83 FR 8323 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 39 (February 27, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-112, A319-115, A320-214, A320-232, and A321-211 airplanes. This AD was prompted by in-service experience and further analysis, which showed that the galley 5 without kick-load retainers, was unable to withstand the expected loading during several flight phases or in case of emergency landing. This AD requires modification of galley 5 trolley compartments by adding kick-load retainers. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8323-8325]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03495]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9519; Product Identifier 2016-NM-099-AD; Amendment 
39-19200; AD 2018-04-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A319-112, A319-115, A320-214, A320-232, and A321-211 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by in-service experience and further 
analysis, which showed that the galley 5 without kick-load retainers, 
was unable to withstand the expected loading during several flight 
phases or in case of emergency landing. This AD requires modification 
of galley 5 trolley compartments by adding kick-load retainers. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 3, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 3, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9519.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9519; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3223; fax 206-
231-3398.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus 
Model A319-112, A319-115, A320-214, A320-232, and A321-211 airplanes. 
The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on November 9, 2017 (82 FR 
52022) (``the SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on January 3, 
2017 (82 FR 50) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by in-service 
experience and further analysis, which showed that the galley 5 without 
kick-load retainers was unable to withstand the expected loading during 
several flight phases or in case of an emergency landing. The NPRM 
proposed to require modification of galley 5 trolley compartments by 
adding kick-load retainers. The SNPRM proposed to modify the 
applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent galley/trolley 
detachment and collapse into an adjacent cabin aisle or cabin zone, 
possibly spreading loose galley equipment items, compartment doors, or 
leaking fluids. These hazards could block an evacuation route and 
result in injury to crew or passengers.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0040, dated March 2, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319-112, A319-115, A320-214, A320-232, and A321-211 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    Following in-service experience and further analyses, it was 
ascertained that the galley 5 without kick load retainers on 
external position could not withstand the expected loading during 
several flight phases or in case of emergency landing.

[[Page 8324]]

    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to galley/trolley 
detachment and collapse into an adjacent cabin aisle or cabin zone, 
possibly spreading loose galley equipment items, compartment doors 
or leaking fluids, blocking an evacuation route, and consequently 
resulting in injury to crew or passengers.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued 6 
Service Bulletins (SB) to provide modification instructions for the 
affected aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of galley 5 trolley compartments to install kick load 
retainers.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9519.

Comments

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

Request To Change the Applicability To Be Based on Galley 5 Part and 
Serial Number

    Etihad Airways (Etihad) requested that the applicability of the 
proposed AD (in the SNPRM) be changed to list specific galley 5 part 
numbers and serial numbers. Etihad noted that the same galley 5 part 
number installed on the airplanes listed in the applicability of the 
proposed AD (in the SNPRM) was also installed on certain Model A320-232 
airplanes under supplemental type certificates (STCs). Etihad noted 
that the proposed change would help to ensure all affected parts are 
addressed.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. We appreciate Etihad's 
initiative in attempting to address the unsafe condition on their 
fleet, including airplanes modified by STCs or other approved 
installation methods. However, making the requested change would 
require us to issue another supplemental NPRM, delaying the issuance of 
a final rule. To delay this action would be inappropriate, since we 
have determined that an unsafe condition exists and that galley 
modifications must be made to ensure continued safety. We will consider 
additional rulemaking to address airplanes modified by STCs. We have 
not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-25-1B29, dated June 19, 
2014; and Service Bulletin A320-25-1B30, dated June 19, 2014. This 
service information describes procedures for installing kick-load 
retainers on certain galley 5 trolley compartments. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane configurations. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 19 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This 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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
    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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 8325]]


    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):

2018-04-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-19200; Docket No. FAA-2016-9519; 
Product Identifier 2016-NM-099-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 3, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-112, A319-115, A320-214, 
A320-232, and A321-211 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
manufacturer's serial numbers 1479, 3096, 3693, 3713, 3739, 3791, 
3896, 3902, 3907, 3931, 3949, 3969, 4030, 4045, 4049, 4059, 4066, 
4077, 4083, 4124, 4146, 4158, 4188, 4198, 4206, 4209, 4218, 4235, 
4255, 4264, 4304, 4321, 4371, 4374, 4395, 4411, 4417, 4431, 4485, 
4492, 4502, 4528, 4541, 4548, 4592, 4595, 4638, 4651, 4669, 4703, 
4724, 4737, 4746, 4770, 4780, 4783, 4826, 4827, 4860, 4863, 4865, 
4902, 4934, 4945, 4951, 4952, 4971, 4996, 5023, 5029, 5042, 5088, 
5095, 5132, 5159, 5164, 5171, 5175, 5192, 5210, 5227, 5241, 5247, 
5251, 5275, 5277, 5297, 5306, 5340, 5343, 5348, 5356, 5366, 5370, 
5385, 5387, 5392, 5396, 5400, 5407, 5418, 5427, 5438, 5456, 5458, 
5469, 5495, 5517, 5555, 5624, 5674, 5678, 5698, 5699, 5704, 5709, 
5714, 5791, 5745, 5753, 5761, 5781, 5786, 5788, 5789, 5798, 5804, 
5810, 5821, 5827, 5842, 5874, 5882, 5889, 5903, 5907, 5916, 5924, 
5958, 5984, 5994, 6000, 6004, 6054, 6080, 6107, 6166, 6176, 6234, 
6266, 6293, 6335, 6344, 6365, 6430, and 6444.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

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

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Install Kick-Load Retainers

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
kick-load retainers on the galley 5 trolley compartments as 
specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable. For airplanes on which galley 5 is not installed, no 
action is required by this paragraph.
    (1) For Airbus Model A319-115 airplanes, manufacturer's serial 
numbers 5678, 5698, 5704, 5745, 5753, 5761, 5781, 5786, 5788, 5789, 
5798, 5810, 5827, and 5842, do the installation in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1B29, dated June 19, 2014.
    (2) For Airbus Model A320-232 airplanes, manufacturer's serial 
numbers 5458, 5517, 5624, and 5804, do the installation in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1B30, dated June 19, 2014.
    (3) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) 
of this AD, do the installation 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

(h) 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 (i)(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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0040, dated March 2, 2016, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9519.
    (2) For 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 206-231-3223; fax 206-231-3398.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B29, dated June 19, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B30, dated June 19, 2014.
    (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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on February 9, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03495 Filed 2-26-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P