Document ID: FAA-2018-0077-0009
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-08-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 8, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38959-38964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16736]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0077; Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD; Amendment 
39-19352; AD 2018-16-12]
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 certain 
Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, 
-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of battery retaining rod failures due to quality defects of the 
material used during parts manufacturing. This AD requires a detailed 
inspection of the battery support assemblies to identify the battery 
retaining rod manufacturer, replacement of the battery retaining rods 
with serviceable battery retaining rods if necessary, and the addition 
of the applicable service information label on each battery retaining 
rod if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 12, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 12, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 2 Rond Point Emile 
Dewoitine, 31700 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 St., 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

[[Page 38960]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0077.

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-
0077; 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 St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A319 
and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, 
-213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 5960) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0161R1, dated September 19, 2017; corrected September 20, 2017 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Several occurrences have been reported of battery rod failures 
on certain Airbus aeroplanes. Subsequent examination of broken rod 
parts determined that these failures were due to quality defects of 
the material used during parts manufacturing. Each battery is 
secured on an aeroplane by two rods. Failure of one rod, in case of 
severe turbulence during flight or hard landing, could lead to 
battery displacement, or roll on the remaining rod side, up to a 
point where the remaining rod could be disengaged. The battery could 
ultimately detach from its housing and damage relays, connectors, 
contactor boxes, air ducts and surrounding structure.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
loss of the normal electrical generation not followed by an 
automatic recovery of essential network.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16 (later revised) and EASA 
issued AD 2016-0204 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-25-24 (81 FR 
90958, December 16, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-24'')] requiring repetitive 
general visual inspections (GVI) of the four battery rods (two per 
battery), and, in case of findings, replacement of battery rods.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, the manufacturer of the broken 
battery retaining rods has been identified, which allows proper 
identification of the affected parts and their withdrawal from 
service. Consequently, Airbus issued [service bulletin] SB A320-92-
1116 and SB A320-92-1118 to provide the necessary instructions to 
the affected operators. No rods delivered as spare parts are 
affected by the manufacturing issue.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0204, which is superseded, and requires 
replacement of battery retaining rods depending on manufacturer 
identification. This [EASA] AD also provides a terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections.

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-
0077.

Comments

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

Request To Revise the Compliance Time

    Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) requested that we 
revise the compliance time. ALPA stated that the proposed AD specifies 
a compliance time of within 24 months after the AD effective date. ALPA 
commented that because the proposed AD is related to quality, it 
believes this compliance time is insufficient. ALPA also commented that 
since the issuance of the manufacturer's service information, operators 
have had over 12 months to comply with the required corrective actions. 
ALPA stated that, additionally, the time estimated to complete the 
inspections and replacement of the affected parts is minimal. ALPA 
recommended that we consider a compliance time of within 12 months 
after the AD effective date.
    We disagree with the commenter. While some U.S. operators have had 
time to plan and schedule the work contained in the Airbus service 
information, there is no obligation for any U.S. operator to perform 
those actions without a regulatory requirement. Therefore, we agree 
with EASA's decision to allow a 24-month compliance time to plan, 
schedule, and accomplish the actions necessary to remove the unsafe 
condition. If additional data are presented that would justify a 
shorter compliance time, we may consider further rulemaking on this 
issue. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise the Definition of Serviceable Rod

    Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that we revise the definition of a 
serviceable rod in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. DAL stated to add 
an additional paragraph that specifies:

    A battery retaining rod with an ISB [inspection service 
bulletin] label installed in accordance with the accomplishment 
instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, 
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series 
airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -
232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 
00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N 
airplanes).

    We partially agree with revising the definition of a serviceable 
rod in paragraph (g) of this AD. We have determined that the 
installation of the ISB label does not affect the unsafe condition and 
have removed the requirement from this AD. We have coordinated this 
changed with EASA. Furthermore, we have revised paragraph (g) of this 
AD to clarify that the battery retaining rod used for replacement must 
be positively identified as a serviceable battery retaining rod.

