Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49475-49482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21347]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0804; Product Identifier 2018-NM-129-AD; Amendment 
39-19442; AD 2018-20-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-02-18, 
which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series 
airplanes and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -
232 airplanes. AD 2018-02-18 required revising the airplane flight 
manual (AFM) to provide guidance to the flightcrew for certain 
emergency procedures. This new AD requires revising the AFM, and for 
certain airplanes, removing a certain AFM revision. This AD also adds 
airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination 
that, when two angle of attack (AoA) sensors are adversely affected by 
icing conditions at the same time, data displayed on the back up speed 
scale (BUSS) could be erroneous. This AD was also prompted by a 
determination that the AFM needs to be revised for certain additional 
airplanes, and that the AFM may have been erroneously revised on 
certain airplanes not equipped with a BUSS function. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 17, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 16, 2018.

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 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 referenced 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-
0804.

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-
0804; 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 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: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98351; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued AD 2018-02-18, Amendment 39-19171 (83 FR 5182, February 
6, 2018) (``AD 2018-02-18''), which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model 
A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2018-02-18 was prompted 
by a determination that when two AoA sensors are adversely affected by 
icing conditions at the same time, data displayed on the BUSS could be 
erroneous. AD 2018-02-18 required revising the AFM to provide guidance 
to the flightcrew for emergency procedures when erroneous airspeed 
indications are displayed on the BUSS. We issued AD 2018-02-18 to 
address erroneous airspeed data displays, which could lead to an 
increased flightcrew workload, possibly resulting in reduced control of 
the airplane.
    Since we issued AD 2018-02-18, we have determined that airplanes on 
which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1543 was embodied in service are 
also subject to the unsafe condition, and that the AFM may have been 
erroneously revised on certain airplanes not equipped with a BUSS 
function.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0189, dated August 30, 2018 (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, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In extreme icing conditions, pitot probes may induce erroneous 
airspeed indications. To provide flight crews with reliable 
information on airspeed, Airbus developed a Back-up Speed Scale 
(BUSS and reversible BUSS, based on angle of attack (AoA) value) 
displayed on the Primary Flight Display (PFD), together with a PFD 
Back-Up Altitude Scale based on Global Positioning System (GPS) 
altitude. This BUSS function is intended to be used below flight 
level (FL) 250 only. Following new investigation related to AoA 
probes blockages, it was identified that, when two AoA sensors are 
adversely affected by icing conditions at the same time, data 
displayed on the BUSS could be erroneous.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an increased 
flight crew workload, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.

[[Page 49476]]

    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus established 
specific operational instructions to be applied by the flight crew 
under certain defined conditions. The relevant procedure was 
incorporated into the applicable A320 family AFM [airplane flight 
manual] since 07 March 2017 (publication date). Consequently, EASA 
issued AD 2017-0257 (later revised) to require a one-time AFM 
amendment to introduce the additional operational procedure.
    Since EASA AD 2017-0257R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-02-
18] was issued, it was determined that aeroplanes on which Airbus SB 
[service bulletin] A320-34-1543 (mod 154033) was embodied in service 
were inadvertently missing from the Applicability of the [EASA] AD.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0257R1, which is superseded, and 
extends the Applicability to aeroplanes that embody Airbus SB A320-
34-1543. This AD also requires removal of the AFM amendment, where 
it was mistakenly inserted in the AFM of an aeroplane not equipped 
with the BUSS function, prompted by the Applicability definition and 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0257 at original issue.

    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0804.

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 the same 
type design.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because when two AoA sensors are adversely affected by icing conditions 
at the same time, data displayed on the BUSS could be erroneous, 
leading to an increased flightcrew workload that could ultimately 
result in reduced control of the airplane. Therefore, we find good 
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable. In addition, for the reason(s) stated above, we find 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less 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-2018-0804; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-129-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 because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 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 1,250 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per      Cost on  U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................              $0              $85         $106,250
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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

    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,

[[Page 49477]]

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) 
2018-02-18, Amendment 39-19171 (83 FR 5182, February 6, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-20-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19442; Docket No. FAA-2018-0804; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-129-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 17, 2018.

 (b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-02-18, Amendment 39-19171 (83 FR 5182, 
February 6, 2018) (``AD 2018-02-18'').

 (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, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (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, and -232 
airplanes.

 (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

 (e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that, when two angle of 
attack (AoA) sensors are adversely affected by icing conditions at 
the same time, data displayed on the back-up speed scale (BUSS) 
could be erroneous. We are issuing this AD to address erroneous 
airspeed data displays, which could lead to an increased flightcrew 
workload, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

 (f) Compliance

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

 (g) Definitions

    (1) Group 1 airplanes are those on which Airbus modification 
35871 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1397 or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1543 has been 
embodied in service (introducing air data monitoring and BUSS 
function), except airplanes on which Airbus modification 159281 has 
also been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
34-1658 or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1659 has also been 
embodied in service (installing reversible BUSS function).
    (2) Group 2 airplanes are those that are not in Group 1 and that 
have amended the AFM as previously specified in EASA AD 2017-0257, 
dated December 22, 2017.

 (h) AFM Revision

    (1) For Group 1 airplanes, except for airplanes identified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, revise the AFM to incorporate the procedure specified in 
figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD, revise the AFM by removing the procedure specified 
in figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD from the AFM.++
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 (i) Optional Method of Compliance

    Airplanes operated with an AFM having the NAV-ADR 1+2+3 FAULT 
procedure identical to the procedure specified in figure 1 to 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, with an approval date on or after 
March 2, 2017, are compliant with the requirements of this AD, 
provided that the procedure is not removed from the AFM.

 (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

[[Page 49482]]

standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (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 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 2018-0189, dated August 30, 2018, 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-2018-0804.
    (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 98351; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.

 (l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 20, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21347 Filed 10-1-18; 8:45 am]
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