements and includes updated inspections and intervals to be incorporated into the maintenance or inspection program. 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. This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. [[Page 13887]] Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the ALS inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this proposed AD. Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into an operator's maintenance or inspection program. Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes. In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been approved by the FAA. When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c). The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design referenced in the manufacturer's conformity statement. This obligation may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part of their type design. To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type design. However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD- mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier AD. This proposed AD therefore would apply to Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after that date must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,133 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although this figure may vary from operator to operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour). 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. This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight Division. 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. [[Page 13888]] Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0168; Product Identifier 2017-NM-135-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by May 17, 2018. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2017-19-24, Amendment 39-19054 (82 FR 44900, September 27, 2017) (``AD 2017-19-24''). (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 April 6, 2017. (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, -232, - 251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/ Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to mitigate the risks associated with the effects of aging on airplane systems. Such effects could change system characteristics, leading to an increased potential for failure of certain life- limited parts, and reduced structural integrity or controllability of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 05, dated April 6, 2017. The initial compliance time for doing the revised actions is at the applicable time specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 05, dated April 6, 2017. (h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. (i) Terminating Action for AD 2017-19-24 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2017-19-24. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0170, dated September 7, 2017, 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-2018-0168. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223. (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 Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 22, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-06590 Filed 3-30-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 63 / Monday, April 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules 13885
that is likely to exist or develop on L533M1014101, L533M1014102, the local flight standards district office or
products identified in this rulemaking L533M1014103, L533M1014104, certificate holding district office before
action. L533M1014105 or L533M1014106, installed, operating any aircraft complying with this
certificated in any category. AD through an AMOC.
Regulatory Findings
(b) Unsafe Condition (h) Additional Information
We determined that this proposed AD This AD defines the unsafe condition as (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
would not have federalism implications limited control of a tail rotor because of the Bulletin No. EC135–67A–012, Revision 2,
under Executive Order 13132. This binding of a bearing. This condition could dated April 3, 2017, which is not
proposed AD would not have a result in subsequent loss of control of the incorporated by reference, contains
substantial direct effect on the States, on helicopter. additional information about the subject of
the relationship between the national this AD. For service information identified in
(c) Affected ADs
Government and the States, or on the this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N.
This AD replaces AD 2013–21–05, Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
distribution of power and Amendment 39–17629 (78 FR 65169, October telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
responsibilities among the various 31, 2013). fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://
levels of government. www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
For the reasons discussed, I certify (d) Comments Due Date
Technical-Supportl73.html. You may
this proposed regulation: We must receive comments by June 1, review the referenced service information at
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory 2018. the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (e) Compliance Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the You are responsible for performing each
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
action required by this AD within the
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
specified compliance time unless it has
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in No. 2006–0318R2, dated April 25, 2017. You
already been accomplished prior to that time.
may view the EASA AD on the internet at
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
(f) Required Actions http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
making a regulatory distinction; and
4. Will not have a significant (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), (i) Subject
inspect each bearing for freedom of
economic impact, positive or negative, Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
movement by turning and tilting the bearing
on a substantial number of small entities as depicted in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Alert Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System.
under the criteria of the Regulatory Service Bulletin No. EC135–67A–012, Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 23,
Flexibility Act. Revision 1, dated October 18, 2006 (ASB). 2018.
We prepared an economic evaluation During any inspection: Lance T. Gant,
of the estimated costs to comply with (i) If there is binding or rough turning,
before further flight, replace the bearing with Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
this proposed AD and placed it in the Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
AD docket. an airworthy bearing.
(ii) If there is chafing on the lower side of [FR Doc. 2018–06448 Filed 3–30–18; 8:45 am]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 the floor that does not extend through the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
panel outer layer, before further flight,
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation replace the bearing with an airworthy
safety, Incorporation by reference, bearing. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Safety. (iii) If there is damage on the lower side
The Proposed Amendment of the floor in the area of the assembly Federal Aviation Administration
opening that extends through the panel outer
Accordingly, under the authority layer (revealing an open honeycomb cell or
layer), before further flight, replace the
14 CFR Part 39
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part bearing with an airworthy bearing and repair [Docket No. FAA–2018–0168; Product
39 as follows: the floor. Identifier 2017–NM–135–AD]
(2) After performing the actions in
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, RIN 2120–AA64
before further flight, install a Teflon strip and
DIRECTIVES identify the floor by following the Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs Airplanes
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
3.E.(1) through 3.E.(4), of the ASB.
continues to read as follows: (3) Within 100 hours TIS, modify and re- AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. identify the rod as depicted in Figure 1 of the Administration (FAA), DOT.
ASB and by following the Accomplishment ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
§ 39.13 [Amended] Instructions, paragraphs 3.H.(1) through
3.H.(3)(f), of the ASB.
(NPRM).
