Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 161 (Friday, August 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55362-55366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19481]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8463; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-226-AD; 
Amendment 39-18612; AD 2016-16-14]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-20-11, 
for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 
2013-20-11 required modifying the passenger emergency oxygen container 
assembly. This new AD expands the affected group of oxygen containers 
to include those labeled ``DAe Systems.'' This AD was prompted by a 
determination that the unsafe condition also affects oxygen containers 
labeled ``DAe Systems.'' 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 is effective September 23, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 2, 
2013 (78 FR 64162, October 28, 2013).

ADDRESSES: For Airbus service information identified in this final 
rule, 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 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-
8463.

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-
8463; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116,

[[Page 55363]]

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 supersede AD 2013-20-11, Amendment 39-17617 (78 FR 64162, 
October 28, 2013) (``AD 2013-20-11''). AD 2013-20-11 applied to all 
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on January 20, 2016 (81 FR 3061) (``the 
NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that the unsafe 
condition also affects oxygen containers labeled ``DAe Systems.'' The 
NPRM proposed to continue to require modifying the passenger emergency 
oxygen container assembly. The NPRM also proposed to expand the 
affected group of oxygen containers to include those labeled ``DAe 
Systems.'' 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.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2014-0207, dated September 16, 2014 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

    It was determined that oxygen generators, installed on a 
specific batch of Type 1 (22 min) 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.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2012-
0055 (later revised) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2013-20-11, 
Amendment 39-17617 (78 FR 64162, October 28, 2013)] to require 
modification of the affected oxygen container assemblies. That 
[EASA] AD also prohibited installation of unmodified containers on 
any aeroplane as replacement parts.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was found that the affected 
containers have not only been marked with company name B/E 
Aerospace, as was specified, but also, for a brief period, with the 
former company name DAe Systems.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2012-0055R1, which is superseded, and 
expands the affected group of containers to include those that have 
the name ``DAe Systems'' on the identification plate.
    This [EASA] AD also clearly separates the serial number (s/n) 
groups of containers into those manufactured by B/E Aerospace and 
those manufactured by DAe Systems, for which additional compliance 
time is provided.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8463.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions required by AD 2013-20-11 and retained in this AD take 
about 2 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions 
that are required by AD 2013-20-11 is $170 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $680, or $170 per product.
    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 available 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-20-11, Amendment 39-17617 (78

[[Page 55364]]

FR 64162, October 28, 2013), and adding the following new AD:

2016-16-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-18612; Docket No. FAA-2015-8463; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-226-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 23, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-20-11, Amendment 39-17617 (78 FR 64162, 
October 28, 2013) (``AD 2013-20-11'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(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. This AD was also prompted by a 
determination that the unsafe condition affects oxygen containers 
labeled ``DAe Systems.'' 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

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

(g) Retained Oxygen Container Assembly Modification, With Service 
Information Referenced in a New Paragraph

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2013-20-11 with service information referenced in a new paragraph. 
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 December 2, 2013 (the effective date 
of AD 2013-20-11): 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 the applicable 
Airbus service information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through 
(k)(7) of this AD.
    (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 the applicable Airbus service 
information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(7) of this 
AD; 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) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With Service Information 
Referenced in a New Paragraph

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2013-20-11 with service information referenced in a new paragraph. 
As of December 2, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-20-11), 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 the applicable Airbus 
service information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(7) of 
this AD.

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Modification of Additional Oxygen 
Containers

    At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and 
(i)(2) of this AD: Modify each type 1 (22 minute) passenger 
emergency oxygen container assembly installed on an airplane, having 
a part number and a serial number listed in paragraph (j) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable Airbus service information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) 
through (k)(7) of this AD; except as specified in paragraph (l) of 
this AD.
    (1) For units with ``B/E AEROSPACE'' on the identification plate 
and having a part number and a serial number listed in paragraph 
(j)(1) 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.
    (2) For units with ``DAe Systems'' on the identification plate 
and having a part number and a serial number listed in paragraph 
(j)(2) of this AD: Within 2,500 flight cycles, or 3,750 flight 
hours, or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of this AD.

(j) New Part Numbers and Serial Numbers for the Parts Affected by 
Paragraph (i) of This AD

    Affected parts for the actions required by paragraph (i) of this 
AD are identified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For oxygen containers with ``B/E AEROSPACE'' on the 
identification plate: Units having a part number identified in 
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (j)(1)(iv) of this AD, where part 
number ``xxxxx'' stands for any alphanumerical value, and a serial 
number of BEBM-0455 to BEBM-9999, inclusive.
    (i) 13C22Lxxxxx0100.
    (ii) 13C22Rxxxxx0100.
    (iii) 14C22Lxxxxx0100.
    (iv) 14C22Rxxxxx0100.
    (2) For oxygen containers with ``DAe Systems'' on the 
identification plate: Units having a part number identified in 
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (j)(1)(iv) of this AD, where part 
number ``xxxxx'' stands for any alphanumerical value, and a serial 
number identified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(iv) of this 
AD.
    (i) ARBC-0000 to ARBC-9999 inclusive.
    (ii) ARBD-0000 to ARBD-9999 inclusive.
    (iii) ARBE-0000 to BEBE-9999 inclusive.
    (iv) BEBE-0000 to BEBE-9999 inclusive.

(k) Service Information for the Requirements of Paragraphs (g), (h), 
(i), and (m) of This AD

    Accomplish the requirements specified in paragraphs (g), (h), 
(i), and (m) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Airbus service information identified 
in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(7) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, dated June 15, 2011.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated June 15, 2011.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 2011.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011.
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011.
    (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011.
    (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011.

[[Page 55365]]

(l) New Exceptions to the Requirements of Paragraph (i) of This AD

    (1) An oxygen container that has a part number and a serial 
number listed in paragraph (j) of this AD, and that has been 
modified as specified in B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 1XC22-0100-
35-006, is compliant with the modification requirement of paragraph 
(i) of this AD.
    (2) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 150704 has not been 
embodied in production are excluded from the requirements of 
paragraph (i) of this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part 
number and a serial number listed in paragraph (j) 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 the Airbus service information 
specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(7) of this AD, as 
applicable, are excluded from the requirements of paragraph (i) of 
this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part and a serial number 
listed in paragraph (j) of this AD is installed.
    (4) Airplanes on which the design of the passenger oxygen 
container is not Design A, as defined in figure 1 to paragraph 
(l)(4) of this AD, are excluded from the requirements of paragraph 
(i) of this AD for that passenger oxygen container.

    Note 2 to paragraph (l)(4) of this AD: For ``Design A,'' the 
placard on the passenger oxygen container test button is as 
described in ``Picture A'' in figure 1 to paragraph (l)(4) of this 
AD. The mask configuration (``ZZ'' in ``Picture A'') is a number, 
and the test button is as shown in ``Picture B.''

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19AU16.002

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(m) New Requirement of This AD: 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 and a serial 
number listed in paragraph (j) of this AD, unless the oxygen 
container has been modified in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Airbus service information specified 
in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(7) of this AD.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 55366]]

    (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].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2013-20-11 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of 
this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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.

(o) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA AD 2014-0207, dated September 16, 2014, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2015-8463.

(p) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 2, 2013 (78 FR 64162, October 28, 2013).
    (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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 August 3, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-19481 Filed 8-18-16; 8:45 am]
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