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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 3 (Monday, January 6, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 543-545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31313]

[[Page 543]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0467; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-023-AD; 
Amendment 39-17716; AD 2013-26-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of certain sliding windows that were difficult to 
operate after landing. This AD requires a detailed inspection to 
identify part numbers of sliding windows and sliding window seals, and 
modification if necessary. This AD also includes an optional 
replacement. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect 
seals, which could lead to the functional loss of the sliding window as 
an exit, possibly preventing the flightcrew from safely evacuating the 
airplane during an emergency.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 10, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 10, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0467; or in person at the 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC.
    For Airbus 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. For PPG Aerospace service information identified in 
this AD, contact PPG Aerospace, 12780 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, CA 
91342; telephone 818-362-6711; fax 818-362-0603; Internet http://corporateportal.ppg.com/na/aerospace. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; 
fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2013 (78 FR 
40057). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0011, dated January 15, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences have been reported on A320 family aeroplanes 
of PPG sliding windows that were difficult to operate after landing.
    The investigation results revealed that when a seal having Part 
Number (P/N) 22-17-7640-1 or P/N 22-17-7640-2 is installed on a 
sliding window, closure of the window can create a vacuum between 
the 2 tubes of the pressure seal, leading to the window remaining 
stuck to the frame on the fuselage side, due to suction effect.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
functional loss of the sliding window as an exit, possibly 
preventing the flight crew from safely evacuating the aeroplane 
during an emergency.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed inspection (DI) of the sliding windows and its seal to 
identify the affected sliding window seals and, depending on 
findings, accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions 
[corrective action includes a modification or replacement].

    The subject area on certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and A321 
series airplanes is almost identical to that on the affected Model A320 
series airplanes. Therefore, those Model A318, A319, and A321 series 
airplanes may be subject to the unsafe condition revealed on the Model 
A320 series airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-
0467-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received.

Request for Identification Change

    United Airlines (UAL) requested that the modification be recorded 
at the part number level, instead of the serial number level. UAL 
explained that re-identifying the post-modification window at the 
serial number level only will potentially lead to de-modification of 
the window, which could result in the unsafe condition identified in 
the NPRM (78 FR 40057, July 3, 2013). UAL reasoned that re-identifying 
the window at the part number level would better allow operators to 
manage the post-AD configuration.
    UAL provided further substantiation to add the ``M'' to the part 
number instead of the serial number during a teleconference with us 
during the week of September 23, 2013. UAL's reason for adding the 
``M'' to the part number is related to the convenience/preference of 
UAL maintenance practices.
    We disagree with the request to require recording the modification 
at the part number level. After coordinating with Airbus, we have 
determined that adding ``M'' to the serial number will prevent 
installation of unsafe sliding window part numbers without changing the 
part number configuration and associated administrative processes to 
change part numbers. However, we have revised paragraph (h) of this 
final rule to include phrasing to clarify and to allow for modification 
to be recorded at the serial number level of the affected part number.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 40057, July 3, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 40057, July 3, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects 
about 851 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take 
about 3 work-

[[Page 544]]

hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $217,005, or $255 
per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $85 
per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that 
may need these actions.

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.

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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0467-0002; or in 
person at the Docket Operations office 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 Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

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:

    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 AD:

2013-26-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-17716. Docket No. FAA-2013-0467; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-023-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 10, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -
133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of certain sliding windows that 
were difficult to operate after landing. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct incorrect seals, which could lead to the 
functional loss of the sliding window as an exit, possibly 
preventing the flightcrew from safely evacuating the airplane during 
an emergency.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 750 flight cycles or 750 flight hours or 4 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed 
inspection to identify part numbers (P/Ns) of each window and seal 
of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sliding windows and 
sliding window seals, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-56-1016, including 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 14, 2012. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number of the window and seal of the LH and RH sliding windows 
and sliding window seals can be conclusively determined from that 
review.

 (h) Modification

    If a sliding window part number identified in table 1 to 
paragraph (h) of this AD is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD; and the serial number of the part does not 
have the modification amendment letter ``M,'' and does have sliding 
window seals having P/N 22-17-7640-1 or P/N 22-17-7640-2 installed: 
Within the compliance time specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, 
modify the sliding window seal (which includes adding the letter 
``M'' to serial number of the affected part), in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-56-1015, 
dated September 14, 2012.

   Table 1 to Paragraph (h) of This AD--Affected PPG Aerospace Sliding
                           Window Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Left-hand                            Right-hand
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NP165312-1                           NP165312-2
NP165312-3                           NP165312-4
NP165312-5                           NP165312-6
NP165312-7                           NP165312-8
NP165312-9                           NP165312-10
NP165312-11                          NP165312-12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (i) Optional Replacement

    For sliding windows identified as affected in paragraph (h) of 
this AD, replacement of a sliding window seal having P/N 22-17-7640-
1 L/H or P/N 22-17-7640-2 R/H with a seal having P/N 22-17-7640-3 L/
H or P/N 22-17-7640-4 R/H, respectively, in accordance with a method 
approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent), is an acceptable alternative 
method of compliance with the modification required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Guidance for replacement of 
a sliding window seal can be found in Page Block 401 of Sub-section 
56-12-11 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual.

(j) Exceptions to Requirements of Paragraphs (g) and (h) of This AD

    (1) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 153512 (installation 
of sliding

[[Page 545]]

window with P/N NP165312-13 and P/N NP165312-14 with improved seal) 
or Modification 153534 (installation of sliding window with P/N 
NP165312-11 and P/N NP165312-12 with amendment M) has been embodied 
in production are not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD, provided that no sliding window or sliding 
window seal has been replaced since first flight.
    (2) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 39587 (installation 
of affected seal on PPG Aerospace sliding windows) has not been 
embodied in production are not affected by the requirements of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, provided that no sliding window 
or sliding window seal has been replaced since first flight.

 (k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane any PPG Aerospace sliding window with a part number 
listed in table 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD with a seal having P/N 
22-17-7640-1 or P/N 22-17-7640-2, unless the seal has been modified 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-56-1015, dated September 14, 2012; or PPG Aerospace 
Service Bulletin 165312-56-001, dated February 29, 2012.

 (l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0011, dated January 15, 2013, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-
0467-0002.

(n) 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 A320-56-1015, dated September 14, 
2012.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-56-1016, including Appendices 
01 and 02, dated September 14, 2012.
    (iii) PPG Aerospace Service Bulletin 165312-56-001, dated 
February 29, 2012.
    (3) For Airbus 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.
    (4) For PPG Aerospace service information identified in this AD, 
contact PPG Aerospace, 12780 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, CA 91342; 
telephone 818-362-6711; fax 818-362-0603; Internet http://corporateportal.ppg.com/na/aerospace.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (6) 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 Renton, Washington, on December 20, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-31313 Filed 1-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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