83 FR 18485 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 82 (April 27, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 82 (April 27, 2018)
| Page Range | 18485-18488 | |
| FR Document | 2018-08649 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 18485-18488] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-08649] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-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 incorporate revised fuel 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 June 11, 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. [[Page 18486]] 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 Street, 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- 0300; 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 Street, 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-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 2017-0169, 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 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) 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 5 document. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane. * * * the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. In response to these regulations, Airbus conducted a design review to develop FAL for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes. The FAL were specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 FAL document ref. 95A.1931/05 at issue 04 for A318/A319/A320/A321 aeroplanes. This document was approved by EASA and is now referenced in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 5 to comply with EASA policy statement (EASA D2005/CPRO). Previously, EASA issued AD 2014-0260 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) (``AD 2016-20-12'')] to require accomplishment of all FAL-related actions as described in ALS Part 5 at Revision 01. ALS Part 5 Revision 02 and 03 were not mandated because no significant changes were introduced with these Revisions. The new ALS Part 5 Revision 04 (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 reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0260, which is superseded, and requires implementation of the actions specified 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- 0300. Relationship of This Proposed AD to AD 2016-20-12 This NPRM would not supersede AD 2016-20-12. 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 requirements of AD 2016-20- 12. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. This service information describes fuel system airworthiness limitations. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type designs. This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with these actions and CDCCLs 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 inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. 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. [[Page 18487]] 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 1,250 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 we recognize that this number 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. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-AD. [[Page 18488]] (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 11, 2018. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) (``AD 2016-20-12''). (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 prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss 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 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. The initial compliance times for new or revised tasks are the minimum intervals or times specified in Airbus A318/A319/ A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs 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 2016-20-12 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016-20-12. (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 2017-0169, 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-2018-0300. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, 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 Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on April 11, 2018. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-08649 Filed 4-26-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2018 / Proposed Rules 18485
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS install any PBOV having P/N A25315–1 on Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
DIRECTIVES that airplane. telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
(2) For an airplane that, as of the effective 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 date of this AD, has a PBOV having P/N airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com.
continues to read as follows: A25315020–2 installed: As of the effective You may view this referenced service
date of this AD do not install any PBOV information at the FAA, Transport Standards
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. having P/N A25315–1 on that airplane. Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA. For information on the availability of
§ 39.13 [Amended] (i) Other FAA AD Provisions
this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding The following provisions also apply to this
AD: Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
the following new airworthiness April 11, 2018.
directive (AD): (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International Dionne Palermo,
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0301; Product Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Identifier 2017–NM–112–AD. has the authority to approve AMOCs for this Aircraft Certification Service.
(a) Comments Due Date AD, if requested using the procedures found [FR Doc. 2018–08653 Filed 4–26–18; 8:45 am]
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
We must receive comments by June 11, 39.19, send your request to your principal
2018. inspector or local Flight Standards District
(b) Affected ADs Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
None.
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may Federal Aviation Administration
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any 14 CFR Part 39
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6)
of this AD, certificated in any category, all approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0300; Product
manufacturer serial numbers. principal inspector, or lacking a principal
Identifier 2017–NM–134–AD]
(1) Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C, inspector, the manager of the local flight
B2–203, B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 standards district office/certificate holding RIN 2120–AA64
airplanes. district office.
(2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
and B4–622 airplanes. requirement in this AD to obtain corrective Airplanes
(3) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R actions from a manufacturer, the action must
airplanes. be accomplished using a method approved AGENCY: Federal Aviation
(4) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R by the Manager, International Section, Administration (FAA), DOT.
airplanes. Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(5) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F (NPRM).
airplanes. Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
(6) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222, Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOA- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
–304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes. airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
authorized signature.
(d) Subject (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320
Air Transport Association (ATA) of service information contains procedures or series airplanes; and Model A321–111,
America Code 32, Landing gear. tests that are identified as RC, those –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231,
procedures and tests must be done to comply –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N
(e) Reason with this AD; any procedures or tests that are airplanes. This proposed AD was
This AD was prompted by a report of not identified as RC are recommended. Those prompted by a revision of an
yellow hydraulic system failure, including procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
airworthiness limitations document that
both braking accumulators, due to failure of specifies more restrictive maintenance
the parking brake operated valve (PBOV). We methods in accordance with the operator’s
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the maintenance or inspection program without requirements and airworthiness
PBOV, which could result in no braking obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided limitations. This proposed AD would
capability during ground operations, possibly the procedures and tests identified as RC can require revising the maintenance or
leading to damage to the airplane and injury be done and the airplane can be put back in inspection program, as applicable, to
to people on the ground. an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or incorporate revised fuel airworthiness
changes to procedures or tests identified as limitations. We are proposing this AD to
(f) Compliance RC require approval of an AMOC. address the unsafe condition on these
Comply with this AD within the products.
