Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44209-44211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18661]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-AD; Amendment 
39-19375; AD 2018-17-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness 
limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
revised fuel airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 4, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 4, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 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 service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0300.

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-2018-
0300; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

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 SAS Model 
A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, 
-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2018 (83 FR 18485). 
The NPRM was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations 
document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
revised fuel airworthiness limitations.
    We are issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources 
inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss 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 
2017-0169, dated September 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and 
A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) for Airbus A320 family 
aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and 
published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 document. These instructions have 
been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to 
accomplish these instructions could result in a fuel tank explosion 
and consequent loss of the aeroplane.

[[Page 44210]]

    * * * the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published 
Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint 
Aviation Authorities (JAA) published interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. 
In response to these regulations, Airbus conducted a design review 
to develop FAL for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes.
    The FAL were specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 FAL 
document ref. 95A.1931/05 at issue 04 for A318/A319/A320/A321 
aeroplanes. This document was approved by EASA and is now referenced 
in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 5 to comply with EASA policy 
statement (EASA D2005/CPRO).
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2014-0260 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) 
(``AD 2016-20-12'')] to require accomplishment of all FAL-related 
actions as described in ALS Part 5 at Revision 01. ALS Part 5 
Revision 02 and 03 were not mandated because no significant changes 
were introduced with these Revisions. The new ALS Part 5 Revision 04 
(hereafter referred to as `the ALS' in this [EASA] AD) includes new 
and/or more restrictive requirements and extends the applicability 
to model A320-251N, A320-271N, A321-251N, A321-253N and A321-271N 
aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0260, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of the actions specified in the ALS.

    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-2018-
0300.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed 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 addressing 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 final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), 
Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. This service information describes 
fuel system airworthiness limitations. 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 1,250 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2018-17-21 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19375; Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, 
October 20, 2016) (``AD 2016-20-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before April 6, 
2017.

[[Page 44211]]

    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, 
and -271N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness 
limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD 
to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, 
which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a 
fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated 
April 6, 2017. The initial compliance times for new or revised tasks 
are the minimum intervals or times specified in Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel 
Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017, 
or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.

(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, 
intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(i) Terminating Action for AD 2016-20-12

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 2016-20-12.

(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.
    (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 SAS's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0169, dated September 7, 2017, 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-2018-0300.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.

(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 A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, 
dated April 6, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on August 17, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18661 Filed 8-29-18; 8:45 am]
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