Document ID: FAA-2017-0515-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-06-09T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 110 (Friday, June 9, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26758-26760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11000]

 ========================================================================
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 110 / Friday, June 9, 2017 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 26758]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0515; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-171-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 A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called 
Model A300-600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of unreliable airspeed indications 
that were caused by pitot heater resistance shorted to ground. This 
proposed AD would require replacement of certain parts. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 24, 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 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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-
0515; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-2125; 
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-2017-0515; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-171-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0195, dated September 30, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes), and 
Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator recently reported two events of unreliable airspeed 
indications. Investigations revealed that in both events, a Pitot 
heater resistance was shorted to ground.
    Pitot probes are heated to prevent ice accretion. De-icing 
performance of the Pitot probe might be reduced if Pitot probe 
heater degrades over time. The magnitude of de-icing performance 
reduction will depend on how much the heater is degraded. The Pitot 
probe de-icing reduction will be hidden to the crew (the heater 
current detector will not trigger a ``Heat Fault'' because in case 
of short-to-case failure the resulting current variation will be 
limited).
    In severe icing conditions, if de-icing performances are 
significantly reduced, it may cause unreliable airspeed events, with 
no cockpit effects except erroneous airspeed indication(s) displayed 
on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) or the standby airspeed 
indicators.
    Unreliable airspeed indications, if not recognized by the crew, 
could possibly result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To ensure proper crew awareness of unreliable airspeed 
indication(s) situation, Airbus introduced a dedicated Electronic 
Centralised Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) Warning (Indicated Airspeed 
Discrepancy Warning).
    The following configuration is required to enable this ECAM 
Warning:

--The Flight Warning Computer (FWC) standard S17 has to be installed 
by accomplishing Service Bulletins (SB) A310-31-2144 or A300-31-
6140: This requirement was already rendered mandatory by EASA AD 
2015-0174;
--The ECAM Symbol Generator Unit (SGU), standard W32, Part Number 
(P/N) 9612670332 has to be installed, by accomplishing Service 
Bulletins (SB) A310-31-2123, A300-31-6124 or SB A300-31-6113.

    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a 
software standard upgrade of the ECAM SGU.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for

[[Page 26759]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0515.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, Revision 03, dated 
July 5, 2016 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, Revision 01, dated 
July 4, 2016 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
     Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, Revision 01, dated 
July 1, 2016 (for Model A310 series airplanes).
    The service information describes procedures for replacement of the 
ECAM SGU. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane configurations. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 139 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                          Labor cost                   Parts cost                Cost per product         Cost on U.S.  operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement.........................  Up to 4 work-hours x $85     Up to $2,360...............  Up to $2,700...............  Up to $375,300.
                                       per hour = Up to $340.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0515; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
171-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 24, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on 
which Airbus modification 12691 or 13665 has been embodied in 
production.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (5) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of unreliable airspeed 
indications that were caused by pitot heater resistance shorted to 
ground. We are issuing this AD to ensure proper flightcrew awareness 
of unreliable airspeed indications. This condition, if not 
recognized by the flightcrew, could possibly result in reduced 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement of the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring 
(ECAM) Symbol Generator Unit (SGU)

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the ECAM SGU with a new ECAM SGU (standard W32), in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service information 
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3), as applicable.
    (1) For Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 
C4-605R Variant F airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, 
Revision 03, dated July 5, 2016.

[[Page 26760]]

    (2) For Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, Revision 01, dated July 4, 2016.
    (3) For Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, 
Revision 01, dated July 1, 2016.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, for any airplane that 
has ECAM SGU standard W32, part number 9612670332, installed, no 
person may install an ECAM SGU standard prior to W32.
    (2) For any airplane that has an ECAM SGU standard prior to W32, 
after modification of that airplane, no person may install an ECAM 
SGU standard prior to W32.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraph 
(i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, Revision 02, dated 
September 4, 2014.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, dated October 13, 
2005.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, dated January 4, 2006.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0195, dated September 30, 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-2017-0515.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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 May 18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11000 Filed 6-8-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P