Exemption No. 10611 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC 20591 

 

In the matter of the petition of 

 

AIRBUS OPERATIONS GmbH Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-0429

 

for an exemption from § 121.344(f) 

and Appendix M of 

Title 14, Code of Federal 

Regulations 

 

GRANT OF EXEMPTION 

 By letter dated April 3, 2012, Mr. Peter Anders, Certification Manager Recording 

Systems, Airbus, Kreetslag 10, 21129 Hamburg, Germany petitioned the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) on behalf of U.S. operators of certain Airbus airplanes for an 

exemption from § 121.344(f) and Appendix M of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 

(14 CFR). This exemption, if granted, would allow certain U.S. operated single-aisle Airbus 

318, 319, 320, and 321 airplanes manufactured after August 19, 2002 to continue to operate 

without complying with the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) sampling rate requirement of 

14 CFR § 121.344(f)(1) and Appendix M, parameter 68. 

The petitioner requests relief from the following regulation:

Section 121.344(f)(1) requires that all turbine-engine-powered transport category airplanes 

manufactured after August 19, 2002, record the parameters listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through 

(a)(88) of that section within the ranges, accuracies, resolutions, and recording intervals 

specified in Appendix M to part 121. Specifically, Airbus is requesting relief from the 

sampling interval requirement for parameter 68 “Brake Pressure (left and right)” for the 

affected airplanes. 

AFS-12-321-E 
2

The petitioner supports its request with the following information:

Airbus states that for up to 345 of its single-aisle airplanes manufactured after August 19, 

2002 and delivered to U.S. operators, the flight data recording specification for normal brake 

pressure (parameter 68) was established and certified for airplanes with a full landing gear 

configuration. The petitioner goes on to describe this landing gear configuration as four 

wheels on the main landing gear with an option for an additional four wheels on a “bogie” 

landing gear. The petitioner states that the normal brake pressure recorded data is acquired 

from the braking and steering control unit (BSCU) and data samples are acquired for each 

wheel every four seconds. If the bogie landing gear option is not installed on the airplane, 

then the data from the main landing gear’s four wheels (two representing the right side and 

two representing the left side) are recorded in the first two seconds of the four second cycle. 

The petitioner states that the sampling that occurs in the third and fourth-second of the 

four second cycle records non-computed data, and therefore results in a two-second gap of 

data within the four-second cycle. The data frame was certified to record the maximum 

number of samples that would be with the optional landing gear installed, but the data frame 

was not modifiable to address the other configuration, which revealed this problem. 

Airbus states that although the configuration does not fully comply with the regulations, there 

are mitigations in place to assist accident investigators. In the event of an accident 

investigation, the missing two seconds of brake pressure data can be partially reconstructed. 

Airbus explains that during periods of normal brake pressure in manual brake mode, the two 

missing samples can be reconstructed with the data from parameter 69 “brake pedal 

application (left and right).” The petitioner states that this reconstruction has limitations 

caused by the anti-skid function and differences between commanded and real pressure. The 

petitioner states that interpolation between the recorded samples of the main landing gear’s 

four wheels is only possible in the auto mode scenario. Airbus notes that in both brake 

pressure reconstruction scenarios, the solutions do not guarantee compliance with the 

accuracy requirement for parameter 68. However, the petitioner states that the subject 

airplanes comply with 14 CFR § 121.344(f) if the backup brake pressure hydraulic system is 

used. 

The petitioner is proposing to address the noncompliance with the requirements for parameter 

68 by developing a service bulletin that will include software updates of the DFDR data frame 

in the flight data interface management units to provide a consistent sampling of brake 

pressure (left and right) at the required sampling interval independent of landing gear 

configuration. Airbus estimates that it will take two years to develop the service bulletin 

covering these changes. 

 The FAA has determined that good cause exists for waiving the requirement for 

Federal Register publication because the exemption, if granted, would not set a precedent, and 

any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Airbus. 

The FAA’s analysis is as follows:
3

The FAA commends the petitioner’s efforts in disclosing compliance issues with the existing 

U.S. fleet of Airbus model 318, 319, 320, and 321 airplanes. The FAA agrees that brake 

pedal pressure parametric data can be partially reconstructed either by interpolating two 

subsequent brake pressure data samples in each four-second cycle operating in the auto-brake 

mode or by using brake application data in the manual brake mode. The FAA finds that 

recording brake pressure (left and right), as described above, and using the suggested 

mitigation techniques temporarily provides an acceptable method for continued operation of 

the subject airplanes for a limited period of time. However, the FAA does not agree with 

Airbus that the described mitigation meets the requirement of § 121.344(f). As Airbus noted, 

these efforts result at best in partial reconstruction of the required data. To continue operating 

these noncompliant airplanes, an exemption is required. 

