83 FR 22426 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 94 (May 15, 2018)

Page Range		22426-22428
FR Document		2018-10298

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-115 and -132 airplanes, and Model A320-214, - 216, -232, and -233 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain modified airplanes do not have electrical ground wires on the fuel level sensing control unit (FLSCU), which adversely affects the fuel gravity feeding operation. This proposed AD would require modification of the FLSCU wiring. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22426-22428]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10298]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0411; Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-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 A319-115 and -132 airplanes, and Model A320-214, -
216, -232, and -233 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a
report indicating that certain modified airplanes do not have
electrical ground wires on the fuel level sensing control unit (FLSCU),
which adversely affects the fuel gravity feeding operation. This
proposed AD would require modification of the FLSCU wiring. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 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: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; 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-
0411; 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0411;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-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 AD
2017-0216, dated October 30, 2017 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319-115 and -132
airplanes, and Model A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 airplanes. The MCAI
states:

Airbus introduced mod 154327 on A319 and A320 aeroplanes which
substituted the pump fuel feed system from the centre fuel tank with
a jet pump transfer system, based on the Airbus A321 design.
Following the modification introduction, it was discovered that the
modified aeroplanes do not have electrical ground signals that
replicate those from the deleted centre tank pump pressure switches.
These signals are used as part of the fuel recirculation inhibition
request logic. Subsequent investigation determined that ground wires
had not been installed on the fuel level sensor control units
(FLSCU) of post-mod aeroplanes, due to a drawing error on the fuel
system recirculation principle diagram. Without these ground wires
providing inputs, the FLSCU logic is not correctly implemented for
gravity feeding operation.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced fuel
pressure at the engine inlet, possibly resulting in an uncommanded
in-flight shut-down when flying at the gravity feed ceiling levels,
as defined in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued AFM
Temporary Revision (TR) 695 Issue 1 and AFM TR 699 Issue 1 to
prohibit the use of Jet B and JP4 fuel, and AFM TR 700 Issue 1 to
provide instructions for amendment of the gravity feed procedure for
the other fuels.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0205 [which corresponds to FAA
AD 2016-25-23, Amendment 39-18749 (81 FR 90971, December 16, 2016)
(``AD 2016-25-23'')], requiring amendment of the applicable AFM to
include the new gravity feed procedure and to reduce the list of
authorised fuels.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus developed a wiring
modification to restore the intended FLSCU logic, and issued Service
Bulletin (SB) A320-28-1242, later revised, providing instructions to
modify affected aeroplanes.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0205, which is superseded, and requires
modification of FLSCU wiring. This [EASA] AD also allows, after that
modification, to remove the previously inserted AFM TR's from the
applicable AFM.

[[Page 22427]]

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-
0411.

Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2016-25-23

This NPRM would not supersede AD 2016-25-23. Rather, we have
determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to address
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require modification of the
FLSCU wiring. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then
terminate all of the requirements of AD 2016-25-23.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, Revision 01, dated
October 3, 2017. The service information describes procedures for
modification of the FLSCU wiring. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification.......................... 14 work-hours x $85 per $204 $1,394 $80,852
hour = $1,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in our cost
estimate.

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-2018-0411; Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by June 29, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD affects AD 2016-25-23, Amendment 39-18749 (81 FR 90971,
December 16, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-23'').

This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-115 and -132 airplanes, and
Model A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus
modification 154327 has been embodied in production, except those on
which Airbus modification 158740 has been embodied.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain
modified airplanes do not have electrical ground wires on the fuel
level sensing control unit (FLSCU), which adversely affects the fuel
gravity feeding operation. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced
fuel pressure at the engine inlet, potentially resulting in an
uncommanded in-

[[Page 22428]]

flight shutdown when flying at the fuel gravity feed ceiling levels.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
FLSCU wiring in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, Revision 01, dated October 3,
2017.

(h) Terminating Action for AD 2016-25-23 and Amendment of the Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM)

Modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates all of the requirements of AD 2016-25-23 for that
airplane. After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, remove Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Temporary Revision
TR695, Issue 1.0, dated August 1, 2016; or Airbus A318/A319/A320/
A321 Temporary Revision TR699, Issue 1.0, dated August 1, 2016; as
applicable; and Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Temporary Revision TR700,
Issue 1.0, dated August 1, 2016, from the applicable AFM of that
airplane.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, dated
December 21, 2016.