(j) Related Information
compliance times specified, unless already
done. (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing DATES: We must receive comments on
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA this proposed AD by June 11, 2018.
(g) PBOV Replacement Airworthiness Directive 2017–0153, dated
August 17, 2017, for related information. ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
Within 60 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the PBOV having part This MCAI may be found in the AD docket using the procedures found in 14 CFR
number (P/N) A25315–1 with a PBOV having on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
P/N A25315020–2, in accordance with the by searching for and locating Docket No. methods:
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus FAA–2018–0301. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Service Bulletin A300–32–0467, dated July 4, (2) For more information about this AD, http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
2017; Airbus Service Bulletin A300–32–6117, contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, instructions for submitting comments.
dated July 4, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin International Section, Transport Standards • Fax: 202–493–2251.
A310–32–2151, dated July 4, 2017; as Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
• Mail: U.S. Department of
applicable.
231–3225. Transportation, Docket Operations,
(h) Parts Prohibition (3) For service information identified in M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
(1) After modification of an airplane as this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do not Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:38 Apr 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\27APP1.SGM 27APP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_18567/page/1.svg)
![18486 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2018 / Proposed Rules
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail for the Member States of the European or inspection program to incorporate the
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness new maintenance requirements and
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Directive 2017–0169, dated September airworthiness limitations.
Federal holidays. 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the Accomplishment of the proposed
For service information identified in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness actions would then terminate all
this NPRM, contact Airbus, Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct requirements of AD 2016–20–12.
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Related Service Information Under 1
Model A318, A319, and A320 series CFR Part 51
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 airplanes; and Model A321–111, –112,
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, Airbus has issued Airbus A318/A319/
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations
internet http://www.airbus.com. You The MCAI states: Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness
may view this service information at the Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated
The Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL)
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 April 6, 2017. This service information
for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes, which are
South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA. approved by EASA, are currently defined and describes fuel system airworthiness
For information on the availability of published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/ limitations. This service information is
this material at the FAA, call 206–231– A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section reasonably available because the
3195. (ALS) Part 5 document. These instructions interested parties have access to it
have been identified as mandatory for through their normal course of business
Examining the AD Docket continued airworthiness. or by the means identified in the
You may examine the AD docket on Failure to accomplish these instructions ADDRESSES section.
the internet at http:// could result in a fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the aeroplane. FAA’s Determination and Requirements
www.regulations.gov by searching for * * * the Federal Aviation Administration
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– of This Proposed AD
(FAA) published Special Federal Aviation
0300; or in person at the Docket Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation This product has been approved by
Management Facility between 9 a.m. Authorities (JAA) published interim Policy the aviation authority of another
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, INT/POL/25/12. In response to these country, and is approved for operation
except Federal holidays. The AD docket regulations, Airbus conducted a design in the United States. Pursuant to our
contains this NPRM, the regulatory review to develop FAL for Airbus A320 bilateral agreement with the State of
evaluation, any comments received, and family aeroplanes. Design Authority, we have been notified
The FAL were specified in Airbus A318/
other information. The street address for of the unsafe condition described in the
A319/A320/A321 FAL document ref.
the Docket Operations office (telephone 95A.1931/05 at issue 04 for A318/A319/ MCAI and service information
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES A320/A321 aeroplanes. This document was referenced above. We are proposing this
section. Comments will be available in approved by EASA and is now referenced in AD because we evaluated all pertinent
the AD docket shortly after receipt. Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 5 to information and determined an unsafe
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: comply with EASA policy statement (EASA condition exists and is likely to exist or
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, D2005/CPRO). develop on other products of the same
Previously, EASA issued AD 2014–0260 type designs.
International Section, Transport
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2016–20–12, This AD requires revisions to certain
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South Amendment 39–18678 (81 FR 72507, October
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 20, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–20–12’’)] to require
operator maintenance documents to
telephone and fax 206–231–3223. accomplishment of all FAL-related actions as include new actions (e.g., inspections)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: described in ALS Part 5 at Revision 01. ALS and Critical Design Configuration
Part 5 Revision 02 and 03 were not mandated Control Limitations (CDCCLs).
Comments Invited because no significant changes were Compliance with these actions and
We invite you to send any written introduced with these Revisions. The new CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR
relevant data, views, or arguments about ALS Part 5 Revision 04 (hereafter referred to 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
as ‘the ALS’ in this [EASA] AD) includes new previously modified, altered, or repaired
this proposal. Send your comments to
and/or more restrictive requirements and
an address listed under the ADDRESSES extends the applicability to model A320–
in the areas addressed by this proposed
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 251N, A320–271N, A321–251N, A321–253N AD, the operator may not be able to
2018–0300; Product Identifier 2017– and A321–271N aeroplanes. accomplish the actions described in the
NM–134–AD’’ at the beginning of your For the reasons described above, this revisions. In this situation, to comply
comments. We specifically invite [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator
comments on the overall regulatory, AD 2014–0260, which is superseded, and must request approval for an alternative
economic, environmental, and energy requires implementation of the actions method of compliance according to
specified in the ALS. paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD.