Request for Clarification Regarding Manufacturer Serial Numbers

    United Airlines (UAL) requested clarification regarding 
manufacturer serial numbers in the proposed AD. UAL stated that the 
manufacturer serial numbers are not applicable to the proposed AD as 
identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 
00, dated January 31, 2017. UAL stated that, although the machining 
that caused the failure mode is identified in the service information, 
the same battery retaining rod part number used in pre- and post-
service information remains unchanged. UAL commented that it is unclear 
whether a serial number, batch number, or date exists for those battery 
retaining rods. UAL also asked how were the battery

[[Page 38961]]

retaining rod spares deemed to be serviceable in paragraph (g)(1) of 
the proposed AD?
    We agree to provide clarification for the commenter. According to 
EASA AD 2017-0161R1, dated September 19, 2017; corrected September 20, 
2017; no spares with manufacturing defects were delivered by Airbus. 
Only a certain batch of defective parts were installed in production on 
certain manufacturer serial numbers as specified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017. If 
an operator does not have an airplane affected as specified in the 
service information, then there is no concern relative to defective 
spare parts. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify the Identification of Affected Parts

    DAL requested that we clarify the identification of the affected 
parts in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD. DAL stated that the detailed 
inspection to identify the battery retaining rod manufacturer should be 
of the battery support assemblies and not the battery retaining rods.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised paragraph 
(h) of this AD to require a detailed inspection of the battery support 
assemblies to identify the manufacturer of the battery retaining rods.

Request To Include an Additional Method of Compliance to the AD 
Requirements

    DAL requested that we add an additional method of compliance for 
paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of the proposed AD. DAL stated that the 
language, ``or using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA),'' should be included as an option 
to using the service information. DAL also stated that this language 
should be considered standard wording for future ADs as applicable.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. We have already provided 
a method of compliance (MOC) for paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this 
AD in accordance with the applicable service information. Any 
deviations from the required MOC would need an evaluation in form of an 
AMOC. DAL's proposed option is generally utilized in cases where no MOC 
has been established or we have known information that the MOC may not 
be applicable for all airplanes in the U.S fleet. We have not changed 
the AD in this regard.

Request To Not Require Certain Service Information Labels on the 
Battery Rod

    DAL and American Airlines (AA) requested that we not mandate that a 
service information label be attached to each battery retaining rod as 
required by the Airbus service information specified in paragraphs (j) 
and (l) of the proposed AD. AA also requested that we not mandate 
attachments of a service information label as part of the replacement 
required by paragraph (i) of the proposed AD. DAL stated that it has 7 
affected airplanes that would have a different final configuration than 
the current and future fleet of 348 airplanes in its A320FAM fleet.
    AA stated that all battery retaining rods provided by Airbus post 
August 2016 are marked and stamped with manufactures part number (MPN) 
D8241023700000. AA commented that this marking of the new battery 
retaining rods can be used in lieu of the information service bulletin 
(ISB) label. AA also commented that it plans to replace all existing 
battery retaining rods with the new battery retaining rods that are 
marked with MPN D8241023700000.
    In addition, AA stated that installing the ISB label on the battery 
retaining rods on 128 of its A319/A320 airplanes does not add a safety 
value, but will put a burden on AA to maintain two different 
configurations of battery retaining rod installation between 128 
airplanes that are effected by the service information in the proposed 
AD and 265 airplanes that are not affected by the service information 
in the proposed AD.
    We agree with the commenters' request. We agree that the ISB label 
is not necessary to mitigate the risk addressed in this AD. Therefore, 
we have determined that the installation of ISB label should be 
optional and not a required for compliance (RC) step.
    However, 14 CFR 39.9, specifies that operators have a continuing 
obligation to maintain compliance with an AD, and the installation of 
the ISB label or an equivalent method to identify a serviceable battery 
retaining rod provides the operators with a simplified way to 
demonstrate compliance with the AD requirements. We have removed 
paragraph (j) of the proposed AD and revised paragraph (l) of this AD 
to revise the terminating action requirements. We have also added 
paragraph (j) of this AD to provide an exception to paragraph (i) of 
this AD, which specifies that installing the ISB label is not a 
requirement in this AD.

Request To Revise the Terminating Action Paragraph

    DAL requested that paragraph (l) of the proposed AD, ``Terminating 
Action,'' be revised to read, ``Replacement of all battery retaining 
rods,'' and not, ``Replacement of all battery retaining rods marked 
`SA. . . .' '' DAL stated that the battery retaining rods are not 
marked with ``SA,'' only the battery support assemblies.
    We agree with the commenter's request and have revised the AD 
accordingly.