In order to assess the impact of this problem on the U.S. Airbus fleet, the FAA requested, and 

Airbus provided, a complete list of the serial and tail numbers of the Airbus model 318, 319, 

320, and 321 airplanes affected by this discovery. Airbus identified at least 13 part 121 

operators that have one or more airplanes that are affected by this petition based on the 

registration at the time the list was provided. 

The FAA has determined from the information provided that good cause exists for granting 

this exemption. However, as the aircraft manufacturer and not a U.S. operator, Airbus cannot 

be granted an exemption from U.S. operating requirements. Exemption from an operating 

rule can be granted only to affected operators. Since the 345 affected airplanes represent a 

significant portion of the U.S. fleet, it is in the public interest for the FAA to allow the 

continued operation of the airplanes subject to certain conditions. Accordingly, the FAA will 

grant the relief requested by Airbus to the operators of these airplanes when requested. 

To make this exemption effective, each affected operator must submit to the FAA a request to 

use this exemption for its affected airplanes that includes a list of the affected airplanes that it 

operates, and each operator must comply with the conditions and limitations of this 

exemption cited below. Failure of an operator to apply for eligibility to use this exemption in 

the time stated in condition 2 will be subject to enforcement action for failure to comply with 

the requirements of Section 121.344(f) and Appendix M for parameter 68. 

The FAA urges Airbus to accelerate the introduction of the service bulleting to its operators. 

Because of the amount of time the airplanes have been out of compliance and the estimated 

time proposed by Airbus to make the service information available, the FAA will not consider 

any extensions of time for this exemption beyond that granted here, including time needed for 

introduction of the service bulletin requirements. 

The FAA’s Decision: 

 In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. §§ 40113 and 44701, delegated to 

me by the Administrator, the petition for an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.344(f) and 

Appendix M is granted to the extent necessary to allow the operators of the Airbus model 
4

318, 319, 320 and 321airplanes listed herein, to temporarily operate these airplanes subject to 

the conditions and limitations listed below. 

Conditions and Limitations: 

1. This exemption only applies to the airplanes listed in the attached table. 

2. In order to continue the operation of any airplane listed in this exemption, each 

operator of an affected airplane must, within 90 days of the issuance of this 

exemption, submit a letter to its principal inspector that includes a request to use 

this exemption and: 

a. A list of the airplanes that the operator has determined are subject of this 

exemption, identified by model, serial and current registration numbers; and 

b. Acknowledgement of the conditions and limitations listed in this exemption 

as the basis for continued operation of the airplane. 

3. The letter required in item 2 must also be filed in Regulatory Docket No. FAA2012-0429 by the operator requesting the relief. 

4. This exemption allows the subject airplanes to operate with the DFDR recording 

the normal brake pressure parameter with a two-second ‘gap’ of data within each 

four-second cycle as described in this exemption. No other relief from any flight 

recorder provision is granted by this exemption. 

5. Use of this exemption does not transfer to subsequent operators of an affected 

airplane without the prior written approval of the FAA, including compliance 

with the filing requirements of this exemption by the operator to which an 

airplane is transferred. 

6. A copy of this exemption must be retained with the operator’s DFDR correlation 

documentation as specified in 14 CFR 121.344(j) until the airplane identified in 

this exemption has been modified to correct this noncompliance. 

7. In the event of an accident or incident after which the DFDR data must be sent to 

the FAA or the National Transportation Safety Board, the operator must provide a 

copy of this exemption. 

8. Within 90 days of receipt of the Airbus modification service bulletins, the 

operator must provide to its principal avionics inspector a schedule for the 

completion of the new installation. Such schedule may not extend beyond the 

date of termination of this exemption. 

This exemption terminates on the sooner of the installation of the software update correcting 

the problem as stated above, or 24 months after the date of the exemption, unless sooner 

superseded or rescinded. 
5

/s/ 

Raymond Towles 

Acting Director, Flight Standards 

 Service 

Issued in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2012. 
6

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A318 22. Feb 07 318-111 N8808FR 3038 