(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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0216, dated October 30, 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-2018-0411.
(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: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
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 May 8, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10298 Filed 5-14-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules 22427

You may examine the MCAI in the Related Service Information Under 1 country, and is approved for operation
AD docket on the internet at http:// CFR Part 51 in the United States. Pursuant to our
www.regulations.gov by searching for bilateral agreement with the State of
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Airbus has issued Service Bulletin Design Authority, we have been notified
0411. A320–28–1242, Revision 01, dated of the unsafe condition described in the
October 3, 2017. The service MCAI and service information
Relationship Between Proposed AD and information describes procedures for referenced above. We are proposing this
AD 2016–25–23 modification of the FLSCU wiring. This AD because we evaluated all pertinent
This NPRM would not supersede AD service information is reasonably information and determined an unsafe
2016–25–23. Rather, we have available because the interested parties condition exists and is likely to exist or
determined that a stand-alone AD have access to it through their normal develop on other products of these same
would be more appropriate to address course of business or by the means type designs.
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM identified in the ADDRESSES section.
would require modification of the Costs of Compliance
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
FLSCU wiring. Accomplishment of the of This Proposed AD We estimate that this proposed AD
proposed actions would then terminate affects 58 airplanes of U.S. registry.
all of the requirements of AD 2016–25– This product has been approved by We estimate the following costs to
23. the aviation authority of another comply with this proposed AD:

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Modification ..................................................... 14 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,190 ........ $204 $1,394 $80,852

According to the manufacturer, some Director has delegated the authority to PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
of the costs of this proposed AD may be issue ADs applicable to transport DIRECTIVES
covered under warranty, thereby category airplanes to the Director of the
reducing the cost impact on affected System Oversight Division. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
individuals. We do not control warranty continues to read as follows:
Regulatory Findings
coverage for affected individuals. As a Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
result, we have included all known We determined that this proposed AD
costs in our cost estimate. would not have federalism implications § 39.13 [Amended]
under Executive Order 13132. This ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
Authority for This Rulemaking the following new airworthiness
proposed AD would not have a
Title 49 of the United States Code substantial direct effect on the States, on directive (AD):
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue the relationship between the national Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0411; Product
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Government and the States, or on the Identifier 2017–NM–157–AD.
section 106, describes the authority of distribution of power and (a) Comments Due Date
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: responsibilities among the various
Aviation Programs, describes in more We must receive comments by June 29,
levels of government. 2018.
detail the scope of the Agency’s For the reasons discussed above, I
authority. certify this proposed regulation: (b) Affected ADs
We are issuing this rulemaking under This AD affects AD 2016–25–23,
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Amendment 39–18749 (81 FR 90971,
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; December 16, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–25–23’’).
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (c) Applicability
section, Congress charges the FAA with
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); This AD applies to Airbus Model A319–
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in 115 and –132 airplanes, and Model A320–
air commerce by prescribing regulations 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
214, –216, –232, and –233 airplanes,
for practices, methods, and procedures Alaska; and certificated in any category, all manufacturer
the Administrator finds necessary for 4. Will not have a significant serial numbers on which Airbus modification
safety in air commerce. This regulation economic impact, positive or negative, 154327 has been embodied in production,
is within the scope of that authority on a substantial number of small entities except those on which Airbus modification
because it addresses an unsafe condition under the criteria of the Regulatory 158740 has been embodied.
that is likely to exist or develop on Flexibility Act. (d) Subject
products identified in this rulemaking List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air Transport Association (ATA) of
action. America Code 28, Fuel.
This proposed AD is issued in Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

safety, Incorporation by reference, (e) Reason
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft Safety. This AD was prompted by a report
Certification Service, as authorized by indicating that certain modified airplanes do
The Proposed Amendment not have electrical ground wires on the fuel
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance level sensing control unit (FLSCU), which
with that order, issuance of ADs is Accordingly, under the authority adversely affects the fuel gravity feeding
normally a function of the Compliance delegated to me by the Administrator, operation. We are issuing this AD to prevent
and Airworthiness Division, but during the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part reduced fuel pressure at the engine inlet,
this transition period, the Executive 39 as follows: potentially resulting in an uncommanded in-

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 May 14, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\15MYP1.SGM 15MYP1

Document Created: 2018-05-15 00:34:21
Document Modified: 2018-05-15 00:34:21

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 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 22426
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 22426 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 94 (May 15, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration