Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70369-70372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28181]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0676; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-182-AD; 
Amendment 39-17266; AD 2012-23-10]
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, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of the escape slide of the raft inflation system 
not deploying when activated due to the rotation of the cable guide in 
a direction which resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable. 
This AD requires modifying the affected slide rafts. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent non-deployment of the inflation system of the escape 
slide raft, which could result in delayed evacuation from the airplane 
during an emergency, and consequent injury to the passengers.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 31, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 31, 
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 July 2, 2012 (77 FR 
39186). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    Two occurrences on Airbus A320 aeroplanes have been reported 
where the escape slide raft inflation system did not deploy when 
activated, due to the rotation of the cable guide in a direction 
which resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable. 
Additionally, there has been one reported case where the system did 
not deploy properly due to a cracked inflation hose fitting.
    Investigation conducted by the slide raft manufacturer showed 
that the hose fitting could be subject to a bending moment if 
improperly packed. Subsequently, the hose fitting could separate 
from the reservoir and the inflation of the slide raft may be 
impaired.
    This condition, if not corrected, could delay the evacuation 
from the aeroplane in case of emergency, possibly resulting in 
injury to the occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA)] AD requires modification of the affected slide rafts 
or [optional] replacement thereof with modified units.

* * * * *
The modification includes installing a cable guide adaptor, an anti-
rotation bracket, and a new hose assembly. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received. United Airlines (UAL) 
supports the compliance time of 36 months after the effective date of 
this AD.

Request To Clarify Concurrent Requirements

    UAL requested we highlight that Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 
S.B.A320 004-25-85 has a concurrent requirement to accomplish Air 
Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56. UAL stated that it would 
like to receive a confirmation that Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 
S.B.A320 004-25-56 must also be accomplished to comply with the 
proposed AD (77 FR 39186, July 2, 2012).
    We agree with UAL's comment. For the optional replacement in 
paragraph (h) of this final rule, we have clarified that the concurrent 
requirement specified in paragraph 1.B. of Air Cruisers Service 
Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012, is 
necessary. We have revised paragraphs (h), (j)(1), and (j)(2) in this 
final rule accordingly.

Request To Remove the Parts Installation Limitation in Paragraph (j)(1) 
of the Proposed AD (77 FR 39186, July 2, 2012)

    UAL requested that the parts installation limitation in paragraph 
(j)(1) of the proposed AD (77 FR 39186, July 2, 2012) be removed. UAL 
stated that the proposed requirement will remove the operator's 
flexibility to replace a post-AD part number with a pre-AD part number 
prior to the AD limit. UAL stated that, after the proposed AD effective 
date, it agrees that any new slide-rafts released by the home shop 
should have the AD requirements incorporated to prevent unit on-wing 
installation beyond the AD limit, but not on the ones currently 
installed on-wing. UAL stated that it believes the intent of the 
proposed AD is to eliminate pre-AD part numbers after 36 months of the 
effective date.

[[Page 70370]]

    We disagree with UAL's request to remove paragraph (j)(1) of this 
final rule. Paragraph (j)(1) of this final rule only applies to those 
airplanes that have accomplished the modification or replacement. The 
intent of this AD is to prevent installation of the unsafe escape slide 
rafts after accomplishing the required modification or replacement. 
Operators have a compliance time of within 36 months after the 
effective date of this AD to do the modification required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, or the alternative action specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD. We have not changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Incorporate New Service Information

    Airbus requested that we revise the proposed AD (77 FR 39186, July 
2, 2012) to incorporate Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-
85, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2011, and Revision 2, dated January 
3, 2012; and to refer to EASA AD 2011-0160R1, dated March 15, 2012; 
into the proposed AD.
    We agree with Airbus' request to reference the latest service 
information. We have revised this AD to reference Air Cruisers Service 
Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012, for the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD. Air Cruisers 
Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012, 
clarifies certain actions and figures. We have also added new paragraph 
(k) of this AD to provide credit for actions done using Air Cruisers 
Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, dated November 30, 2010; or Air 
Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 1, dated 
September 30, 2011; before the effective date of this AD. In addition, 
we have revised paragraph (m) of this AD to reference EASA AD 2011-
0160R1, dated March 15, 2012, which clarifies the parts installation 
limitations specified in that EASA AD.