A318 10. Nov 04 318-111 N590EL 2328 

A318 15. Nov 04 318-111 N591EL 2333 

A318 10. Dec 04 318-111 N592EL 2358 

A318 18. Jan 05 318-111 N593EL 2367 

A318 19. Jan 05 318-111 N594EL 2377 

A318 10. Feb 05 318-111 N595EL 2394 

A318 20. Jul 05 318-111 N596EL 2523 

A318 17. Aug 05 318-111 N597EL 2544 

A318 08. Sep 05 318-111 N598EL 2552 

A318 12. Oct. 05 318-111 N589AV 2575 

A318 21. Jul 03 318-111 N801FR 1939 

A318 30. Jul 03 318-111 N802FR 1991 

A318 12. Sep 03 318-111 N803FR 2017 

A318 22. Oct. 03 318-111 N804FR 2051 

A318 10. Mai 04 318-111 N806FR 2218 

A318 25. Oct. 04 318-111 N807FR 2276 

A319 10. Sep 02 319-111 N912FR 1803 

A319 13. Nov 02 319-111 N914FR 1841 

A319 26. Mar 03 319-111 N918FR 1943 

A319 05. Jun 03 319-111 N919FR 1980 

A319 30. Jun 03 319-111 N920FR 1997 

A319 15. Aug 03 319-111 N922FR 2012 

A319 24. Sep 03 319-111 N921FR 2010 

A319 07. Nov 03 319-111 N923FR 2019 

A319 05. Dec 03 319-111 N924FR 2030 

A319 20. Feb 04 319-111 N925FR 2103 

A319 05. Apr 04 319-111 N926FR 2198 

A319 07. Mai 04 319-111 N927FR 2209 

A319 03. Jun 04 319-111 N928FR 2236 

A319 04. Jun 04 319-111 N929FR 2240 

A319 08. Jun 04 319-111 N930FR 2241 

A319 22. Jun 04 319-111 N931FR 2253 

A319 28. Jun 04 319-111 N932FR 2258 

A319 06. Jul 04 319-111 N933FR 2260 

A319 29. Sep 04 319-111 N934FR 2287 

A319 22. Oct. 04 319-111 N935FR 2318 

A319 08. Feb 05 319-111 N936FR 2392 

A319 18. Feb 05 319-111 N937FR 2400 
7

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A319 01. Mar 05 319-111 N938FR 2406 

A319 25. Apr 05 319-111 N939FR 2448 

A319 12. Mai 05 319-111 N940FR 2465 

A319 23. Jun 05 319-111 N942FR 2497 

A319 21. Apr 06 319-111 N945FR 2751 

A319 22. Jun 06 319-111 N947FR 2806 

A319 12. Nov 03 319-112 N992TA 2066 

A319 23. Jan 06 319-112 N266CT 2662 

A319 10. Jun 03 319-112 N259AD 1963 

A319 14. Jun 05 319-112 N941FR 2483 

A319 15. Jul 05 319-112 N943FR 2518 

A319 20. Jul 06 319-112 N948FR 2836 

A319 17. Aug 06 319-112 N949FR 2857 

A319 09. Dec 09 319-112 N951FR 4127 

A319 24. Feb 10 319-112 N952FR 4204 

A319 29. Mar 10 319-112 N953FR 4254 

A319 28. Jun 06 319-112 N522VA 2811 

A319 28. Aug 02 319-114 N346NB 1796 

A319 29. Aug 02 319-114 N347NB 1800 

A319 23. Sep 02 319-114 N348NB 1810 

A319 25. Sep 02 319-114 N349NB 1815 

A319 10. Oct. 02 319-114 N351NB 1820 

A319 22. Oct. 02 319-114 N352NB 1824 

A319 25. Oct. 02 319-114 N353NB 1828 

A319 07. Nov 02 319-114 N354NB 1833 

A319 14. Nov 02 319-114 N355NB 1839 

A319 19. Dec 02 319-114 N357NB 1875 

A319 26. Feb 03 319-114 N359NB 1923 

A319 18. Mar 03 319-114 N358NB 1897 

A319 08. Mai 03 319-114 N360NB 1959 

A319 21. Mai 03 319-114 N361NB 1976 

A319 05. Jun 03 319-114 N362NB 1982 

A319 20. Jun 03 319-114 N363NB 1990 

A319 27. Jun 03 319-114 N364NB 2002 

A319 05. Aug 03 319-114 N365NB 2013 

A319 04. Sep 03 319-114 N366NB 2026 

A319 09. Oct. 03 319-114 N368NB 2039 

A319 07. Nov 03 319-114 N369NB 2047 

A319 09. Dec 03 319-114 N370NB 2087 

A319 12. Dec 03 319-114 N371NB 2095 
8

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A319 11. Mai 06 319-115 N3618F 2748 

