Document ID: FAA-2018-0358-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-05-04T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19648-19650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09277]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2018 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 19648]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0358; Product Identifier 2017-NM-142-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 A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-231, A320-232, 
A320-233, A321-131, A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of fan cowl door (FCD) losses during take-off. 
This proposed AD would require modification and re-identification, or 
replacement, of certain FCDs, and installation of a placard in the 
flight deck. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 18, 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 Bombardier 
Short Brothers, PLC, Airworthiness, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, 
Belfast, BT3 9DZ Northern Ireland; telephone +44(0)2890-462469; fax 
+44(0)2890-468444; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.bombardier.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-
0358; 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 and fax 206-231-3223.

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-2018-0358; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-142-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 2017-0178, dated September 15, 2017 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-131, 
A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Fan Cowl Door (FCD) losses during take-off were reported on 
Airbus A320 family aeroplanes equipped with IAE [International Aero 
Engines] V2500 engines. Investigations confirmed that in all cases, 
the FCD were opened prior to the flight and were not correctly re-
secured. During the pre-flight inspection, it was not detected that 
the FCD were not properly latched.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight loss 
of an FCD, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and/or 
injury to persons on the ground.
    EASA issued AD 2016-0053 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017-13-
10, Amendment 39-18940 (82 FR 29371, June 29, 2017) (``AD 2017-13-
10'')], requiring modification of the FCD installed on affected 
aeroplanes, and installation of a placard in the cockpit, in 
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) 
A320-71-1069 (which in turns refers to Goodrich SB V2500-NAC-71-0331 
for FCD modification and re-identification).
    The monolithic FCDs, installed on aeroplanes embodying Short 
Brothers supplemental type certificate (STC) 10029547, are also 
affected by this potential unsafe condition. Consequently, the STC 
Holder, trading as Bombardier Short Brothers, developed a 
modification, similar to the one designed by Airbus, and issued SB 
V25MFC-71-1003. The modification consists of a new FCD front latch 
and keeper assembly, having a specific key necessary to un-latch the 
FCD. This key cannot be removed unless the FCD front latch is safely 
closed. The key, after removal, must be stowed in the flight deck at 
a specific location, as instructed in the applicable Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual. The applicable Flight Crew Operating Manual has 
been amended accordingly. After modification, the FCD is identified 
with a different Part Number (P/N).
    Mixed FCD installation can be found on aeroplanes embodying 
[EASA] STC 10029547 (i.e., Monolithic FCD and standard production 
non-Monolithic FCD). For standard production non-Monolithic FCD, 
Bombardier Short Brothers SB V25MFC-71-1003 specifies to accomplish 
the instructions

[[Page 19649]]

of Goodrich SB V2500-NAC-71-0331, as applicable.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification and re-identification of FCD, and installation of a 
placard in the cockpit.

    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-
0358.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier Short Brothers, PLC has issued Service Bulletin V25MFC-
71-1003, dated September 28, 2016. The service information describes 
procedures for installing modified latches on the left and right engine 
FCDs, and re-identifying the FCDs. 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 these 
same type designs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    EASA AD 2017-0178, dated September 15, 2017, includes both 
monolithic FCDs and non-monolithic FCDs (those not modified by 
Bombardier Short Brothers, PLC Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST03076NY). Required actions for the non-monolithic FCDs are included 
in AD 2017-13-10 (which corresponds to EASA AD 2016-0053, dated March 
14, 2016), so we have not included them in this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 557 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification and re-identification   8 work-hours x $85 per hour          $1,500          $2,180      $1,214,260
 (or replacement), and placard        = $680.
 installation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    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-2018-0358; Product Identifier 2017-NM-142-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 18, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, 
A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-131, A321-231, and A321-232 
airplanes, certificated in any category, if modified by Bombardier 
Short Brothers, PLC Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST03076NY.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of fan cowl door (FCD) losses 
during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight loss of 
an FCD, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to 
persons on the ground.

[[Page 19650]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification and Re-Identification of FCDs

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
modification and re-identification specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Modify each left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) FCD having a 
part number listed as ``Old Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraphs 
(g), (h), and (l) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Short Brothers Service Bulletin V25MFC-
71-1003, dated September 28, 2016.
    (2) Re-identify each modified FCD with the part number listed as 
``New Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (l) of 
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Short Brothers Service Bulletin V25MFC-71-1003, dated 
September 28, 2016.

 Table 1 to Paragraphs (g), (h), and (l) of This AD--Monolithic FCD Part
                              Number Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         FCD position               Old part No.         New part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LH............................  745B4000-501         745B4000-507
                                745B4000-503         745B4000-509
                                745B4000-505         745B4000-511
RH............................  745B4000-502         745B4000-508
                                745B4000-504         745B4000-510
                                745B4000-506         745B4000-512
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Optional Compliance by Replacement or Installation

    (1) Replacement of the FCDs having a part number listed as ``Old 
Part Number'' in table 1 paragraphs (g), (h), and (l) of this AD, 
with the FCDs having the corresponding part number listed as ``New 
Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (l) of this AD, 
is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) 
of this AD.
    (2) Installation on an engine of a right-hand and left-hand 
engine FCD having a part number approved after the effective date of 
this AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD for that engine only, provided the 
conditions specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this 
AD are met.
    (i) The part number is approved using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Bombardier Short 
Brothers, PLC's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved 
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (ii) The installation is accomplished using a method approved by 
the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; 
or EASA; or Bombardier Short Brothers, PLC's EASA DOA. If approved 
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Placard Installation

    For airplanes on which Airbus modification 157718 has not been 
embodied in production: Within 18 months after the effective date of 
this AD, install a placard that specifies the FCD keys stowage 
location in the flight deck on the box located at the bottom of the 
120VU panel, or at the bottom of the coat stowage, as applicable to 
airplane configuration, using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or 
Bombardier Short Brothers, PLC's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, 
the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Missing FCD Keys or Placard

    Flights with one or both FCD keys missing from the stowage 
location in the fight deck, or with the placard (that specifies the 
FCD keys stowage location) missing or damaged, are permitted for a 
period not to exceed 10 calendar days from the date of discovery.

(k) Alternate Location of FCD Keys and Placard

    As an option to paragraph (i) of this AD, an alternate location 
for the key stowage in the flight deck and installation of a placard 
for identification of that stowage location are permitted as 
specified in the operator's FAA-accepted maintenance or inspection 
program, provided the keys can be retrieved from that flight deck 
location when needed and the placard installation is done within 18 
months after the effective date of this AD.

(l) Parts Installation Prohibition

    No person may install on any airplane an FCD with a part number 
identified as ``Old Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), 
and (l) of this AD, after the time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or 
(l)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For any airplane with an installed FCD having a part number 
identified as ``Old Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), 
and (l) of this AD: After modification of that airplane as required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD or as specified in paragraph (h) of this 
AD.
    (2) For any airplane without an installed FCD having a part 
number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraphs 
(g), (h), and (l) of this AD: After the effective date of this AD.

(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 the EASA; or Bombardier 
Short Brothers, PLC'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 Airworthiness Directive 2017-0178, dated September 15, 
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-2018-0358.
    (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 
and fax 206-231-3223.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier Short Brothers, PLC, Airworthiness, P.O. Box 241, Airport 
Road, Belfast, BT3 9DZ Northern Ireland; telephone +44(0)2890-
462469; fax +44(0)2890-468444; email 
[email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.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 20, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09277 Filed 5-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P