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing You may examine the MCAI in the The request should include a
date and may amend this NPRM based AD docket on the internet at http:// description of changes to the required
on those comments. www.regulations.gov by searching for inspections that will ensure the
We will post all comments we and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– continued operational safety of the
receive, without change, to http:// 0300. airplane.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
www.regulations.gov, including any
Relationship of This Proposed AD to Differences Between This Proposed AD
personal information you provide. We
AD 2016–20–12 and the MCAI or Service Information
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive This NPRM would not supersede AD The MCAI specifies that if there are
about this NPRM. 2016–20–12. Rather, we have findings from the ALS inspection tasks,
determined that a stand-alone AD corrective actions must be accomplished
Discussion would be more appropriate to address in accordance with Airbus maintenance
The European Aviation Safety Agency the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM documentation. However, this proposed
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent would require revising the maintenance AD does not include that requirement.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2018 / Proposed Rules 18487
Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes newly delivered airplanes containing a is within the scope of that authority
are required by general airworthiness later revision than that specified in an because it addresses an unsafe condition
and operational regulations to perform AD, we plan to limit the applicability of that is likely to exist or develop on
maintenance using methods that are ADs that mandate ALS revisions to products identified in this rulemaking
acceptable to the FAA. We consider those airplanes that are subject to an action.
those methods to be adequate to address earlier revision of the ALS, either as part This proposed AD is issued in
any corrective actions necessitated by of the type design or as mandated by an accordance with authority delegated by
the findings of ALS inspections required earlier AD. the Executive Director, Aircraft
by this proposed AD. This proposed AD therefore would Certification Service, as authorized by
apply to Airbus Model A318, A319, and FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
Airworthiness Limitations Based on A320 series airplanes; and Model A321–
Type Design with that order, issuance of ADs is
111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, normally a function of the Compliance
The FAA recently became aware of an –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N and Airworthiness Division, but during
issue related to the applicability of ADs airplanes with an original certificate of this transition period, the Executive
that require incorporation of an ALS airworthiness or original export Director has delegated the authority to
revision into an operator’s maintenance certificate of airworthiness that was issue ADs applicable to transport
or inspection program. issued on or before the date of approval category airplanes to the Director of the
Typically, when these types of ADs of the ALS revision identified in this System Oversight Division.
are issued by civil aviation authorities proposed AD. Operators of airplanes
of other countries, they apply to all with an original certificate of Regulatory Findings
airplanes covered under an identified airworthiness or original export We determined that this proposed AD
type certificate (TC). The corresponding certificate of airworthiness issued after would not have federalism implications
FAA AD typically retains applicability that date must comply with the under Executive Order 13132. This
to all of those airplanes. airworthiness limitations specified as proposed AD would not have a
In addition, U.S. operators must part of the approved type design and substantial direct effect on the States, on
operate their airplanes in an airworthy referenced on the type certificate data the relationship between the national
condition, in accordance with 14 CFR sheet. Government and the States, or on the
91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the distribution of power and
requirement to perform any Costs of Compliance
responsibilities among the various
maintenance or inspections specified in We estimate that this proposed AD levels of government.
the ALS, and in accordance with the affects 1,250 airplanes of U.S. registry. For the reasons discussed above, I
ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and We estimate the following costs to certify this proposed regulation:
91.403(c), unless an alternative has been comply with this proposed AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
approved by the FAA. We have determined that revising the action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
When a type certificate is issued for maintenance or inspection program 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
a type design, the specific ALS, takes an average of 90 work-hours per DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
including revisions, is a part of that type operator, although we recognize that (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c). this number may vary from operator to 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
The sum effect of these operational operator. In the past, we have estimated Alaska; and
and maintenance requirements is an that this action takes 1 work-hour per 4. Will not have a significant
obligation to comply with the ALS airplane. Since operators incorporate economic impact, positive or negative,
defined in the type design referenced in maintenance or inspection program on a substantial number of small entities
the manufacturer’s conformity changes for their affected fleet(s), we under the criteria of the Regulatory
statement. This obligation may have determined that a per-operator Flexibility Act.
introduce a conflict with an AD that estimate is more accurate than a per-
requires a specific ALS revision if new airplane estimate. Therefore, we List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
airplanes are delivered with a later estimate the total cost per operator to be Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
revision as part of their type design. $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work- safety, Incorporation by reference,
To address this conflict, the FAA has hour). Safety.