A319 26. Sep 08 319-115 N647AV 3647 

A319 07. Nov 08 319-115 N691AV 3691 

A319 26. Feb 10 319-115 N422AV 4200 

A319 15. Mai 06 319-115 N521VA 2773 

A319 09. Jul 07 319-115 N523VA 3181 

A319 08. Aug 07 319-115 N524VA 3204 

A319 03. Dec 07 319-115 N525VA 3324 

A319 09. Jan 08 319-115 N526VA 3347 

A319 03. Mar 08 319-115 N527VA 3417 

A319 28. Mar 08 319-115 N528VA 3445 

A319 03. Nov 08 319-115 N529VA 3684 

A319 03. Nov 08 319-115 N530VA 3686 

A319 29. Mar 05 319-132 N502NK 2433 

A319 23. Mai 05 319-132 N503NK 2470 

A319 31. Mai 05 319-132 N504NK 2473 

A319 21. Jun 05 319-132 N505NK 2485 

A319 24. Jun 05 319-132 N506NK 2490 

A319 29. Sep 05 319-132 N507NK 2560 

A319 27. Oct. 05 319-132 N508NK 2567 

A319 28. Nov 05 319-132 N509NK 2603 

A319 06. Dec 05 319-132 N510NK 2622 

A319 02. Feb 06 319-132 N512NK 2673 

A319 07. Feb 06 319-132 N514NK 2679 

A319 14. Mar 06 319-132 N517NK 2711 

A319 23. Mar 06 319-132 N516NK 2704 

A319 09. Nov 06 319-132 N522NK 2893 

A319 09. Nov 06 319-132 N523NK 2898 

A319 09. Nov 06 319-132 N524NK 2929 

A319 29. Nov 06 319-132 N525NK 2942 

A319 07. Dec 06 319-132 N526NK 2963 

A319 10. Jan 07 319-132 N527NK 2978 

A319 19. Jan 07 319-132 N528NK 2983 

A319 01. Feb 07 319-132 N529NK 3007 

A319 09. Feb 07 319-132 N530NK 3017 

A319 28. Feb 07 319-132 N531NK 3026 

A319 18. Jun 07 319-132 N532NK 3165 

A319 06. Feb 08 319-132 N533NK 3393 

A319 15. Feb 08 319-132 N534NK 3395 

A319 30. Jun 03 319-132 N476TA 1934 
9

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A319 26. Nov 03 319-132 N477TA 1952 

A319 19. Nov 04 319-132 N478TA 2339 

A319 14. Apr 05 319-132 N479TA 2444 

A319 14. Mar 07 319-132 N480TA 3057 

A319 10. Sep 07 319-132 N520TA 3248 

A319 18. Oct. 07 319-132 N521TA 3276 

A319 19. Nov 02 319-132 N833AW 1844 

A319 04. Oct. 04 319-132 N834AW 2302 

A319 12. Mai 05 319-132 N835AW 2458 

A319 12. Oct. 05 319-132 N836AW 2570 

A319 04. Nov 05 319-132 N837AW 2595 

A319 17. Nov 05 319-132 N838AW 2615 

A319 01. Feb 06 319-132 N839AW 2669 

A319 13. Feb 06 319-132 N840AW 2690 

A319 18. Apr 08 319-132 N502VL 3463 

A319 21. Apr 08 319-132 N503VL 3491 

A319 22. Jul 08 319-132 N504VL 3590 

A319 19. Jan 07 319-133 N501VL 2979 

A320 20. Nov 03 320-211 N377NW 2082 

A320 18. Dec 03 320-211 N378NW 2092 

A320 31. Oct. 08 320-214 N664AV 3664 

A320 07. Jul 09 320-214 N961AV 3961 

A320 27. Jul 09 320-214 N980AV 3980 

A320 03. Aug 09 320-214 N398AV 3988 

A320 10. Aug 09 320-214 N992AV 3992 

A320 14. Aug 09 320-214 N401AV 4001 

A320 03. Sep 09 320-214 N411AV 4011 

A320 22. Sep 09 320-214 N426AV 4026 

A320 01. Oct. 09 320-214 N446AV 4046 

A320 15. Oct. 09 320-214 N451AV 4051 

A320 19. Jan 10 320-214 N416AV 4167 

A320 09. Feb 10 320-214 N417AV 4175 

A320 05. Mai 10 320-214 N281AV 4281 

A320 18. Mai 10 320-214 N284AV 4284 

A320 01. Jul 10 320-214 N345AV 4345 

A320 30. Aug 10 320-214 N481AV 4381 

A320 13. Dec 04 320-214 N204FR 2325 

A320 07. Feb 08 320-214 N201FR 3389 

A320 06. Mar 08 320-214 N202FR 3431 

A320 30. Mar 10 320-214 N205FR 4253 
10

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A320 27. Apr 10 320-214 N206FR 4272 

