Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44202-44204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18662]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0411; Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-AD; Amendment 
39-19376; AD 2018-17-22]
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 A319-115 and -132 airplanes, and Model A320-214, -216, 
-232, and -233 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating 
that certain modified airplanes do not have electrical ground wires on 
the fuel level sensing control unit (FLSCU), which adversely affects 
the fuel gravity feeding operation. This AD requires modification of 
the FLSCU wiring. 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; phone: +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-
0411.

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-
0411; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone 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 
A319-115 and -132 airplanes, and Model A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2018 
(83 FR 22426). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that 
certain modified airplanes do not have electrical ground wires on the 
FLSCU, which adversely affects the fuel gravity feeding operation. The 
NPRM proposed to require modification of the FLSCU wiring.
    We are issuing this AD to address reduced fuel pressure at the 
engine inlet, potentially resulting in an uncommanded in-flight 
shutdown when flying at the fuel gravity feed ceiling levels.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0216, dated October 30, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-115 and -
132 airplanes, and Model A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    Airbus introduced mod 154327 on A319 and A320 aeroplanes which 
substituted the pump fuel feed system from the centre fuel tank with 
a jet pump transfer system, based on the Airbus A321 design. 
Following the modification introduction, it was discovered that the 
modified aeroplanes do not have electrical ground signals that 
replicate those from the deleted centre tank pump pressure

[[Page 44203]]

switches. These signals are used as part of the fuel recirculation 
inhibition request logic. Subsequent investigation determined that 
ground wires had not been installed on the fuel level sensor control 
units (FLSCU) of post-mod aeroplanes, due to a drawing error on the 
fuel system recirculation principle diagram. Without these ground 
wires providing inputs, the FLSCU logic is not correctly implemented 
for gravity feeding operation.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced fuel 
pressure at the engine inlet, possibly resulting in an uncommanded 
inflight shut-down when flying at the gravity feed ceiling levels, 
as defined in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued AFM 
Temporary Revision (TR) 695 Issue 1 and AFM TR 699 Issue 1 to 
prohibit the use of Jet B and JP4 fuel, and AFM TR 700 Issue 1 to 
provide instructions for amendment of the gravity feed procedure for 
the other fuels.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0205 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2016-25-23, Amendment 39-18749 (81 FR 90971, December 16, 2016) 
(``AD 2016-25-23'')], requiring amendment of the applicable AFM to 
include the new gravity feed procedure and to reduce the list of 
authorised fuels.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus developed a wiring 
modification to restore the intended FLSCU logic, and issued Service 
Bulletin (SB) A320-28-1242, later revised, providing instructions to 
modify affected aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0205, which is superseded, and requires 
modification of FLSCU wiring. This [EASA] AD also allows, after that 
modification, to remove the previously inserted AFM TR's from the 
applicable AFM.

    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-
0411.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. The Air Line 
Pilots Association, International (ALPA) stated that it supports the 
NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule 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 Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, Revision 01, 
dated October 3, 2017. The service information describes procedures for 
modification of the FLSCU wiring. 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 58 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,190........................            $204           $1,394          $80,852
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 known 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.
    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:

[[Page 44204]]

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):

2018-17-22 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19376; Docket No. FAA-2018-0411; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-25-23, Amendment 39-18749 (81 FR 90971, 
December 16, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-23'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-115 and -132 airplanes, 
and Model A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in 
any category, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus 
modification 154327 has been embodied in production, except those on 
which Airbus modification 158740 has been embodied.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain 
modified airplanes do not have electrical ground wires on the fuel 
level sensing control unit (FLSCU), which adversely affects the fuel 
gravity feeding operation. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced 
fuel pressure at the engine inlet, potentially resulting in an 
uncommanded in-flight shutdown when flying at the fuel gravity feed 
ceiling levels.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
FLSCU wiring in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, Revision 01, dated October 3, 
2017.

(h) Terminating Action for AD 2016-25-23 and Amendment of the Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM)

    Modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD terminates all of the requirements of AD 2016-25-23 for that 
airplane. After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, remove Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Temporary Revision 
TR695, Issue 1.0, dated August 1, 2016; or Airbus A318/A319/A320/
A321 Temporary Revision TR699, Issue 1.0, dated August 1, 2016; as 
applicable; and Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Temporary Revision TR700, 
Issue 1.0, dated August 1, 2016, from the applicable AFM of that 
airplane.

(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 Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, dated 
December 21, 2016.

(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.
    (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 2017-0216, dated October 30, 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-2018-0411.
    (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; phone 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 Service Bulletin A320-28-1242, Revision 01, dated 
October 3, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus SAS service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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. 2018-18662 Filed 8-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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