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
2013–21–05, Amendment 39–17629 (78 (AMOCs) airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
FR 65169, October 31, 2013), and (1) The Manager, Safety Management Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320
adding the following new AD: Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this series airplanes, and Model A321–111,
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231,
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
GmbH): Docket No. FAA–2013–0446; Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards airplanes. This proposed AD was
Product Identifier 2010–SW–007–AD. Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort prompted by a revision of an
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110;
(a) Applicability airworthiness limitations document that
email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
This AD applies to Model EC135 P1, P2, (2) For operations conducted under a 14 specifies more restrictive maintenance
P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters, with CFR part 119 operating certificate or under requirements and airworthiness
bearing, part number (P/N) LN9367GE6N2; 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that limitations. This proposed AD would
rod, P/N L671M5040205; lever, P/N you notify your principal inspector, or require revising the maintenance or
L671M5040101; and floor, P/N lacking a principal inspector, the manager of inspection program, as applicable, to
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incorporate the specified maintenance FAA–2018–0168; Product Identifier Relationship of Proposed AD to AD
requirements and airworthiness 2017–NM–135–AD’’ at the beginning of 2017–19–24
limitations. We are proposing this AD to your comments. We specifically invite This NPRM would not supersede AD
address the unsafe condition on these comments on the overall regulatory, 2017–19–24. Rather, we have
products. economic, environmental, and energy determined that a stand-alone AD
DATES: We must receive comments on aspects of this NPRM. We will consider would be more appropriate to address
this proposed AD by May 17, 2018. all comments received by the closing the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM
date and may amend this NPRM based would require revising the maintenance
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
on those comments. or inspection program to incorporate the
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following We will post all comments we new maintenance requirements and
methods: receive, without change, to http:// airworthiness limitations.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov, including any Accomplishment of the proposed
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the personal information you provide. We actions would then terminate all of the
instructions for submitting comments. will also post a report summarizing each requirements of AD 2017–19–24.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. substantive verbal contact we receive
• Mail: U.S. Department of about this NPRM. Related Service Information Under
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 1 CFR Part 51
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Discussion Airbus has issued Airbus A318/A319/
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, The European Aviation Safety Agency A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations
Washington, DC 20590. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent Section (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail for the Member States of the European Equipment Maintenance Requirements
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness (SEMR),’’ Revision 05, dated April 6,
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Directive 2017–0170, dated September 2017. This service information describes
Federal holidays. 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the preventive maintenance requirements
For service information identified in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness and includes updated inspections and
this NPRM, contact Airbus, Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct intervals to be incorporated into the
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond an unsafe condition for all Airbus maintenance or inspection program.
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Model A318, A319, and A320 series This service information is reasonably
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 airplanes, and Model A321–111, –112, available because the interested parties
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, have access to it through their normal
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. course of business or by the means
internet http://www.airbus.com. You The MCAI states: identified in the ADDRESSES section.
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 The System Equipment Maintenance FAA’s Determination and Requirements
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For Requirements (SEMR) for Airbus A320 family of This Proposed AD
information on the availability of this aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, This product has been approved by
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. are currently defined and published in the the aviation authority of another
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
country, and is approved for operation
Examining the AD Docket Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part
in the United States. Pursuant to our
You may examine the AD docket on 4 document. These instructions have been
identified as mandatory for continued
bilateral agreement with the State of
the internet at http:// Design Authority, we have been notified
airworthiness.
www.regulations.gov by searching for of the unsafe condition described in the
Failure to accomplish these instructions
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– could result in an unsafe condition. MCAI and service information
0168; or in person at the Docket Previously, EASA issued AD 2016–0093 referenced above. We are proposing this
Management Facility between 9 a.m. [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017–19–24, AD because we evaluated all pertinent
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Amendment 39–19054 (82 FR 44900, information and determined an unsafe
except Federal holidays. The AD docket September 27, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–19–24’’)] to condition exists and is likely to exist or
contains this NPRM, the regulatory require accomplishment of all maintenance develop on other products of these same
evaluation, any comments received, and tasks as described in ALS Part 4 at Revision type designs.
other information. The street address for 03. ALS Part 4 Revision 04 was not mandated This proposed AD would require
the Docket Operations office (telephone because no significant changes were revisions to certain operator
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES introduced with this Revision. The new ALS maintenance documents to include new
section. Comments will be available in Part 4 Revision 05 (hereafter referred to as actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance
the AD docket shortly after receipt. ‘the ALS’ in this [EASA] AD) includes new with these actions is required by 14 CFR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: and/or more restrictive requirements and 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, extends the applicability to model A320– previously modified, altered, or repaired
251N, A320–271N, A321–251N, A321–253N
International Section, Transport in the areas addressed by this proposed
and A321–271N aeroplanes.
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South AD, the operator may not be able to
For the reason described above, this
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
accomplish the actions described in the
telephone and fax 206–231–3223. AD 2016–0093, which is superseded, and revisions. In this situation, to comply
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: requires accomplishment of all tasks as with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator
described in the ALS. must request approval for an alternative
Comments Invited method of compliance according to
We invite you to send any written You may examine the MCAI in the paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD.
relevant data, views, or arguments about AD docket on the internet at http:// The request should include a
this proposed AD. Send your comments www.regulations.gov by searching for description of changes to the required
to an address listed under the and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– actions that will ensure the continued
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. 0168. operational safety of the airplane.
