Document ID: FAA-2018-0556-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-06-20T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28555-28560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12885]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0556; Product Identifier 2018-NM-015-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318 series; Model A319 series; Model A320 series; and 
Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of multiple angle of attack 
(AoA) probe blockages. This proposed AD would require all elevator 
aileron computer (ELAC) units to be upgraded with new software, or 
replaced with upgraded units. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

[[Page 28556]]

     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus, 
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email [email protected]; internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0556; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0556; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-015-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0007R1, dated January 19, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318 series; Model 
A319 series; Model A320 series; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -
212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported on multiple Angle of Attack (AoA) 
probes blockages. Investigation results indicated the need for 
improved AoA monitoring in order to detect cases of AoA probe 
blockage.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to undue activation 
of the AoA protection, reverting to manual control of the aeroplane, 
which, under specific circumstances, could result in reduced control 
of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed 
several Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) standards, i.e. ELAC units 
loaded with a specific software Part Number (P/N), and EASA issued 
AD 2017-0008, retaining part of the requirements of EASA AD 2015-
0088R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-17-03, Amendment 39-18616 
(81 FR 55358, August 19, 2016) (``AD 2016-17-03'')], which was 
superseded, and requiring an upgrade of all ELAC units with ELAC L99 
standard, which introduces improvements in the AoA probe monitoring 
for Current Engine Option (CEO) aeroplanes, and also incorporates 
flight control aspects for New Engine Option (NEO) aeroplanes.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that 
clarification is necessary for the Parts Installation requirements, 
and some typographical (P/N) errors were detected. This [EASA] AD is 
revised accordingly.

    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-
0556.

Relationship of Proposed AD to AD 2016-17-03

    This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2016-17-03. Rather, we 
have determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to 
address the changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD would require all 
ELAC units to be upgraded with new software, or replaced with upgraded 
units. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all 
of the requirements of AD 2016-17-03.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1263, Revision 00, dated 
April 28, 2017; and Service Bulletin A320-27-1264, Revision 00, dated 
April 28, 2017. The service information describes the upgrade or 
replacement of ELAC units. These documents are distinct because 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

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

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,250 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost            Parts cost      Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification...................  3 work-hours x $85 per  Up to $7,970.....  Up to $8,225.....  Up to $10,281,250
                                  hour = $255.
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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.

[[Page 28557]]

    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0556; Product Identifier 2018-NM-015-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 6, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-17-03, Amendment 39-18616 (81 FR 55358, 
August 19, 2016) (``AD 2016-17-03'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, 
and -271N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of multiple angle of attack 
(AoA) probe blockages. We are issuing this AD to address the 
blockage of AoA probes. This condition, if not corrected, could lead 
to undue activation of the AoA protection, reverting to manual 
control of the airplane, which, under specific circumstances, could 
result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Affected Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC)

    For the purposes of this AD, ELAC units having a part number (P/
N) listed in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD are 
hereafter referred to as ``affected ELAC'' in this AD.
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(h) Required Actions

    For airplanes with ELAC part numbers listed in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD: Within the applicable 
compliance times defined in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD, 
upgrade each ELAC by uploading L99 software part number (P/N) 
3945129111 or by replacing the existing ELAC with ELAC L99 P/N 
3945128217 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1263, Revision 00, dated April 28, 
2017, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1264, Revision 00, dated 
April 28, 2017, as applicable, or in accordance with modification 
instructions 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); 
or in accordance with modification instructions approved by an EASA 
DOA (other than the Airbus EASA DOA), provided the conditions 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD are met. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.
    (1) Absence of electronic centralized aircraft monitoring (ECAM) 
warning or maintenance message related to ELAC, before the data-
loadable ELAC unit is removed and software is loaded.
    (2) The data-loadable ELAC unit is removed as specified in 
Airbus aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) Task 27-93-34-000-001-A.
    (3) The data-loadable ELAC unit is checked by two different 
means, either line replaceable unit (LRU) identification and label 
call up, or Alpha Call Up ELA 1 and ELA 2.
    (4) After the software is loaded, the data-loadable ELAC unit is 
re-installed as specified in Airbus AMM Task 27-93-34-400-001-A.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Non-data-loadable ELAC L99 
P/N 3945128217 units are fully interchangeable and mixable with 
data-loadable ELAC L99 P/N 3945129100 units with L99 software P/N 
3945129111 loaded.
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(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) For airplanes with ELAC units listed in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD: After modification of an 
airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, do not install any 
affected ELAC on that airplane.
    (2) For airplanes with ELAC units not listed in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD: From the effective date of 
this AD, do not install any affected ELAC on that airplane.

(j) Installation of Later Software Versions

    Installation of an ELAC unit with a software standard above L99 
is equal to compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of 
this AD, provided the conditions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) 
through (j)(2) of this AD are met.
    (1) The ELAC unit part number is approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or 
Airbus's EASA DOA.
    (2) The installation is accomplished in accordance with 
modification instructions approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
DOA; or in accordance with modification instructions approved by an 
EASA DOA (other than the Airbus EASA DOA), provided the conditions 
in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(iv) of this AD are met.
    (i) Absence of ECAM warning or maintenance message related to 
ELAC, before the data-loadable ELAC unit is removed and software is 
loaded.
    (ii) The data-loadable ELAC unit is removed as specified in 
Airbus AMM Task 27-93-34-000-001-A.
    (iii) The data-loadable ELAC unit is checked by two different 
means, either LRU identification and label call up, or Alpha Call Up 
ELA 1 and ELA 2.
    (iv) After the software is loaded, the data-loadable ELAC unit 
is re-installed as specified in Airbus AMM Task 27-93-34-400-001-A.

(k) Airplanes Not Affected by the Requirements of Paragraph (h) of This 
AD

    (1) An airplane on which any modification (mod) specified in 
paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD was embodied in 
production is not affected by the requirements of paragraph (h) of 
this AD, provided it is determined that no affected ELAC is 
installed as of the effective date of this AD.
    (i) Airbus mod 161843 (installation of data-loadable ELAC P/N 
3945129100 unit with L99 software P/N 3945129111) or mod

[[Page 28560]]

159979 (installation of non-data-loadable ELAC L99 P/N 3945128217).
    (ii) Airbus mod 160577 (installation of data-loadable ELAC P/N 
3945129100 unit with L101 software P/N 3945129112) or mod 162042 
(installation of non-data-loadable ELAC L101 P/N 3945128218).
    (2) An airplane on which any modification specified in 
paragraphs (k)(2)(i), (k)(2)(ii), or (k)(2)(iii) of this AD was done 
is not affected by the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, 
provided it is determined that no affected ELAC is installed as of 
the effective date of this AD.
    (i) A modification specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-
1267, Revision 00, dated September 27, 2017 (ELAC L101 P/N 
3945128218 non-data-loadable).
    (ii) A modification specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
27-1268, Revision 00, dated September 27, 2017 (ELAC P/N 3945129100 
data-loadable with L101 software P/N 3945129112 for A320 NEO).
    (iii) A modification specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
27-1269, Revision 00, dated September 27, 2017 (ELAC P/N 3945129100 
data-loadable with L101 software P/N 3945129112).

(l) Terminating Action for AD 2016-17-03

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD 
or complying with any method of compliance specified in paragraph 
(k) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016-17-03.

(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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0007R1, dated January 19, 2018, 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-2018-0556.
    (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 
206-231-3223; fax 206-231-3398.
    (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. 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. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 7, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12885 Filed 6-19-18; 8:45 am]
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