Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 208 (Monday, October 28, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64162-64164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23909]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0465; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-085-AD; 
Amendment 39-17617; AD 2013-20-11]
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 a determination that oxygen generators installed on a 
certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container assemblies might 
become detached by extreme pulling of the mask tube at the end of the 
oxygen supply causing a high temperature oxygen generator and mask to 
fall down. This AD requires modifying the passenger emergency oxygen 
container assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent a high 
temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling down and possibly 
resulting in an ignition source in the passenger compartment, injury to 
passengers, and reduced availability of supplemental oxygen.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 2, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 2, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465; 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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. You may review copies of the 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2013 (78 FR 
40074). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0055, dated April 3, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    It has been determined that oxygen generators, installed on a 
specific batch of Type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen 
container assemblies, may become detached by extreme pulling of the 
mask tube at the end of oxygen supply. Investigations revealed that 
such detachment can be caused by the increase in temperature towards 
the end of the generator operation, which may weaken the plastic 
housing in the attachment area of the bracket.
    This condition, if not corrected, could make the rivets slip 
through the plastic housing, causing a `hot' oxygen generator and 
mask to fall down, possibly resulting in injury to passengers.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the affected oxygen container assemblies. This 
[EASA] AD also prohibits the installation of the affected 
(unmodified) containers on any aeroplane as replacement parts.

The modification consists of adding a reinforcement plate at the rear 
outside of the container and adding two washers to the rivets at the 
inside of the container to prevent the generator from detaching. You 
may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 40074, July 3, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed-except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 40074, July 3, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 40074, July 3, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification..........................  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170            $680
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64163]]

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465-0002; 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 MCAI, 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.

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:

2013-20-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-17617. Docket No. FAA-2013-0465; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-085-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 2, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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 35, Oxygen.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that oxygen generators, 
installed on a certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container 
assemblies, might become detached by extreme pulling of the mask 
tube at the end of the oxygen supply causing a high temperature 
oxygen generator and mask to fall down. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a high temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling 
down and possibly resulting in an ignition source in the passenger 
compartment, injury to passengers, and reduced availability of 
supplemental oxygen.

(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) Oxygen Container Assembly Modification

    Except as specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of 
this AD, within 5,000 flight cycles, or 7,500 flight hours, or 24 
months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD: 
Modify each type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen container 
assembly installed on an airplane, having a part number (P/N) listed 
in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number (S/N) listed 
in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, 
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated 
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
    (1) An oxygen container that has a part number listed in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number as listed in 
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and that has been modified using 
the instructions of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 1XC22-0100-35-
006, is compliant with the modification requirement of paragraph (g) 
of this AD.
    (i) Oxygen container part numbers listed in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i)(A) through (g)(1)(i)(D) of this AD, where xxxxx stands for 
an alphanumerical value.
    (A) 13C22Lxxxxx0100.
    (B) 13C22Rxxxxx0100.
    (C) 14C22Lxxxxx0100.
    (D) 14C22Rxxxxx0100.
    (ii) Oxygen container serial numbers listed in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(ii)(A) through (g)(1)(ii)(H) of this AD.
    (A) ARBC-0182 to ARBC-9999, inclusive.
    (B) ARBD-0000 to ARBD-9999, inclusive.
    (C) ARBE-0000 to ARBE-9999, inclusive.
    (D) BEBF-0000 to BEBF-9999, inclusive.
    (E) BEBH-0000 to BEBH-9999, inclusive.
    (F) BEBK-0000 to BEBK-9999, inclusive.
    (G) BEBL-0000 to BEBL-9999, inclusive.
    (H) BEBM-0000 to BEBM-0454, inclusive.
    (2) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 150704 has not been 
embodied in production are excluded from the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part 
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number 
listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
    (3) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 150704 has been 
embodied in production and that are not listed by model and 
manufacturer serial number in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, 
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated 
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June

[[Page 64164]]

15, 2011; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 
2011; as applicable; are excluded from the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part number listed 
in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number listed in 
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The oxygen container 
assemblies listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and paragraph 
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD are B/E Aerospace products with the mark ``B/E 
AEROSPACE'' on the identification plate.

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an oxygen container with a part number listed in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, and serial number listed in 
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, unless the oxygen container has 
been modified according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, 
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated 
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.

(i) 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, WA 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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European 
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0055, dated 
April 3, 2012, for related information. You may examine the MCAI in 
the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465-0002.

(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, dated June 15, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated June 15, 2011.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 2011.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011.
    (vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011.
    (vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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.
    (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 September 17, 2013.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-23909 Filed 10-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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