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![13888 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 63 / Monday, April 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules
§ 39.13 [Amended] paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be March 22, 2018.
the following new airworthiness used unless the actions and intervals are Michael Kaszycki,
directive (AD): approved as an alternative method of Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the Aircraft Certification Service.
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0168; Product procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of
Identifier 2017–NM–135–AD. [FR Doc. 2018–06590 Filed 3–30–18; 8:45 am]
this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(a) Comments Due Date (i) Terminating Action for AD 2017–19–24
We must receive comments by May 17, Accomplishing the actions required by this
2018.
AD terminates all requirements of AD 2017–
(b) Affected ADs 19–24. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
This AD affects AD 2017–19–24, (j) Other FAA AD Provisions
COMMISSION
Amendment 39–19054 (82 FR 44900,
September 27, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–19–24’’). The following provisions also apply to this 47 CFR Parts 1, 2, 5, 15, and 101
AD:
(c) Applicability (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
[GN Docket No. 18–21, RM–11795; FCC 18–
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes (AMOCs): The Manager, International
17]
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
of this AD, certificated in any category, with has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
an original certificate of airworthiness or
Spectrum Horizons
AD, if requested using the procedures found
original export certificate of airworthiness in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR AGENCY: Federal Communications
issued on or before April 6, 2017. 39.19, send your request to your principal
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 Commission.
inspector or local Flight Standards District
airplanes. Office, as appropriate. If sending information ACTION: Proposed rule.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, directly to the International Section, send it
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
to the attention of the person identified in SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, Communications Commission
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may
–231, –232, –233, –251N, and –271N (Commission) seeks comment on
airplanes. be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any proposed rules to permit licensed fixed
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and approved AMOC, notify your appropriate point-to-point operations in a total of
–271N airplanes. principal inspector, or lacking a principal 102.2 gigahertz of spectrum; on making
inspector, the manager of the local flight 15.2 gigahertz of spectrum available for
(d) Subject standards district office/certificate holding unlicensed use; and on creating a new
Air Transport Association (ATA) of district office. category of experimental licenses to
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any increase opportunities for entities to
Checks. requirement in this AD to obtain corrective develop new services and technologies
(e) Reason actions from a manufacturer, the action must from 95 GHz to 3 THz with no limits on
be accomplished using a method approved
This AD was prompted by a revision of an geography or technology. The
by the Manager, International Section,
airworthiness limitations document that Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
Commission also granted, in part, two
specifies more restrictive maintenance petitions for rulemaking and denied two
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
requirements and airworthiness limitations. requests for waiver.
We are issuing this AD to mitigate the risks Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
associated with the effects of aging on Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, DATES: Comments are due May 2, 2018.
airplane systems. Such effects could change the approval must include the DOA- Reply comments are due May 17, 2018.
system characteristics, leading to an authorized signature.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
increased potential for failure of certain life- (k) Related Information Michael Ha, Office of Engineering and
limited parts, and reduced structural
integrity or controllability of the airplane. (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Technology, 202–418–2099,
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Michael.Ha@fcc.gov.
(f) Compliance Airworthiness Directive 2017–0170, dated SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a
Comply with this AD within the September 7, 2017, for related information. summary of the Commission’s Notice of
compliance times specified, unless already This MCAI may be found in the AD docket Proposed Rulemaking, ET Docket No.
done. on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 18–21, RM–11795, FCC 18–17, adopted
(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection by searching for and locating Docket No.
February 22, 2018, and released
Program FAA–2018–0168.
(2) For more information about this AD, February 28, 2018. The full text of this
Within 90 days after the effective date of contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, document is available for inspection
this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection International Section, Transport Standards and copying during normal business
program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des hours in the FCC Reference Center
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness (Room CY–A257), 445 12th Street SW,
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System
Equipment Maintenance Requirements
231–3223. Washington, DC 20554. The full text
(3) For service information identified in may also be downloaded at: https://
(SEMR),’’ Revision 05, dated April 6, 2017.
The initial compliance time for doing the this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_
revised actions is at the applicable time Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Business/2018/db0228/FCC-18-
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; 17A1.pdf. People with Disabilities: To
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
request materials in accessible formats
4, ‘‘System Equipment Maintenance 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com.
for people with disabilities (braille,
Requirements (SEMR),’’ Revision 05, dated large print, electronic files, audio
April 6, 2017. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For or call the Consumer & Governmental
After the maintenance or inspection information on the availability of this Affairs Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice),
program has been revised as required by material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. 202–418–0432 (tty).
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Document Created: 2018-11-01 09:08:46
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 09:08:46
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 17, 2018. | |
| Contact | Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 13885 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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