Document ID: FAA-2017-1096-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-11-30T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 229 (Thursday, November 30, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56749-56752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25747]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 229 / Thursday, November 30, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 56749]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1096; Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all 
Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all 
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of false traffic collision avoidance system 
(TCAS) resolution advisories. This proposed AD would require modifying 
the software in the TCAS computer processor or replacing the TCAS 
computer with a new TCAS computer. We are proposing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 16, 
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.
     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, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221.

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-2017-
1096; 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 Section, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-
1149.

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-2017-1096; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-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 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 
Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -
300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Since 2012, a number of false TCAS [traffic collision avoidance 
system] resolution advisories (RA) have been reported by various 
European Air Navigation Service Providers. EASA has published 
certification guidance material for collision avoidance systems (AMC 
20-15) which defines a false TCAS RA as an RA that is issued, but 
the RA condition does not exist. It is possible that more false (or 
spurious) RA events have occurred, but were not recorded or 
reported. The known events were mainly occurring on Airbus single-
aisle (A320 family) aeroplanes, although several events have also 
occurred on Airbus A330 aeroplanes. Investigation determined that 
the false RAs are caused on aeroplanes with a certain Honeywell TPA-
100B TCAS processor, P/N 940-0351-001, installed, through a 
combination of three factors: (1) Hybrid surveillance enabled; (2) 
processor connected to a hybrid GPS source, without a direct 
connection to a GPS source; and (3) an encounter with an intruder 
aeroplane with noisy (jumping) ADS-B Out position.
    EASA previously published Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 
2014-33 to inform owners and operators of affected aeroplanes about 
this safety concern. At that time, the false RAs were not considered 
an unsafe condition. Since the SIB was issued, further events have 
been reported, involving a third aeroplane.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a loss of 
separation with other aeroplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air 
collision.
    Prompted by these latest findings, and after review of the 
available information, EASA reassessed the severity and rate of 
occurrence of false RAs and has decided that mandatory action must 
be taken to reduce the rate of occurrence, and the risk of loss of 
separation with other aeroplanes.
    Honeywell International Inc. published Service Bulletin (SB) 
940-0351-34-0005 [Publication Number D201611000002] to provide 
instructions for an upgrade of TPA-100B processors P/N [part number] 
940-0351-001 to P/N 940-0351-005, introducing software version 05/
01.

[[Page 56750]]

    Consequently, Airbus developed certain modifications (mod 159658 
and mod 206608) and published SB A32034-1656, SB A320-34-1657, SB 
A330-34-3342, SB A340-34-4304 and SB A340-34-5118, to provide 
instructions for in-service introduction of the software update 
(including change to P/N 940-0351-005) on the affected aeroplanes, 
or to replace the TCAS processor with a P/N 940-0351-005 unit.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017-0091, to require modification 
or replacement of Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 
processors, hereafter referred to as `affected processor' in this 
[EASA] AD. That [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of an affected 
processor on post-mod aeroplanes.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, it was found that an error had 
been introduced, inadvertently restricting the required action to 
those aeroplanes that had the affected part installed on the Airbus 
production line, thereby excluding those that had the part installed 
in-service by Airbus SB. Consequently, EASA revised AD 2017-0091 to 
amend Note 1 and include references to the relevant Airbus SBs that 
introduced the affected processor in service.
    Since EASA AD 2017-0091R1 was issued, prompted by operator 
feedback and to avoid confusion, it was decided to exclude 
aeroplanes that had an affected processor installed by STC, for 
which EASA AD No.: 2017-0091R2 separate [EASA] AD action is planned. 
It was also determined that the prohibition to install an affected 
processor was too strict, particularly for Group 2 aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to 
reduce the Applicability, introduce some minor editorial changes and 
to amend paragraph (3).

    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-2017-
1096.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information, which 
describes procedures for modifying the software in the TCAS computer 
processor and procedures for replacing the TCAS computer with a new 
TCAS computer. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different airplane models in different configurations.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, dated April 19, 
2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, dated April 19, 
2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, dated April 19, 
2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 
2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, dated April 19, 
2017.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    Honeywell has issued Service Bulletin 940-0351-34-0005, Revision 0, 
dated January 20, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for modifying an affected TCAS processor and re-identifying the 
processor as part number (P/N) 940-0351-005.

