Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47091-47094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21369]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0515; Product Identifier 2016-NM-171-AD; Amendment 
39-19061; AD 2017-20-04]
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 certain 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, Model 
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 
series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of unreliable airspeed indications that were caused 
by pitot heater resistance shorted to ground. This AD requires 
replacement of certain parts. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 15, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 15, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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 Standards Branch, 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-2017-0515.

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-2017-
0515; 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 street 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-2125; fax: 425-
227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series 
airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 9, 2017 (82 FR 26758) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM 
was prompted by reports of unreliable airspeed indications that were 
caused by pitot heater resistance shorted to ground. The NPRM proposed 
to require replacement of certain parts. We are issuing this AD to 
ensure proper flight crew awareness of unreliable airspeed indications. 
This condition, if not recognized by the flight crew, could possibly 
result in reduced control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0195, dated September 30, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes), and 
Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator recently reported two events of unreliable airspeed 
indications. Investigations revealed that in both events, a Pitot 
heater resistance was shorted to ground.
    Pitot probes are heated to prevent ice accretion. De-icing 
performance of the Pitot probe might be reduced if Pitot probe 
heater

[[Page 47092]]

degrades over time. The magnitude of deicing performance reduction 
will depend on how much the heater is degraded. The Pitot probe de-
icing reduction will be hidden to the crew (the heater current 
detector will not trigger a ``Heat Fault'' because in case of short-
to-case failure the resulting current variation will be limited).
    In severe icing conditions, if de-icing performances are 
significantly reduced, it may cause unreliable airspeed events, with 
no cockpit effects except erroneous airspeed indication(s) displayed 
on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) or the standby airspeed 
indicators.
    Unreliable airspeed indications, if not recognized by the crew, 
could possibly result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To ensure proper crew awareness of unreliable airspeed 
indication(s) situation, Airbus introduced a dedicated Electronic 
Centralised Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) Warning (Indicated Airspeed 
Discrepancy Warning).
    The following configuration is required to enable this ECAM 
Warning:

--The Flight Warning Computer (FWC) standard S17 has to be installed 
by accomplishing Service Bulletins (SB) A310-31-2144 or A300-31-
6140: This requirement was already rendered mandatory by EASA AD 
2015-0174 [which does not have a corresponding FAA AD. EASA AD 2015-
0174 superseded EASA AD 2012-0088 (EASA AD 2012-0088 corresponds to 
FAA AD 2012-21-15, Amendment 39-17231 (77 FR 67256, November 9, 
2012))];
--The ECAM Symbol Generator Unit (SGU), standard W32, Part Number 
(P/N) 9612670332 has to be installed, by accomplishing Service 
Bulletins (SB) A310-31-2123, A300-31-6124 or SB A300-31-6113.

    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a 
software standard upgrade of the ECAM SGU.

    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-2017-
0515.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International and FedEx expressed 
support for the NPRM.

Request To Include Historical Information

    Airbus requested that we include historical information regarding 
EASA AD 2015-0174, which is included in the quoted MCAI material in the 
NPRM. Airbus explained that EASA AD 2015-0174, dated August 24, 2015, 
superseded EASA AD 2012-0088, dated June 25, 2012, which specified 
accomplishment of certain Airbus Service Bulletins. Airbus stated that 
any corresponding FAA ADs should also be identified.
    We agree that additional historical information regarding EASA AD 
2015-0174 and any corresponding FAA ADs would be helpful. We have added 
the requested historical information to the quoted MCAI material 
regarding EASA AD 2015-0174, which superseded EASA AD 2012-0088, and 
the corresponding FAA AD.

Requests To Allow Use of a Later ECAM SGU Software Standard and Related 
Service Information

    Airbus and FedEx requested that we revise the NPRM to allow use of 
ECAM SGU software standard W33, which includes the corrections found in 
ECAM SGU software standard W32.
    FedEx also requested that we update the NPRM to include new service 
information that provides procedures for the upgrade to ECAM SGU 
software standard W33. FedEx mentioned that it is preparing to upgrade 
its fleet to ECAM SGU software standard W33.
    We agree with the requests to allow use of ECAM SGU software 
standard W33, because ECAM SGU software standard W33 includes all of 
the necessary changes from ECAM SGU software standard W32. We have 
revised the preamble and regulatory text of this final rule, where 
applicable, to include the additional ECAM SGU software standard and 
part number.
    We also agree to add Airbus Service Bulletins A300-31-6142, 
Revision 01, dated November 21, 2013, and A310-31-2145, Revision 01, 
dated November 13, 2013, for accomplishment of the installation of ECAM 
SGU software standard W33. We have revised this final rule accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and 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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, Revision 03, 
including Appendix 01, dated July 5, 2016 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes).
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, Revision 01, dated 
July 4, 2016 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6142, Revision 01, dated 
November 21, 2013 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01, dated July 1, 2016 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes).
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2145, Revision 01, dated 
November 13, 2013 (for Model A310 series airplanes).
    The service information describes procedures for replacement of the 
ECAM SGU software standard W32 or W33. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane configurations or apply to 
different ECAM SGU software standards (W32, part number 9612670332, and 
W33, part number 9612670333). 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 139 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost            Parts cost     Cost per  product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement....................  Up to 4 work-hours x    Up to $2,360.....  Up to $2,700.....  Up to $375,300.
                                  $85 per hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 47093]]

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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):

2017-20-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-19061; Docket No. FAA-2017-0515; 
Product Identifier 2016-NM-171-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 15, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on 
which Airbus modification 12691 or 13665 has been embodied in 
production.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (5) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of unreliable airspeed 
indications that were caused by pitot heater resistance shorted to 
ground. We are issuing this AD to ensure proper flight crew 
awareness of unreliable airspeed indications. This condition, if not 
recognized by the flight crew, could possibly result in reduced 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement of the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring 
(ECAM) Symbol Generator Unit (SGU)

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the ECAM SGU with a new ECAM SGU (software standard W32 or W33), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
information identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 
C4-605R Variant F airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, 
Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated July 5, 2016; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-31-6142, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2013.
    (2) For Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, Revision 01, dated July 4, 2016.
    (3) For Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, 
Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated July 1, 2016; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-31-2145, Revision 01, dated November 13, 2013.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, for any airplane that 
has ECAM SGU software standard W32, part number 9612670332, or ECAM 
SGU software standard W33, part number 9612670333, installed, no 
person may install an ECAM SGU software standard prior to W32.
    (2) For any airplane that has an ECAM SGU software standard 
prior to W32, after modification of that airplane, no person may 
install an ECAM SGU software standard prior to W32.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraph 
(i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), (i)(4), or (i)(5) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, Revision 02, including 
Appendix 01, dated September 4, 2014.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, Revision 00, dated 
October 13, 2005.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6142, Revision 00, dated 
August 13, 2013.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, Revision 00, dated 
January 4, 2006.
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2145, Revision 00, dated 
August 13, 2013.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. 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.

[[Page 47094]]

    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0195, dated September 30, 2016, 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-2017-0515.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 
425-227-2125; fax: 425-227-1149.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(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 Service Bulletin A300-31-6113, Revision 03, including 
Appendix 01, dated July 5, 2016.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6124, Revision 01, dated 
July 4, 2016.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6142, Revision 01, dated 
November 21, 2013.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2123, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01, dated July 1, 2016.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2145, Revision 01, dated 
November 13, 2013.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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 view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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 18, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21369 Filed 10-10-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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