A320 11. Mai 10 320-214 N207FR 4307 

A320 28. Oct. 02 320-214 N263AV 1860 

A320 21. Nov 02 320-214 N264AV 1867 

A320 09. Nov 09 320-214 N125UW 4086 

A320 23. Dec 09 320-214 N126UW 4149 

A320 24. Feb 10 320-214 N127UW 4202 

A320 26. Mar 10 320-214 N128UW 4242 

A320 23. Feb 06 320-214 N621VA 2616 

A320 23. Mar 06 320-214 N622VA 2674 

A320 11. Apr 06 320-214 N623VA 2740 

A320 30. Mai 06 320-214 N624VA 2778 

A320 19. Jun 06 320-214 N625VA 2800 

A320 11. Jul 06 320-214 N626VA 2830 

A320 24. Aug 06 320-214 N627VA 2851 

A320 18. Jan 07 320-214 N628VA 2993 

A320 26. Jan 07 320-214 N639VA 3016 

A320 23. Feb 07 320-214 N629VA 3037 

A320 27. Apr 07 320-214 N630VA 3101 

A320 25. Mai 07 320-214 N631VA 3135 

A320 12. Jun 07 320-214 N632VA 3155 

A320 13. Sep 07 320-214 N633VA 3230 

A320 18. Dec 07 320-214 N640VA 3349 

A320 14. Jan 08 320-214 N634VA 3359 

A320 19. Feb 08 320-214 N635VA 3398 

A320 15. Apr 08 320-214 N636VA 3460 

A320 15. Apr 08 320-214 N637VA 3465 

A320 08. Mai 08 320-214 N638VA 3503 

A320 27. Oct. 08 320-214 N641VA 3656 

A320 03. Nov 08 320-214 N642VA 3670 

A320 27. Sep 10 320-214 N835VA 4448 

A320 29. Oct. 10 320-214 N836VA 4480 

A320 09. Sep 02 320-232 N547JB 1849 

A320 04. Dec 02 320-232 N554JB 1898 

A320 17. Dec 02 320-232 N552JB 1861 

A320 18. Dec 02 320-232 N556JB 1904 

A320 29. Jan 03 320-232 N558JB 1915 

A320 06. Feb 03 320-232 N559JB 1917 

A320 12. Feb 03 320-232 N561JB 1927 

A320 12. Mar 03 320-232 N562JB 1948 
11

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A320 21. Mai 03 320-232 N563JB 2006 

A320 04. Jun 03 320-232 N564JB 2020 

A320 18. Jun 03 320-232 N565JB 2031 

A320 30. Jun 03 320-232 N566JB 2042 

A320 30. Jul 03 320-232 N568JB 2063 

A320 20. Aug 03 320-232 N569JB 2075 

A320 01. Oct. 03 320-232 N570JB 2099 

A320 05. Nov 03 320-232 N571JB 2125 

A320 12. Nov 03 320-232 N579JB 2132 

A320 17. Nov 03 320-232 N580JB 2136 

A320 07. Jan 04 320-232 N583JB 2150 

A320 14. Jan 04 320-232 N584JB 2149 

A320 11. Feb 04 320-232 N585JB 2159 

A320 17. Feb 04 320-232 N586JB 2160 

A320 31. Mar 04 320-232 N587JB 2177 

A320 13. Mai 04 320-232 N588JB 2201 

A320 03. Jun 04 320-232 N589JB 2215 

A320 28. Jun 04 320-232 N590JB 2231 

A320 04. Aug 04 320-232 N591JB 2246 

A320 01. Sep 04 320-232 N592JB 2259 

A320 29. Sep 04 320-232 N593JB 2280 

A320 12. Oct. 04 320-232 N594JB 2284 

A320 14. Oct. 04 320-232 N595JB 2286 

A320 09. Nov 04 320-232 N597JB 2307 

A320 18. Nov 04 320-232 N598JB 2314 

A320 15. Dec 04 320-232 N599JB 2336 

A320 12. Jan 05 320-232 N603JB 2352 

A320 10. Feb 05 320-232 N605JB 2368 

A320 23. Feb 05 320-232 N606JB 2384 

A320 24. Feb 05 320-232 N607JB 2386 

A320 13. Apr 05 320-232 N608JB 2415 

A320 26. Mai 05 320-232 N612JB 2447 

A320 15. Jun 05 320-232 N613JB 2449 

A320 20. Jun 05 320-232 N615JB 2461 

A320 20. Jul 05 320-232 N618JB 2489 

A320 21. Jul 05 320-232 N621JB 2491 

A320 10. Aug 05 320-232 N623JB 2504 

A320 31. Aug 05 320-232 N624JB 2520 

A320 28. Sep 05 320-232 N625JB 2535 

A320 03. Nov 05 320-232 N627JB 2577 
12

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A320 03. Nov 05 320-232 N629JB 2580 