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 these 
same type designs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    Paragraph 3 of EASA AD 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 2017, states 
that, for Group 2 airplanes (that do not have an affected processor 
installed), a Honeywell TPA-100B processor having P/N 940-0351-001 
should not be installed on any airplane as of June 2, 2018; however, 
this proposed AD would prohibit installation of a processor having P/N 
940-0351-001 as of the effective date of the AD. In cases where a part 
is known to be unairworthy--such as when it creates an unsafe 
condition--we typically do not allow such a part to be installed on 
airplanes that are not affected by the unsafe condition as of the 
effective date of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 205 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                 Action                         Labor cost          Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software modification...................  2 work-hours x $85 per              $0            $170         $14,450
                                           hour = $170.
TCAS replacement........................  2 work-hours work-                $298            $468         $95,940
                                           hours x $85 per hour
                                           = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This 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.

[[Page 56751]]

    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-2017-1096; Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(11) of this AD; except those Model A318, A319, 
A320 and A321 series airplanes that have been modified by a 
supplemental type certificate that installs Honeywell traffic alert 
and collision avoidance system (TCAS) 7.1 processor, part number (P/
N) 940-0351-001.
    (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, -232, -
251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes.
    (5) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (6) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (7) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (8) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (9) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (10) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (11) Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of false TCAS resolution 
advisories. We are issuing this AD to prevent false TCAS resolution 
advisories. False TCAS resolution advisories could lead to a loss of 
separation with other airplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air 
collision.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, Group 1 airplanes are those 
that have a Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 processor that 
was installed during production, or in-service using the procedures 
in the applicable service information identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1504.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1506.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1533.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1534.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1572.
    (vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3247.
    (vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3281.
    (viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3344.
    (ix) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4263.
    (x) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4254.
    (xi) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5076.
    (xii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5087.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, Group 2 airplanes are airplanes 
that do not have a Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 
processor installed.

(h) Software Modification or TCAS Processor Replacement

    For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
modification of the TCAS processor to upgrade the software, or 
replace the TCAS processor with a TCAS TPA-100B processor having P/N 
940-0351-005, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information identified in paragraph (i) of 
this AD.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for modifying an 
affected TCAS processor and re-identifying the processor as P/N 940-
0351-005 can be found in paragraph 3.F. of Honeywell Service 
Bulletin 940-0351-34-0005, Revision 0, dated January 20, 2017.

(i) Service Information for Accomplishment of Actions Specified in 
Paragraph (h) of This AD

    Use the applicable service information specified in paragraphs 
(i)(1) through (i)(5) of this AD to accomplish the actions required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, 
A320-212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, and A320-233 
airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1656, dated April 19, 2017.
    (2) For Model A320-251N and Model A320-271N airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, dated April 19, 2017.
    (3) For Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, dated April 19, 
2017.
    (4) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 2017.
    (5) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, dated April 19, 2017.

 (j) Identification of Airplanes That do not Have a Honeywell TPA-100B 
TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 Processor Installed

    An airplane on which Airbus modification 159658 or Airbus 
modification 206608, as applicable, has been embodied in production 
and on which it can be positively determined that no TCAS processor 
has been replaced or modified on that airplane since its date of 
manufacture is a Group 2 airplane, as identified in paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD. Group 2 airplanes are not affected by the requirements 
of paragraph (h) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable to make this determination, provided those 
records can be relied upon for that purpose and that the TCAS 
processor part number and software standard can be positively 
identified from that review.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    Installation of a Honeywell TCAS TPA-100B processor having P/N 
940-0351-001 is prohibited, as required by paragraphs (k)(1) and 
(k)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD: After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD: As of the effective date of this AD.

(l) 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

[[Page 56752]]

to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 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-2017-1096.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Section, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 22, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-25747 Filed 11-29-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P