Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 55 (Friday, March 20, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15922-15924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05763]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0873; Product Identifier 2019-NM-164-AD; Amendment 
39-19869; AD 2020-05-19]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A319-112, -115, and -132 airplanes; and Model 
A320-214, -216, -232, and -233 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a 
report that a possible interference was identified between 1M and 2M 
wiring harnesses and the tapping units, and that the interference could 
adversely affect the lavatory smoke detection system and/or the 
passenger oxygen system. This AD requires modifying the 1M and 2M 
harness routing, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 24, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 24, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website 
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material 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 in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0873.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0873; 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 is 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; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0227, dated September 11, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0227'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-112, -115, and -132 
airplanes; and Model A320-214, -216, -232 and -233 airplanes.
    The FAA 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 A319-112, -115, and -132 airplanes; and Model A320-214, -216, -
232, and -233 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 22, 2019 (84 FR 64443). The NPRM was prompted by a report that 
a possible interference was identified between 1M and 2M wiring 
harnesses and the tapping units, and that the interference could 
adversely affect the lavatory smoke detection system and/or the 
passenger oxygen system. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the 1M 
and 2M harness routing, as specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible loss of lavatory 
smoke detection and/or passenger oxygen system commands, which could 
prevent the delivery of passenger oxygen during an emergency and 
possibly result in injury to airplane occupants. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. The FAA 
received one comment outside the scope of this rulemaking.

Support for the NPRM

    Two anonymous commenters stated their support for the NPRM.

Request for Clarification on Affected Airplane Models

    Megan Meyet requested clarification on other Airbus airplanes that 
may be affected by the unsafe condition identified in the proposed AD. 
The commenter asked what will the FAA do if there are other Airbus 
airplanes that are found to have the same issue. The commenter stated 
that the proposed AD lists a specific batch of Airbus airplanes that 
have a defective part, but does not mention what would happen if other

[[Page 15923]]

airplane models are found to have the same issue.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. The unsafe condition in this AD is 
caused by interference due to installation of optional tapping units, 
which reduced the clearance between the wire harnesses and tapping 
units. EASA and Airbus know the population of airplanes affected by 
this unsafe condition. Therefore, the Airbus airplanes specified in 
EASA AD 2019-0227 are the affected population. If additional airplanes 
are found to be affected by this unsafe condition, the FAA will 
consider additional rulemaking. The FAA has not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Request for Clarification of the Unsafe Condition

    An anonymous commenter requested clarification of the unsafe 
condition. The commenter stated that the proposed AD was prompted by a 
report that a possible interference was identified between the 1M and 
2M wiring harnesses and tapping units, and that this interference could 
have negative effects on the lavatory smoke detection system and 
possibly the passenger oxygen system. The commenter asked if this 
interference actually caused an error in the smoke alarm or in the 
oxygen system, or is this a proposed consequence of the interference? 
The commenter suggested that if it is only a proposed consequence, it 
would be more cost effective to run more tests before incurring the 
costs of the 6 airplanes affected by the proposed AD. The commenter 
also stated that if this issue has been confirmed, then the proposed AD 
is extremely important to adopt, and could affect countless lives if 
the passenger oxygen system commands failed in an emergency.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. EASA, as the State of Design Authority 
for Airbus SAS airplanes, issued AD 2019-0227 based on its risk 
assessment, which takes into account the effects of system level 
failures on the airplane's safety. This risk assessment showed that a 
change in the installation of the tapping units creates the potential 
for contact between wire harnesses and the tapping units, because the 
tapping units are installed higher than they previously were. If this 
potential interference between the wiring harnesses and tapping units 
is not addressed, an unsafe condition may occur, resulting in failure 
of audio and/or visual warnings to the flight crew related to smoke 
detection in the lavatory and the loss of delivery of passenger oxygen 
in the event of an emergency. The FAA has determined that further 
testing and analysis are not needed, and the agency is issuing this AD 
to prevent this unsafe condition from occurring. The FAA has not 
revised this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has 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.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0227 describes procedures for modifying the 1M and 2M 
wiring harness routing. This material 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510...........................            $180             $690           $4,140
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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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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):

2020-05-19 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19869; Docket No. FAA-2019-0873; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-164-AD.

[[Page 15924]]

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 24, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-112, -115, and -132 
airplanes; and Model A320-214, -216, -232 and -233 airplanes; 
certificated in any category; as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0227, dated September 11, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0227'').

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electric and 
Electronic Common Installation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that a possible interference 
was identified between 1M and 2M wiring harnesses and the tapping 
units, and that the interference could adversely affect the lavatory 
smoke detection system and/or the passenger oxygen system. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address possible loss of lavatory smoke 
detection and/or passenger oxygen system commands, which could 
prevent the delivery of passenger oxygen during an emergency and 
possibly result in injury to airplane occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0227.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0227

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0227 refers to its effective date, 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0227 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) 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 (j) 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 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): For any service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0227 that contains RC procedures and 
tests, except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC 
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.

(j) Related Information

    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; email [email protected].

(k) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0227, 
dated September 11, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0227, contact the EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
89990 6017; email [email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material 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. This 
material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0873.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 4, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05763 Filed 3-19-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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