A320 22. Dec 05 320-232 N630JB 2640 

A320 11. Jan 06 320-232 N632JB 2647 

A320 01. Feb 06 320-232 N633JB 2671 

A320 13. Mar 06 320-232 N634JB 2710 

A320 03. Apr 06 320-232 N636JB 2755 

A320 04. Apr 06 320-232 N635JB 2725 

A320 23. Mai 06 320-232 N637JB 2781 

A320 14. Jun 06 320-232 N638JB 2802 

A320 28. Jun 06 320-232 N639JB 2814 

A320 12. Jul 06 320-232 N640JB 2832 

A320 02. Aug 06 320-232 N641JB 2848 

A320 07. Sep 06 320-232 N643JB 2871 

A320 20. Sep 06 320-232 N644JB 2880 

A320 05. Oct. 06 320-232 N645JB 2900 

A320 15. Nov 06 320-232 N646JB 2945 

A320 06. Dec 06 320-232 N649JB 2977 

A320 07. Dec 06 320-232 N648JB 2970 

A320 10. Jan 07 320-232 N651JB 2992 

A320 07. Feb 07 320-232 N652JB 3029 

A320 15. Feb 07 320-232 N653JB 3039 

A320 22. Mar 07 320-232 N655JB 3072 

A320 04. Apr 07 320-232 N656JB 3091 

A320 04. Mai 07 320-232 N657JB 3119 

A320 06. Jun 07 320-232 N658JB 3150 

A320 18. Jul 07 320-232 N659JB 3190 

A320 07. Sep 07 320-232 N661JB 3228 

A320 03. Oct. 07 320-232 N662JB 3263 

A320 26. Oct. 07 320-232 N663JB 3287 

A320 13. Dec 07 320-232 N665JB 3348 

A320 30. Jan 08 320-232 N703JB 3381 

A320 27. Feb 08 320-232 N705JB 3416 

A320 27. Mar 08 320-232 N706JB 3451 

A320 23. Apr 08 320-232 N708JB 3479 

A320 07. Mai 08 320-232 N709JB 3488 

A320 12. Jun 08 320-232 N712JB 3517 

A320 17. Jul 08 320-232 N715JB 3554 

A320 06. Aug 08 320-232 N729JB 3572 

A320 24. Sep 08 320-232 N746JB 3622 

A320 27. Oct. 08 320-232 N760JB 3659 
13

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A320 25. Nov 08 320-232 N763JB 3707 

A320 11. Dec 08 320-232 N766JB 3724 

A320 28. Jan 09 320-232 N768JB 3760 

A320 20. Feb 09 320-232 N775JB 3800 

A320 11. Mar 09 320-232 N779JB 3811 

A320 04. Mar 10 320-232 N601NK 4206 

A320 08. Apr 10 320-232 N602NK 4264 

A320 27. Mai 10 320-232 N603NK 4321 

A320 14. Sep 10 320-232 N604NK 4431 

A320 30. Aug 02 320-232 N495UA 1842 

A320 05. Sep 02 320-232 N494UA 1840 

A320 12. Sep 02 320-232 N496UA 1845 

A320 18. Sep 02 320-232 N497UA 1847 

A320 17. Oct. 02 320-232 N498UA 1865 

A320 17. Jun 03 320-232 N601AW 1935 

A320 05. Mai 04 320-232 N672AW 2193 

A320 19. Nov 04 320-232 N673AW 2312 

A320 31. Mar 05 320-232 N675AW 2405 

A320 28. Apr 05 320-232 N676AW 2422 

A320 06. Mai 05 320-232 N677AW 2430 

A320 28. Jun 05 320-232 N678AW 2482 

A320 05. Dec 05 320-232 N679AW 2613 

A320 20. Dec 05 320-232 N680AW 2630 

A320 25. Oct. 04 320-233 N490TA 2282 

A320 08. Nov 04 320-233 N491TA 2301 

A320 13. Mai 05 320-233 N492TA 2434 

A320 23. Oct. 06 320-233 N493TA 2917 

A320 22. Feb 07 320-233 N494TA 3042 

A320 17. Apr 07 320-233 N495TA 3103 

A320 27. Apr 07 320-233 N496TA 3113 

A320 24. Jan 08 320-233 N497TA 3378 

A320 03. Mar 08 320-233 N498TA 3418 

A320 09. Jun 08 320-233 N499TA 3510 

A320 02. Jul 08 320-233 N680TA 3538 

A320 13. Aug 08 320-233 N681TA 3577 

A320 26. Aug 08 320-233 N682TA 3581 

A321 17. Jul 08 321-211 N193UW 3584 

A321 28. Aug 08 321-211 N194UW 3629 

A321 08. Sep 08 321-211 N195UW 3633 

A321 24. Apr 09 321-211 N196UW 3879 
14

Airplane 

Type 

Prod Delivery 

date

Model Registration Manufacturer’s 

Serial Number 

(MSN)