approved alternative methods of
compliance (AMOCs) that allow Authority for This Rulemaking The Proposed Amendment
operators to incorporate the most recent Title 49 of the United States Code Accordingly, under the authority
ALS revision into their maintenance/ specifies the FAA’s authority to issue delegated to me by the Administrator,
inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
revision required by the AD. This section 106, describes the authority of 39 as follows:
eliminates the conflict and enables the the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
operator to comply with both the AD Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
and the type design. detail the scope of the Agency’s DIRECTIVES
However, compliance with AMOCs is authority.
normally optional, and we recently We are issuing this rulemaking under ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
became aware that some operators the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, continues to read as follows:
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
choose to retain the AD-mandated ALS Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
revision in their fleet-wide General requirements.’’ Under that
maintenance/inspection programs, section, Congress charges the FAA with § 39.13 [Amended]
including those for new airplanes promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
delivered with later ALS revisions, to air commerce by prescribing regulations the following new airworthiness
help standardize the maintenance of the for practices, methods, and procedures directive (AD):
fleet. To ensure that operators comply the Administrator finds necessary for Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0300; Product
with the applicable ALS revision for safety in air commerce. This regulation Identifier 2017–NM–134–AD.
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![18488 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(a) Comments Due Date accordance with the procedures specified in DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
We must receive comments by June 11, paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
2018. (i) Terminating Action for AD 2016–20–12 Federal Aviation Administration
(b) Affected ADs Accomplishing the actions required by this
AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016– 14 CFR Part 39
This AD affects AD 2016–20–12,
Amendment 39–18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20–12. [Docket No. FAA–2018–0303; Product
20, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–20–12’’). (j) Other FAA AD Provisions Identifier 2018–NM–006–AD]
(c) Applicability The following provisions also apply to this RIN 2120–AA64
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes AD:
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
of this AD, certificated in any category, with (AMOCs): The Manager, International Services B.V. Airplanes
an original certificate of airworthiness or Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
original export certificate of airworthiness
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AGENCY: Federal Aviation
AD, if requested using the procedures found Administration (FAA), DOT.
issued on or before April 6, 2017.
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
39.19, send your request to your principal
airplanes. (NPRM).
inspector or local Flight Standards District
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes. SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
directly to the International Section, send it
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
to the attention of the person identified in
–231, –232, –233, –251N, and –271N Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may
airplanes.
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This proposed
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
–212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and AD was prompted by a report that the
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate retraction actuator eye-end of a
–271N airplanes. principal inspector, or lacking a principal Goodrich main landing gear (MLG)
(d) Subject inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding failed. This proposed AD would require
Air Transport Association (ATA) of a one-time general visual inspection of
district office.
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH)
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
Checks. MLG retraction actuators and
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
(e) Reason actions from a manufacturer, the action must replacement if necessary. We are
be accomplished using a method approved proposing this AD to address the unsafe
This AD was prompted by a revision of an
by the Manager, International Section, condition on these products.
airworthiness limitations document that
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
specifies more restrictive maintenance DATES: We must receive comments on
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
requirements and airworthiness limitations. this proposed AD by June 11, 2018.
Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
We are issuing this AD to prevent the
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
potential of ignition sources inside fuel
the approval must include the DOA- using the procedures found in 14 CFR
tanks, which, in combination with flammable
authorized signature.
fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
explosion and consequent loss of the (k) Related Information methods:
airplane. (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
(f) Compliance Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0169, dated instructions for submitting comments.
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
September 7, 2017, for related information. • Fax: 202–493–2251.
done.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket • Mail: U.S. Department of
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov
Transportation, Docket Operations,
(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2018–0300. M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Program
(2) For more information about this AD, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Within 90 days after the effective date of Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection
International Section, Transport Standards • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des address above between 9 a.m. and 5
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel
231–3223. Federal holidays.
Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision
(3) For service information identified in For service information identified in
04, dated April 6, 2017. The initial
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
compliance times for new or revised tasks are this NPRM, contact Fokker Services
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
the minimum intervals or times specified in B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88–6280–
5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL),
Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017, or within
airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com. 350; fax +31 (0)88–6280–111; email
You may view this service information at the technicalservices@fokker.com; internet
30 days after the effective date of this AD,
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
whichever occurs later.
South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA. For You may view this service
(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or information on the availability of this
information at the FAA, Transport
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Critical Design Configuration Control material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Limitations (CDCCLs) Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on Des Moines, WA. For information on the
After the maintenance or inspection April 11, 2018.
program has been revised as required by
availability of this material at the FAA,
Dionne Palermo, call 206–231–3195.
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or Examining the AD Docket
Aircraft Certification Service.
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions,
intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an [FR Doc. 2018–08649 Filed 4–26–18; 8:45 am] You may examine the AD docket on
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in BILLING CODE 4910–13–P the internet at http://
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Document Created: 2018-04-27 01:45:39
Document Modified: 2018-04-27 01:45:39
| 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 June 11, 2018. | |
| Contact | Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 18485 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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