Request To Use Alternate Part Numbers

    Spirit Airlines requested that either the service information or 
the proposed AD be revised to provide the use of alternate materials to 
label part number (P/N) ASNE0248A1-4H9. Spirit Airlines stated that P/N 
ASNE0248A1-4H9 is no longer available, and that alternate P/N E0248A1-
4H9P and P/N ASNE0248A1-4H9T may be obtained from Airbus. Spirit 
Airlines believes that use of these alternate part numbers would 
provide an equivalent level of safety as referenced in Airbus Dossier 
Reference 80403684/003, dated January 8, 2018, and Airbus Retrofit 
Information Letter SA92M16012714 R00, dated February 1, 2017.
    DAL requested that a previously approved AMOC be used in the 
proposed AD. DAL stated that in paragraph (h) and (j) of the proposed 
AD, Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 
31, 2017, calls out a non-procurable part number for the identification 
label. Therefore, DAL proposed that recognition of AMOC AIR-676-18-152, 
issued against AD 2016-25-24, which allows an alternate label part 
number, be added to paragraph (m) of the proposed AD as an acceptable 
method of compliance to the proposed AD.
    We partially agree with the commenters request. As we stated 
previously, we have determined that installation of an ISB label is not 
an RC step. Therefore, a previously issued AMOC for allowing alternate 
label part numbers is unnecessary. However, we would like to remind 
operators that 14 CFR 39.9 specifies an operator's continuing 
obligation to maintain compliance with an AD, and installation of an 
ISB label or an equivalent method provides operators with a method to 
demonstrate the affected battery retaining rods have been removed and 
replaced with serviceable retaining rods in compliance with the AD 
requirements.

[[Page 38962]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI includes a requirement to install an ISB label. This AD 
does not include that requirement. We have determined that the ISB 
label is not necessary to mitigate the risk addressed in this AD. 
However, 14 CFR 39.9, specifies that operators have a continuing 
obligation to maintain compliance with an AD, and the installation of 
the ISB label or an equivalent method to identify a serviceable battery 
retaining rod provides the operators with a simplified way to 
demonstrate compliance with the AD requirements.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017; and Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017. This service information describes a detailed 
inspection of the battery support assemblies to identify the battery 
retaining rod manufacturer, replacement of the battery retaining rods 
with serviceable battery retaining rods if necessary, and adding the 
applicable service information label on each battery retaining rod if 
necessary. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models. 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 330 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85         $28,050
                                      = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...              $0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 38963]]

    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):

2018-16-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-19352; Docket No. FAA-2018-0077; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 12, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-25-24, Amendment 39-18750 (81 FR 90958, 
December 16, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-24'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -
115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -
216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 
2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electrical 
system installation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of battery retaining rod 
failures due to quality defects of the material used during parts 
manufacturing. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken 
battery retaining rods, which, in the event of a hard landing or 
severe turbulence, could cause the battery to detach from its 
housing, resulting in damage to other electrical equipment and 
surrounding structure. This condition could lead to loss of normal 
electrical power generation and subsequent inability to restore 
electrical power to essential airplane systems.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of a Serviceable Rod

    For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable battery retaining rod 
is defined in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A battery retaining rod provided as a spare part by Airbus.
    (2) A battery retaining rod previously fitted on a battery 
support assembly installed on an airplane manufacturer serial number 
that is not specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, 
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 
series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, 
-231, and -232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, 
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and 
-271N airplanes), provided the battery retaining rod used for 
replacement can be positively identified as a serviceable battery 
retaining rod.

(h) Identification of Affected Parts

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Accomplish 
a detailed inspection of the battery support assemblies to identify 
the battery retaining rod manufacturer, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-
1116, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and 
A320 series airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, and -232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-
1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-
251N and -271N airplanes).

(i) Replacement of Affected Parts if Marking Is Found on Battery 
Support Assembly

    If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, 
the quality stamp on any battery support assemblies are found marked 
with an ``SA'' manufacturer identification, before further flight, 
replace the battery retaining rods with serviceable battery 
retaining rods, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; 
and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, 
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N 
airplanes); except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Exception to the Service Information

    Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, 
dated January 31, 2017; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, 
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017; specify to install inspection 
service bulletin (ISB) labels, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a non-serviceable battery retaining rod.

(l) Terminating Action

    Replacement of all battery retaining rods with a serviceable 
battery retaining rod as required by paragraph (i) of this AD 
constitutes terminating action for all requirements of AD 2016-25-24 
for that airplane.

(m) 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 (n)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval 
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0161R1, dated September 19, 2017; corrected 
September 20, 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-2018-0077.
    (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.

(o) 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 A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 2 Rond Point Emile Dewoitine, 
31700 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 St., 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

[[Page 38964]]

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 July 27, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16736 Filed 8-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P