A321 03. Jun 09 321-211 N197UW 3928 

A321 06. Jun 05 321-231 N587NK 2476 

A321 28. Oct. 05 321-231 N588NK 2590 

A321 22. Sep 05 321-231 N566TA 2553 

A321 16. Nov 05 321-231 N567TA 2610 

A321 17. Feb 06 321-231 N568TA 2687 

A321 04. Oct. 06 321-231 N564TA 2862 

A321 29. Apr 09 321-231 N570TA 3869 

A321 20. Nov 08 321-231 N507AY 3712 

A321 19. Dec 08 321-231 N508AY 3740 

A321 17. Feb 09 321-231 N509AY 3796 

A321 31. Mar 09 321-231 N510UW 3858 

A321 23. Apr 09 321-231 N519UW 3881 

A321 28. Mai 09 321-231 N520UW 3924 

A321 18. Jun 09 321-231 N521UW 3944 

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A321 30. Jul 09 321-231 N534UW 3989 

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A321 15. Dec 09 321-231 N542UW 4134 
Greg Bresee <greg.bresee@virginamerica.com> 

ATA 31 - FDR BRAKE PRESSURE (LH and RH) PARAMETER RECORDING 

ISSUE

1 message

OIT-Dispatch, AIRBUS <Airbus.OIT-Dispatch@airbus.com> Tue, Jun 5, 2012 at 8:06 AM 

To: ENGINEERING@virginamerica.com, ANA.DINIS@virginamerica.com, 

BETH.MEDLEN@virginamerica.com, BOB.WEATHERLY@virginamerica.com, 

CHRISTINA.BRUNN@virginamerica.com, DONALD.OLSEN@virginamerica.com, 

ED.TURNER@virginamerica.com, MAINTENANCE.CONTROL@virginamerica.com, 

MARK.BIANCHI@virginamerica.com, MARK.BREGAR@virginamerica.com, 

NICHOLAS.BROHM@virginamerica.com, TECHPUBS@virginamerica.com, TIM.HANEY@virginamerica.com, 

TIM.THORNTON@virginamerica.com, TOM.KILBOURN@virginamerica.com 

Cc: VRDSFO <VRDSFO@airbus.com> 

FROM : AIRBUS CUSTOMER SERVICES TOULOUSE 

TO : ALL A318/A319/A320/A321 OPERATORS 

OPERATOR INFORMATION TRANSMISSION - OPERATOR INFORMATION TRANSMISSION 

SUBJECT: ATA 31 - FDR Brake pressure (LH & RH) parameter recording issue 

OUR REF.: 999.0046/12 DATED 05 Jun 2012. 

OIT CATEGORY: AIRWORTHINESS 

NOTICE: This OIT provides information on continuous airworthiness subjects or documents. It is each 

Operator's responsibility to distribute this OIT, or to distribute the information contained in this OIT, to all of 

their applicable Maintenance and Engineering organizations for information and application of the 

recommendation. 

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS: 

Ref.1: Airbus OIT 999.0112/97 REVISION 03 DATED 21 DEC 2000 

Ref.2: Airbus Petition letter for Exemption, FAR 121.344, Appendix M to FAR 121.344, Parameter 68 

"Brake Pressure (left and right)", reference: SA31M12009739 

Ref.3: Airbus - Exemption/Rulemaking Document ID: FAA-2012-0429-0001 Docket ID: FAA-2012-0429 

1. PURPOSE 

The aim of this OIT is to inform all A320 family operators about a recording issue affecting #Brake 

Pressure# parameter M68 in the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the impact on the compliance with FAA 

rule 14 CFR 121.344 Appendix M. 

2. APPLICABILITY 

All A320 family aircraft fitted with Sagem or Teledyne FDIU software with a 256 words/second recording 

speed. 

The 256 w/s recording speed is activated with MOD 32339 (SB 31-1212) or MOD 32452 (SB 31-1384). 

Virgin America Mail - ATA 31 - FDR BRAKE PRESSURE (LH and RH) PARAMETER... Page 1 of 3

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Aircraft fitted with a 1024 words/second FDR recording speed are not impacted by this parameter M68 

issue. 

1024 words/second FDR recording speed is activated with optional MOD 151637, MOD 151680 or MOD 

153923. No standard SB is available. 

3. BACKGROUND 

FDIU software with a 256 words/second recording speed were developed to add several parameters on 

FDR and also to comply with FAR 121.344 requirements (see Ref.1). 

The new parameter M68 #Brake Pressure (left and right)# introduced in the 256 w/s FDR frame allows to 

determine pressure delivered to the brakes through brake pedals or by autobrake system. 

The brake pressure data is acquired by FDIU software from the Braking and Steering Control Unit (BSCU) 

and then recorded on FDR M68 parameter. The M68 parameter is composed of several #sub-parameters# 

(M68a01 to M68a19) to gather information on aircraft braking system. 

