Document ID: FAA-2019-0193-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2019-04-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 67 (Monday, April 8, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13843-13846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-06793]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0193; Product Identifier 2018-NM-159-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-22-
13, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes. AD 2018-22-13 requires revising the airplane flight manual 
(AFM) to provide the flightcrew with updated procedures related to 
inboard aileron fault operations. Since we issued AD 2018-22-13, we 
have determined that additional actions are necessary to address the 
unsafe condition and that additional airplanes are subject to the 
unsafe condition. This proposed AD would also require modifying the 
electronic centralized aircraft monitoring (ECAM) procedures by 
installing an Airbus Temporary Quick Change (ATQC) and activating an 
ECAM temporary change (ETC). We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2019.

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 
SAS,

[[Page 13844]]

Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 
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 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.

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-2019-
0193; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (phone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

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-2019-0193; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-159-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2018-22-13, Amendment 39-19486 (83 FR 55617, November 
7, 2018) (``AD 2018-22-13''), for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and 
-1041 airplanes. AD 2018-22-13 requires revising the AFM to provide the 
flightcrew with updated procedures related to inboard aileron fault 
operations. AD 2018-22-13 was prompted by a technical issue detected on 
the inboard aileron electro-hydrostatic actuators that caused potential 
erroneous monitoring of those actuators. We issued AD 2018-22-13 to 
address possible in-flight loss of inboard aileron control, consequent 
increased fuel consumption due to the resulting drag, and reduced 
control or performance of the airplane if one engine is also 
inoperative.

Actions Since AD 2018-22-13 Was Issued

    When we issued AD 2018-22-13, we stated that it was an interim 
action and we were considering additional rulemaking to require 
installing two different ATQCs to modify the ECAM procedures. We have 
determined that requiring those additional actions is necessary to 
address the identified unsafe condition. In addition, the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union, revised EASA AD 2018-0213, dated 
October 1, 2018 (which corresponds to AD 2018-22-13). The EASA AD 
revision added airplanes to the applicability. Although none of those 
additional airplanes are currently on the U.S. registry, they might be 
added in the future, and we have included them in the applicability of 
this proposed AD.
    EASA has issued EASA AD 2018-0213R1, dated November 9, 2018 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A technical issue was detected on the inboard aileron electro-
hydrostatic actuators, causing potential erroneous monitoring of 
those actuators. Consequently, in-flight loss of inboard aileron 
control may occur, which, due to the resulting drag, would lead to 
increased fuel consumption.
    This condition, if not corrected, and if combined with one 
engine inoperative, could result in reduced control or performance 
of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the 
AFM [airplane flight manual] TR [temporary revision] and Flight 
Operations Transmission (FOT) 999.0062/18, informing operators that 
Airbus provides two different Airbus Temporary Quick Changes (ATQC) 
to the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM), depending 
on the installed FWS [flight warning system] standard, either STD 
[standard] S4/2.0 or STD S5/2.2, as applicable, and issued the 
applicable SB [service bulletin] accordingly, providing modification 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
amendment of the applicable AFM and installation of ATQC V4, 
followed by ECAM Temporary Change (ETC) activation, to update the 
procedures related to inboard aileron fault operations. This AD is 
considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.
    This [EASA] AD is revised to amend the Applicability and correct 
some additional (minor) errors.

    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-2019-
0193.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus issued Airbus A350 Temporary Revision (TR) 113, Issue 1.0, 
dated August 17, 2018, which provides updated procedures related to 
inboard aileron fault operations.
    Airbus also issued the following service information:
    Service Bulletin A350-31-P028, dated September 17, 2018, describes 
procedures for installing ATQC standard V4 for FWS standard S4/2.0.
    Service Bulletin A350-31-P029, dated September 17, 2018, describes 
procedures for installing ATQC standard V4 for FWS standard S5/2.2.
    Service Bulletin A350-31-P030, dated September 17, 2018, describes 
procedures for activating ECAM temporary change code No. 27AF.
    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

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2018-22-13 and 
require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We

[[Page 13845]]

estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
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Retained actions from AD 2018-22-13  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85            $935
                                      = $85.
New proposed actions...............  4 work-hours x $85 per hour               0             340           3,740
                                      = $340.
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    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in 
our cost estimate.

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 and associated appliances 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-22-13, Amendment 39-19486 (83 FR 55617, November 7, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2019-0193; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
159-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 23, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-22-13, Amendment 39-19486 (83 FR 55617, 
November 7, 2018) (``AD 2018-22-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes, certificated in any category, except those on which 
Airbus modifications 113758 and 113759 have been embodied in 
production.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a technical issue detected on the 
inboard aileron electro-hydrostatic actuators that caused potential 
erroneous monitoring of those actuators. We are issuing this AD to 
address possible in-flight loss of inboard aileron control, 
consequent increased fuel consumption due to the resulting drag, and 
reduced control or performance of the airplane if one engine is also 
inoperative.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), With Revised 
Compliance Language

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2018-22-13, with revised compliance language. At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, revise the 
Abnormal Procedures section of the AFM to include the information in 
Airbus A350 Temporary Revision (TR) 113, Issue 1.0, dated August 17, 
2018, which introduces updated procedures related to inboard aileron 
fault operations. This may be done by inserting a copy of TR 113, 
Issue 1.0, dated August 17, 2018, into the AFM. When TR 113, Issue 
1.0, dated August 17, 2018, has been included in general revisions 
of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, 
provided the relevant information in the general revisions is 
identical to that in TR 113, Issue 1.0, dated August 17, 2018, and 
the TR may be removed. Operate the airplane according to the 
procedures in TR 113, Issue 1.0, dated August 17, 2018. In case any 
discrepancy is identified between procedures displayed on the 
electronic centralized aircraft monitoring (ECAM) and procedures 
stated in the applicable AFM, the AFM procedures prevail.
    (1) For airplanes modified by Airbus modifications 113758 and 
113760: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD
    (2) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: 
Within 30 days after November 23, 2018 (the effective date of AD 
2018-22-13).

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Modification

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.

[[Page 13846]]

    (1) Install the Airbus Temporary Quick Change (ATQC) as 
specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (h)(1)(ii) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (i) For airplanes with flight warning system (FWS) standard S4/
2.0: Install ATQC standard V4 for FWS standard S4/2.0, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A350-31-P028, dated September 17, 2018.
    (ii) For airplanes with FWS standard S5/2.2: Install ATQC 
standard V4 for FWS standard S5/2.2, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A350-31-P029, 
dated September 17, 2018.
    (2) Activate ECAM temporary change code No. 27AF, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A350-31-P030, dated September 17, 2018.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 (j)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-22-13 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 SAS'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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0213R1, dated November 9, 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-2019-0193.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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, 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 April 1, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-06793 Filed 4-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P