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 NPRM 
(77 FR 39186, July 2, 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 39186, July 2, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 745 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 19 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 $341 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 $1,457,220, or $1,956 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, 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 39186, July 2, 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:

2012-23-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-17266. Docket No. FAA-2012-0676; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-182-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 31, 
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; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, 
and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of the escape slide of the raft 
inflation system not deploying when activated due to the rotation of 
the cable guide in a direction which

[[Page 70371]]

resulted in jamming of the inflation control table. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent non-deployment of the inflation system of the 
escape slide raft, which could result in delayed evacuation from the 
airplane during an emergency, and consequent injury to the 
passengers.

(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) Modification

    Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, within 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD: Modify the escape slide rafts 
that have a part number (P/N) specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 2010 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A318 
series airplanes).

         Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Escape Slide Raft
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Air Cruisers and Aerazur escape slide rafts part number if fitted with a
      reservoir and valve assembly P/N D18309-105 or P/N D18309-205
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                               D30664-105
                               D30664-107
                               D30664-109
                               D30664-305
                               D30664-307
                               D30664-309
                               D30664-311
                               D30665-105
                               D30665-107
                               D30665-109
                               D30665-305
                               D30665-307
                               D30665-309
                               D30665-311
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Replacement in Accordance With Air Cruisers Service Bulletin

    Replacement of all affected escape slide rafts on any affected 
airplane with slide rafts that have been modified in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 
S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012, is acceptable 
for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, 
provided that prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the 
modification, the installation of the cable guide assembly is done 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Air Cruisers 
Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated November 12, 1999.

(i) Airplanes Not Affected by Paragraph (g) of This AD

    Airplanes on which Airbus modification 151459 or modification 
151502 has been embodied in production, and on which no escape slide 
raft replacements have been made since first flight, are not 
affected by the requirement specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (i) 
of this AD: After accomplishment of the modification required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD or after accomplishment of the alternative 
modification specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, no person may 
install, on any airplane, an escape slide raft specified in table 1 
to paragraph (g) of this AD, unless it has been modified in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A318 series airplanes); or 
Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated 
January 3, 2012 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes), including the installation of the cable guide assembly 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Air Cruisers 
Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated, November 12, 1999.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (i) of this AD: As the 
effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, 
an escape slide raft specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD, unless it has been modified in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, 
dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 
2010 (for Model A318 series airplanes); or Air Cruisers Service 
Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012 (for 
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes), including the 
installation of the cable guide assembly in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 
S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated, November 12, 1999.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Air Cruisers Service 
Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, dated November 30, 2010; or Air 
Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 1, dated 
September 30, 2011; which are not incorporated by reference in 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, 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 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

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0160R1, dated March 15, 2012, and the service 
information specified in paragraphs (m)(1)(i) through (m)(1)(iv) of 
this AD, for related information.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 
2010.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 
2010.
    (iii) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 
2, dated January 3, 2012.
    (iv) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated, 
November 12, 1999.
    (2) For Air Cruisers service information identified in this AD, 
contact Zodiac Services Americas, Cage Code 567V9, 4900 St. Joe 
Boulevard, Building 200, Suite 400, College Park, Georgia 30337; 
telephone 678-228-8153; fax 404-599-0041; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.zodiacaerospace.com.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 
2010.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 
2010.
    (iii) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 
2, dated January 3, 2012.
    (iv) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated, 
November 12, 1999.
    (3) For Airbus 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. For Air Cruisers service information 
identified in this AD, contact Zodiac Services Americas, Cage Code 
567V9, 4900 St. Joe Boulevard, Building 200, Suite 400, College 
Park, Georgia 30337; telephone 678-228-8153; fax 404-599-0041; email

[[Page 70372]]

[email protected]; Internet http://www.zodiacaerospace.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the 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.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-28181 Filed 11-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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