Document ID: FAA-2015-0826-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2015-04-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20175-20178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08465]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0826; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-221-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, and A320 series airplanes modified by 
a particular supplemental type certificate (STC). This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports of cracks found during inspections of the in-flight 
entertainment system radome assembly. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the radome assembly, and 
replacement of the radome if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct cracks in the radome assembly, which could result in 
the radome (or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the 
tail, consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 2015.

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 proposed AD, contact 
Live TV, 7415 Emerald Dunes Drive, Orlando, FL 32822; telephone 407-
812-2643; email: CertificationEngineering@livetv.net; Internet: http://www.LiveTV.net. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.

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-2015-
0826; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Culler, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-
5546; fax: 404-474-5605; email: william.culler@faa.gov.

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-2015-0826; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-221-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 because of 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 received reports of cracks in the in-flight entertainment system 
radomes of certain Airbus airplanes. The cracks were found during 
inspections of the radome assembly on various Airbus Model A318, A319, 
and A320 series airplanes that had in-flight entertainment systems 
installed using a certain STC issued to Live TV (STC number STC 
ST00788SE, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/6df40775b10ef09a86257ae200613cfe/$FILE/ST00788SE.pdf). 
Investigation of the cause of the cracks revealed that radome 
manufacturing variation, due to a lack of dimensional

[[Page 20176]]

controls on the radome manufacturing drawings, can result in the 
introduction of preload stress on the radome during its assembly with 
the skirt fairing. Preload stress combined with flight or handling 
stress, such as maintenance personnel stepping on the radome fairing 
assembly, might initiate a crack. The radome manufacturing drawings 
were revised on September 13, 2010, to add a control dimension, which 
was incorporated into production at radome serial number 498. Cracks in 
the radome, if not corrected, could result in the radome (or pieces) 
separating from the airplane and striking the tail, consequently 
reducing the controllability of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated 
September 10, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the outer ply of the 
radome, and replacement of the radome with a new or serviceable radome, 
if any crack is found. This service information is reasonably 
available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information.

FAA's Determination

    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 in other products of these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously. In addition, if any 
crack is found in a radome during an inspection, this proposed AD would 
require sending the inspection results to Live TV.

Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are required for 
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in 
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's 
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent 
judgment in AD compliance. The steps identified as RC (required for 
compliance) in any service information identified previously have a 
direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an 
identified unsafe condition.
    Steps that are identified as RC in any service information must be 
done to comply with the proposed AD. However, steps that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. Those steps 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 alternative method of compliance (AMOC), provided the 
steps identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in 
a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to steps 
identified as RC will require approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 120 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections......................  1 work-hour x $85             N/A   $85, per inspection   $10,200, per
                                    per hour = $85, per                 cycle.                inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspections. 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..................................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $0             $680
                                                $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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.

[[Page 20177]]

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-2015-0826; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
221-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 1, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplane models identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
with Live TV radomes having part number (P/N) 5063-100-XX (XX 
designates the color option) and a serial number in the range of 001 
through 497 inclusive, and modified by supplemental type certificate 
(STC) STC ST00788SE, http://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
6df40775b10ef09a86257ae200613cfe/$FILE/ST00788SE.pdf.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-111, 211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found during 
inspections of the radome assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracks in the in-flight entertainment system radome 
assembly, which could result in the radome (or pieces) separating 
from the airplane and striking the tail, consequently reducing the 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Within 3,900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a detailed inspection for cracks of the radome assembly, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Live TV Service 
Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated September 10, 2014. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,900 flight hours. 
If any crack is found during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, before further flight, replace the radome with a new or 
serviceable radome, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated 
September 10, 2014.

(h) Reporting Requirement

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, submit a report of the findings to Live 
TV, Attn: Oscar Hernandez, email: 
CertificationEngineering@livetv.net; at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. The report must 
include the information specified in the service bulletin reporting 
form provided in Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated 
September 10, 2014.
    (1) If the inspection was accomplished on or after the effective 
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the 
inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was accomplished before the effective date 
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) 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.
    (3) If any service information contains steps that are 
identified as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done 
to comply with this AD; any steps that are not identified as RC are 
recommended. Those steps 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 steps identified as RC can be done 
and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to steps identified as RC require approval 
of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Barry Culler, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5546; fax: 404-474-5605; email: 
william.culler@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Live 
TV, 7415 Emerald Dunes Drive, Orlando, FL 32822; telephone 407-812-
2643; email: CertificationEngineering@livetv.net; Internet: http://www.LiveTV.net. You may view this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

[[Page 20178]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 2015.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-08465 Filed 4-14-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P