Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-112, A319-111, A319-112, A319-115, A319-132, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, A320-233, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27863-27865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11331]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0390; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-064-AD; 
Amendment 39-16696; AD 2011-10-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-112, A319-111, A319-
112, A319-115, A319-132, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, A320-233, A321-
211, A321-213, and A321-231 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Electrical discontinuity has been detected on terminal modules 
Part Number (P/N) NSA 937901M1604, manufactured by Deutsch, due to 
an insufficient crimping of the female contacts on the shunt, caused 
by a wrong setting of the crimping tool.
* * * * *
    This condition, if not corrected, could potentially result in 
in-flight failure of the Electrical Flight Control System (EFCS) and 
consequent loss of control of the aeroplane. In addition, this 
condition could lead to a non detected passenger oxygen loss, which, 
in case of emergency, could result in a large number of passenger 
oxygen masks not being supplied with oxygen, possibly causing 
personal injuries.

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 31, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 31, 2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 27, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and

[[Page 27864]]

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, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-
227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0054, dated March 24, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Electrical discontinuity has been detected on terminal modules 
Part Number (P/N) NSA 937901M1604, manufactured by Deutsch, due to 
an insufficient crimping of the female contacts on the shunt, caused 
by a wrong setting of the crimping tool.
    The investigations revealed that this manufacturing quality 
deficiency is related only to modules P/N NSA 937901M1604 with 
manufacturing date codes 08-14 and 08-18.
    This condition, if not corrected, could potentially result in 
in-flight failure of the Electrical Flight Control System (EFCS) and 
consequent loss of control of the aeroplane. In addition, this 
condition could lead to a non detected passenger oxygen loss, which, 
in case of emergency, could result in a large number of passenger 
oxygen masks not being supplied with oxygen, possibly causing 
personal injuries.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
identification and replacement of the affected terminal modules. 
This [EASA] AD also prohibits the installation of the affected 
modules on any aeroplane as replacement parts.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-92A1072, including Appendix 
01, dated March 13, 2009. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because a 
discrepant terminal module could potentially result in an in-flight 
failure of the EFCS, resulting in loss of control of the airplane. In 
addition, a discrepant terminal module could lead to latent failure of 
the passenger oxygen supply, and consequent loss of oxygen supply to 
the masks in the event of an emergency. Therefore, we determined that 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0390; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-064-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
    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); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator,

[[Page 27865]]

the FAA amends 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 AD:

2011-10-15 Airbus: Amendment 39-16696. Docket No. FAA-2011-0390; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-064-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 31, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-112, A319-111, A319-
112, A319-115, A319-132, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, A320-233, 
A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 3603, 3605, 3607, 3610, 
3613, 3615 to 3619 inclusive, 3622 to 3627 inclusive, 3629, 3631 to 
3634 inclusive, 3636, 3639, 3645, 3647, 3653, 3655, 3657, 3660, 
3661, 3663, 3671, 3675, 3687, 3689, 3691, 3694, 3696, 3700, 3702, 
3704 and 3705.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92: Electric 
and Electronic Common Installation.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Electrical discontinuity has been detected on terminal modules 
Part Number (P/N) NSA 937901M1604, manufactured by Deutsch, due to 
an insufficient crimping of the female contacts on the shunt, caused 
by a wrong setting of the crimping tool.
* * * * *
    This condition, if not corrected, could potentially result in 
in-flight failure of the Electrical Flight Control System (EFCS) and 
consequent loss of control of the aeroplane. In addition, this 
condition could lead to a non detected passenger oxygen loss, which, 
in case of emergency, could result in a large number of passenger 
oxygen masks not being supplied with oxygen, possibly causing 
personal injuries.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Actions

    (g) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
identify the manufacturing date code of each Deutsch module part 
number (P/N) NSA 937901M1604 installed on the airplane, which can be 
installed on electronics rack 103VU, pylon harnesses, S15/19 
harnesses and/or electronics rack 80VU, as applicable. If any module 
with manufacturing date code 08-14 is installed on the electronics 
rack 103VU, pylon harnesses, or S15/19 harnesses; or if any module 
with manufacturing date code 08-14 or 08-18 is installed on the 
electronics rack 80VU; as applicable: Before further flight, replace 
each affected module with a serviceable part having the same part 
number but a different date code, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92A1072, 
dated March 13, 2009.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, a Deutsch module P/N NSA 937901M1604 with a 
manufacturing date code of 08-14 or 08-18.

FAA AD Differences

    Note:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI prohibits installation of the part identified 
in paragraph (h) of this AD after accomplishing the actions 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, but this AD prohibits 
installation of the part as of the effective date of this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (i) 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, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be e-mailed 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

Related Information

    (j) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0054, dated 
March 24, 2011; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92A1072, dated 
March 13, 2009; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92A1072, excluding 
Appendix 01, dated March 13, 2009, to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-11331 Filed 5-12-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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