Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41886-41889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16885]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0266; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-061-AD; 
Amendment 39-17119; AD 2012-14-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted

[[Page 41887]]

by reports of unsuccessful slide deployments during scheduled 
deployment tests, and failed functional tests of the release travel of 
the slide release mechanism. This AD requires inspecting the off-wing 
slide release cables on the left- and right-hand sides to determine 
whether a certain part number is installed, and replacement if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-availability of left- 
or right-hand off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency 
evacuation of the passengers and flightcrew, and could result in 
personal injuries.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 21, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 21, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

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

    We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2012 (77 
FR 15636). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Several operators reported unsuccessful slide deployments during 
scheduled deployment tests and/or failed functional tests of the 
release travel of the slide release mechanism.
    Investigations revealed deformation of the PTFE (Teflon) ball 
guide strip of the release cable, Part Number (P/N) L32A319-160-001. 
In such a situation the travel of the cable could be insufficient to 
open the valve when opening the exit, thereby reducing the gas flow 
from the reservoir to the off-wing slide in automatic or manual 
mode. As a result, the aspirator will not ingest sufficient ambient 
air for slide inflation.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the non-
availability of LH [left-hand] and/or RH [right-hand] off-wing exit 
slides for evacuation that would impair emergency evacuation of the 
aeroplane occupants, possibly resulting in personal injuries.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
identification [inspection] and replacement of both Left hand (LH) 
and Right Hand (RH) off-wing slide release cables P/N L32A319-160-
001 with P/N L32A320-180, which have precise stainless steel ball 
bearing stripes instead of stamped PTFE stripes.

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

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Support for the Proposed AD (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012)

    United Airlines has no objections to the content of the proposed 
rule (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012).

Request To Refer to Revised Service Bulletin

    Airbus requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 
2012) to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, 
Revision 05, dated March 27, 2012. Airbus also requested that we give 
credit for actions done using Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-
53-1227, Revision 01, dated May 31, 2010; Revision 02, dated March 10, 
2011; Revision 03, dated July 28, 2011; and Revision 04, dated February 
14, 2012.
    We agree with the request. We have updated paragraphs (g) and 
(m)(5) of this AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-
53-1227, Revision 05, dated March 27, 2012. We have also revised 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD to allow credit for actions done using 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 01, dated May 
31, 2010; Revision 02, dated March 10, 2011; Revision 03, dated July 
28, 2011; and Revision 04, dated February 14, 2012. We have re-
identified paragraphs (j)(2) through (j)(6) of the NPRM (77 FR 15636, 
March 16, 2012) as paragraph (j)(2) in this AD, and indicated that the 
service information in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD provides credit for 
the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

Additional Change Made to This AD

    Paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012) 
inadvertently referred to paragraph (l) of the NPRM, rather than 
paragraph (k) of the NPRM, as the exception to the proposed 
requirements. We have changed paragraph (g) of this AD to refer to 
paragraph (k) of this AD for the exception.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously except for minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 694 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 39 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $5,750 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $6,291,110, or $9,065 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 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,

[[Page 41888]]

or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
    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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 
2012), 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.

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, 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:

2012-14-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-17119. Docket No. FAA-2012-0266; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-061-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 21, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel tanks; 
53: Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of unsuccessful slide 
deployments during scheduled deployment tests, and failed functional 
tests of the release travel of the slide release mechanism. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent non-availability of left- or right-hand 
off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency evacuation of the 
passengers and flightcrew, and could result in personal injuries.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Modification

    Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD, within 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD, inspect the off-wing slide 
release cables on the left- and right-hand sides to determine 
whether part number (P/N) L32A319-160-001 is installed. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number of the off-wing slide release cables 
can be conclusively determined from that review. If any off-wing 
slide release cable has P/N L32A319-160-001, before further flight, 
replace with a new off-wing slide release cable having P/N L32A320-
180, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 05, dated March 
27, 2012.

(h) Optional Modification

    Installation of a shorter off-wing slide release cable having P/
N L32A319-160-002 with relocated inflation bottle during 
installation of the additional center tank, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD, is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1118, Revision 03, including 
Appendix 1, dated May 12, 2009.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 04, including 
Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 2010.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, Revision 01, including 
Appendix 01, dated April 27, 2007.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1154, Revision 01, dated 
April 7, 2008.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
off-wing slide release cable having P/N L32A319-160-001 on any 
airplane.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if installation of off-wing slide release 
cables having P/N L32A320-180 was done before the effective date of 
this AD using the service bulletin identified in paragraphs 
(j)(1)(i) through (j)(1)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, dated March 24, 2010.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 01, dated 
May 31, 2010.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 
02, dated March 10, 2011.
    (iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 
03, dated July 28, 2011.
    (v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 04, 
dated February 14, 2012.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, dated October 13, 
2004.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 01, dated 
October 12, 2006.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 02, dated 
November 12, 2008.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 03, dated 
October 5, 2009.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, dated February 28, 
2006.

(k) Exception

    Provided that off-wing slide release cables have not been 
replaced with a slide release cable having P/N L32A319-160-001, 
airplanes having Airbus modification 150811, 26138, 37856, or 39673 
installed in production are in compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(l) 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, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. 
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. The AMOC

[[Page 41889]]

approval letter must specifically reference 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.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0015, dated January 31, 2011, and the service 
information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(5) of this 
AD, for related information.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1118, Revision 03, including 
Appendix 1, dated May 12, 2009.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 04, including 
Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 2010.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, Revision 01, including 
Appendix 01, dated April 27, 2007.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1154, Revision 01, dated 
April 7, 2008.
    (5) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 05, 
dated March 27, 2012.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
Incorporation by Reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 05, 
dated March 27, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved
    (3) If you accomplish the optional actions specified by this AD, 
you must use the following service information to perform those 
actions, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1118, Revision 03, including 
Appendix 1, dated May 12, 2009.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 04, 
including Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 2010.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01, dated April 27, 2007.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1154, Revision 01, dated 
April 7, 2008.
    (4) 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; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 an NARA facility, 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 June 29, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16885 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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