The M68 parameter definition only takes into account full landing gear configuration i.e. with 8 wheels (4 

wheels on main landing gear + 4 wheels for aircraft fitted with bogie landing gear). 

Bogie Landing Gear is installed through MOD 20139 and can be removed with MOD 22129. 

Refer to M68 Parameter Recording Map in Appendix of this OIT. 

Wheel 1 data is recorded on sub-parameter M68a01, Wheel 2 on M68a02... 

For more detailed information about the FDR data frame, refer to Flight Data Recording Parameter Library 

(FDRPL). 

The brake pressure data is recorded on FDR Word 61 for LH wheels 1,2,5,6 and word 189 for RH wheels 

3,4,7,8. The LH & RH brake pressure data is recorded every second i.e. once every four second per wheel. 

This results in following recording sequence: LH: 1/2/5/6/1/2... RH: 3/4/7/8/3/4/... 

If a bogie landing gear is not installed (i.e MOD 20139 not embodied or MOD 20139 + 22129 embodied), 

then the brake pressure data on wheel 5,6,7,8 will be recorded as Non Computed Data (NCD). This results 

in a 2 second data gap within the 4 seconds frame (LH: 1/2/x/x/1/2... and RH 3/4/x/x/3/4...). 

FAA rule 14 CFR 121.344 Appendix M requires that brake pressure information is recorded every second 

on Left and Right side of the Landing gear. Such a rule is applicable to all N-registered aircraft produced 

between 19 AUG 2002 and 06 DEC 2010. All these aircraft have been delivered with a 256 w/s recording 

speed FDIU software(see Ref.1). 

The M68 parameter "Brake Pressure (left and right)" is therefore not recorded within the required ranges, 

accuracies, resolutions, and recording intervals when aircraft is not fitted with bogie landing gear and is in 

normal braking mode as specified in FAR 121.344, Appendix M. 

From 06 DEC 2010, to comply with FAA rule 121.344 Appendix M amendment 121-349, new FDIU 

software with 1024 w/s recording speed were embodied on Airbus aircraft. Since recording rate of 

parameter M68 was increased to 1 second for each wheel, these aircraft are therefore not impacted by 

parameter M68 recording issue. 

4. DESCRIPTION/RECOMMENDATION 

Airbus has launched the development of new FDIUs software based on 256 words/second DFDR recording 

speed. These software will record on FDR required sampling of Normal Brake Pressure (left & Right) 

independently of the aircraft Landing gear configuration (i.e. 4 or 8 wheels). 

These new software are planned to be available on Q3 of 2013 through Service Bulletins (SB). 

Airbus on behalf of affected operators has sent to the FAA a Petition for Exemption letter (Ref.2) which has 

been published by FAA in (Ref.3) document. 

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0429-0001

Virgin America Mail - ATA 31 - FDR BRAKE PRESSURE (LH and RH) PARAMETER... Page 2 of 3

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Operators may use this docket to submit comments or other useful information. 

FAA indicates that exemptions from operational CFR parts (e.g. part FAR 93, part 121) are usually granted 

to operators only. Therefore, the docket may also be used by operators to submit petitions on the same 

topic. 

However, in the current case, FAA may be able to grant exemptions to affected operators based on 

AIRBUS petition. This could be processed by FAA, after AIRBUS has provided FAA in the course of June 

2012 with identification of all affected aircraft, registration numbers and owners. Such aircraft list may be 

shown on FAA docket. 

For more information on FAR regulation matters such as petition or exemption processes, please contact 

your FAA local representative. 

5. FOLLOW UP 

Operators will be kept advised of progress on this issue via issuance early June of a new Technical FollowUp (TFU) ref 31.33.00.024. 

6. CONTACTS 

Questions about the technical content of this OIT are to be addressed to: 

Sebastien DE MARCO 

Indicating & Recording Systems Engineer - SEEA1 

CUSTOMER SERVICES 

Phone: +33 (0)5 67 19 52 02 

Fax: +33 (0)5 61 93 44 25 

Mailto: sebastien.s.de-marco@airbus.com

Best Regards, 

Laurent ALEGRE 

Head of Avionics & Electrics Department - SEEA 

CUSTOMER SERVICES 

If there is any change of "Engineering or Flight Operations officer" who dispatch Airbus transmissions, 

please advise Airbus via the address: transmissions-dispatch.admin@airbus.com. 

The transmission ́s attachments (if any) can be downloaded from AirbusWorld via AirN@v/Engineering. 

 <<Appendix999.0046_12.PDF>> 

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than the addressee. Access to this e-mail by anyone else is unauthorised. 

If you are not the intended recipient, please notify Airbus immediately and delete this e-mail. 

Airbus cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this e-mail as it has been sent 

over public networks. If you have any concerns over the content of this message or its Accuracy or 

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Appendix999.0046_12.PDF

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