Document ID: FAA-2017-0248-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-04-13T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 70 (Thursday, April 13, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17770-17773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07441]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0248; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-088-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-26-
10, for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. 
AD 2014-26-10 currently requires revising the maintenance or inspection 
program to incorporate maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations. Since we issued AD 2014-26-10, we have determined that 
more restrictive maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations 
are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance 
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised 
airworthiness limitation requirements. This proposed AD also removes 
airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 30, 2017.

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: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet: http://www.airbus.com. 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-2017-
0248; 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 
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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0248; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-088-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

    On December 19, 2014, we issued AD 2014-26-10, Amendment 39-18061 
(80 FR 2813, January 21, 2015) (``AD 2014-26-10''), for all Airbus 
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2014-26-10 was 
prompted by a determination that the maintenance actions for airplane 
systems susceptible to aging must be mandated. AD 2014-26-10 requires 
revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We issued AD 
2014-26-10 to mitigate the risks associated with aging effects of 
airplane systems. Such aging effects could change the characteristics 
of the systems leading to an increased potential for failure, which 
could result in failure of certain life-limited parts, and reduced 
structural integrity or reduced controllability of the airplane.
    Since we issued AD 2014-26-10, we have determined that more 
restrictive maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0093, dated May 13, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the

[[Page 17771]]

MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes 
are currently defined and published in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The airworthiness 
limitations applicable to the System Equipment Maintenance 
Requirements, which are approved by [European Aviation Safety 
Agency] EASA, are specified in ALS Part 4.
    The instructions contained in the ALS Part 4 have been 
identified as mandatory actions for continued airworthiness. Failure 
to comply with these instructions could result in an unsafe 
condition.
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2013-0146 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2014-26-10] to require accomplishment of all maintenance actions 
as described in ALS Part 4 at Revision 01. The new ALS Part 4 
Revision 03 (hereafter referred to as `the ALS' in this AD) includes 
new and/or more restrictive requirements. ALS Part 4 Revision 03, 
issue 02, has been released to include editorial changes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0146, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS.

    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-
0248.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 4, ``System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR)'' Revision 03 at Issue 02, 
dated January 22, 2016. The service information describes preventative 
maintenance requirements and includes updated inspections and intervals 
to be incorporated into the maintenance or inspection program. 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.

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 design.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph 
(k)(1) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of 
changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued 
operational safety of the airplane.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    The EASA AD specifies that if there are findings from the ALS 
inspection tasks, then corrective action must be accomplished in 
accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this 
proposed AD does not include that requirement because operators of 
U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and 
operational regulations to use FAA-acceptable methods when performing 
maintenance. We consider those methods to be adequate to address any 
corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections 
required by this proposed AD.
    Although the EASA AD recommends accomplishing the tasks specified 
in the ALS after the effective date of the EASA AD, and revising the 
maintenance program within 12 months after the effective date of the 
EASA AD, this proposed AD would only require revising the maintenance 
or inspection program within 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD, which correlates with the compliance time required by AD 2014-26-
10. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, 
we considered the degree of urgency associated with the subject unsafe 
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time 
necessary to perform the revision (1 work-hour). In light of these 
factors, we find that a 30-day compliance time represents an 
appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to 
operate without compromising safety.
    These differences have been coordinated with the EASA and Airbus.

Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design

    The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the 
applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into 
an operator's maintenance or inspection program.
    Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation 
authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered 
under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD 
typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes.
    In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an 
airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in 
this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or 
inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as 
specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 14 CFR 91.403(c), unless an alternative 
has been approved by the FAA.
    When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific 
ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified 
in 14 CFR 21.31(c).
    The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is 
an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design 
referenced in the manufacturer's conformity statement. This obligation 
may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS 
revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part 
of their type design.
    To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods 
of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most 
recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu 
of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict 
and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type 
design.
    However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we 
recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-
mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection 
programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS 
revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure 
that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly 
delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in 
an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS 
revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of 
the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier 
AD.
    This proposed AD therefore would apply to the airplanes identified 
in

[[Page 17772]]

paragraph (c) of this AD with an original certificate of airworthiness 
or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or 
before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this 
proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of 
airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
after that date must comply with the airworthiness limitations 
specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the 
type certificate data sheet.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,032 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2014-26-10, and retained in this 
proposed AD take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor 
rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the actions that are required by AD 2014-26-10 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $87,720, or $85 
per product.

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.

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) 
2014-26-10, Amendment 39-18061 (80 FR 2813, January 21, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0248; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
088-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 30, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-26-10, Amendment 39-18061 (80 FR 2813, 
January 21, 2015) (``AD 2014-26-10'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD; certificated in any 
category; with an original certificate of airworthiness or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 21, 
2015.
    (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, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to mitigate the risks associated 
with aging effects of airplane systems. Such aging effects could 
change the characteristics of the systems leading to an increased 
potential for failure, which could result in failure of certain 
life-limited parts, and reduced structural integrity or reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Requirement: Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, 
With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-26-10, with no changes. Within 30 days after February 25, 2015 
(the effective date of AD 2014-26-10): Revise the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section, ALS Part 4, ``Aging 
Systems Maintenance,'' Revision 01, dated June 15, 2012. The initial 
compliance time for doing the actions is at the applicable time 
specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section, ALS Part 4, ``Aging Systems Maintenance,'' Revision 01, 
dated June 15, 2012; or within 2 weeks after revising the 
maintenance or inspection program; whichever occurs later. 
Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Requirement: No Alternative Actions or Intervals, With New 
Paragraph Reference

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2014-26-10, with new paragraph reference. Except as required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD, after accomplishment of the revision 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of 
this AD.

(i) New Requirement: Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR)'' 
Revision 03 at Issue 02, dated January 22, 2016. The initial 
compliance time for doing the actions is at the applicable time 
specified in Airbus A318/

[[Page 17773]]

A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section, ALS Part 4, 
``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR)'' Revision 03 at 
Issue 02, dated January 22, 2016; or within 2 weeks after revising 
the maintenance or inspection program; whichever occurs later. 
Accomplishing the actions specified in this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) New Provision: No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the action required by paragraph (i) of this AD has been 
done, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be 
used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an AMOC in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this 
AD.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone: 425-227-1405; fax: 425-227-1149. Information may be 
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
    (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 2014-26-10 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0093, dated May 13, 2016, 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-2017-0248.
    (2) 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: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet: 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07441 Filed 4-12-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P