Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63080-63083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26603]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4203; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-142-AD; 
Amendment 39-18299; AD 2015-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, A340-
300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires a 
detailed inspection of the girt installation of each escape slide and 
slide raft, and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by 
a report of incorrect installation of the girt panel on passenger doors 
and an incorrectly installed quick release (girt) bar into the

[[Page 63081]]

girt panel of the slide raft. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct incorrect girt installation of the escape slide and slide raft, 
which could prevent slide deployment during an emergency, and result in 
reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and possible injury to 
occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 3, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 3, 
2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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 W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, 
Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac 
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; 
email [email protected]; 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4203.

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-2015-
4203; 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 
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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
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 Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0183R1, dated September 29, 2015 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, 
and A340-600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During inspections of two different A330 aeroplanes before 
delivery, incorrect connection of the girt panel was noticed on one 
passenger (PAX) door 2 and one PAX door 4. Further investigation 
revealed that the quick release (girt) bar was incorrectly installed 
into the girt panel of the affected slide raft.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, would cause the 
slide pack to remain attached to the door, preventing slide 
deployment during an emergency (door in ``ARMED'' mode), leading to 
reduced evacuation capacity from the aeroplane and possible injury 
to occupants.
    Further inspections at the Airbus final assembly line revealed a 
third case of incorrect installation of girt panel, on one emergency 
exit door.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A25L004-15 to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2015-0183 to 
require a one-time inspection of the escape slide and slide/raft 
attachments and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective action(s) [including reinstalling the slide or declaring 
the affected door inoperative].
    Since that AD was issued, it was found that the Applicability 
could be reduced by excluding some aeroplanes and that there was a 
need to clarify the applicable Airbus MPD Tasks and MRBR MSI.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4203.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A25L004-15, 
Rev 00, dated August 24, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for performing a visual inspection of the girt installations 
of each slide and slide raft, and corrective action. 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 of this AD.

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 these 
same type designs.

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 
incorrect girt installation of the of escape slide and slide raft could 
prevent slide deployment during an emergency and result in reduced 
evacuation capacity from the airplane and possible injury to occupants. 
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-2015-4203; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-142-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 based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any

[[Page 63082]]

personal information you provide. We will also post a report 
summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 30 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour 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 $0 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $2,550, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 18 work-hours, for a cost of $1,530 per escape slide/slide 
raft. We have no way of determining the number escape slides/slide 
rafts on the aircraft that might need this action.

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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-21-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-18299. Docket No. FAA-2015-4203; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-142-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 3, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(vii) of this AD.
    (i) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (ii) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (iii) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (iv) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (v) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (vi) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (vii) Model A340-642 airplanes.
    (2) This AD does not apply to airplanes on which the 
installations of all escape slides and slide rafts have passed an 
inspection as specified in any task/item identified in paragraphs 
(c)(2)(i) through (c)(2)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Task 25-62-41-01-1 Cabin Escape Facilities, of the 
applicable Airbus Maintenance Planning Document.
    (ii) Task 25-62-41-02-1 Cabin Escape Facilities, of the 
applicable Airbus Maintenance Planning Document.
    (iii) Task 25-62-41-03-1 Cabin Escape Facilities, of the 
applicable Airbus Maintenance Planning Document.
    (iv) Task 25-62-41-04-1 Cabin Escape Facilities, of the 
applicable Airbus Maintenance Planning Document.
    (v) Maintenance Schedule Item 25.62.00 section 01, 02, or 03, of 
the Cabin Escape Facilities, of the applicable Airbus Maintenance 
Review Board Report.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of incorrect installation of 
the girt panel on passenger doors and an incorrectly installed quick 
release (girt) bar into the girt panel of the slide raft. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect girt installation of 
the escape slide and slide raft, which could prevent slide 
deployment during an emergency, and result in reduced evacuation 
capacity from the airplane and possible injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect to 
identify the slide raft and escape slide part numbers installed on 
the airplane. A review of the airplane delivery or maintenance 
records may be used in lieu of the inspection if the slide raft and 
escape slide part numbers can be conclusively defined through such 
review.

 (h) Affected Slides and Slide Rafts

    (1) If the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
reveals any slide raft having P/N 7A1508, 7A1510, 7A1539, or 4A3934 
series, or any escape slide having P/N 7A1509 or 4A3928 series: 
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed 
inspection of the girt installation of the affected escape slide and 
slide raft, in accordance with paragraph 4.2 of Airbus AOT A25L004-
15, Rev 00, dated August 24, 2015.
    (2) For any door position where an affected slide raft or escape 
slide has been removed and reinstalled, or replaced since the 
airplane's entry into service, the inspection of the girt 
installation of the slide raft or escape slide at that position, as 
required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, does not have to be done.

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD, the girt bar fitted into the girt of an escape slide, or the 
quick release bar fitted into the girt of a slide raft, is found to 
be incorrectly installed, before further flight, accomplish the 
applicable corrective action(s), in accordance with paragraph 4.3 of 
Airbus AOT A25L004-15, Rev 00, dated August 24, 2015.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International

[[Page 63083]]

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: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 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) 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0183, dated August 31, 2015, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-4203.

(l) 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 Alert Operators Transmission A25L004-15, Rev 00, 
dated August 24, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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 October 11, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26603 Filed 10-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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