[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21861-21867]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09862]



[[Page 21861]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1100; Product Identifier 2017-NM-077-AD; Amendment 
39-19273; AD 2018-09-16]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-15-13, 
which applied to certain Airbus Model A319 series airplanes; Model 
A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2015-
15-13 required a modification of the potable water service panel and 
waste water service panel, including doing applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions. This AD requires a modification 
of the waste water and potable water service panels with new compliance 
times. This AD also removes certain airplanes from the applicability 
and adds Model A320-216 airplanes to the applicability. This AD was 
prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) 
indicating that the potable water and waste water service panel areas 
are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 15, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 15, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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, 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-2017-
1100.

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-
1100; 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 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: 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 to supersede AD 2015-15-13, Amendment 39-18223 (80 FR 45857, 
August 3, 2015) (``AD 2015-15-13''). AD 2015-15-13 applied to certain 
Airbus Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 14, 2017 (82 FR 58772). 
The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by the DAH indicating that the 
potable water and waste service panel areas are subject to WFD. The 
NPRM proposed to require modification of the waste water and potable 
water service panels with new compliance times. The NPRM also proposed 
to remove certain airplanes from the applicability and add Model A320-
216 airplanes to the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
cracking of the potable water and waste water service panel areas, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity 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 
2017-0098, dated June 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319 series airplanes; Airbus 
Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and 
Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During the full scale fatigue test on A320-200, it was noticed 
that, due to fatigue, cracks could initiate at the potable water and 
waste water service panel areas.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the aeroplane.
    Prompted by these findings, Airworthiness Limitation Section 
(ALS) Part 2 tasks were introduced for the affected aeroplanes. 
Since those actions were taken, Airbus developed production mod 
160055 and mod 160056 to embody reinforcements (cold working on 
certain rivet rows) of the potable water and waste water service 
panels, and published associated Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-
53-1272 and Airbus SB A320-53-1267 for in-service embodiment. 
Complementary design office studies highlighted that the 
``Sharklets'' installation on certain aeroplanes has a significant 
impact on the aeroplane structure (particularly, A319 and A320 post-
mod 160001, A320 post-SB A320-57-1193 (mod 160080), and A321 post-
mod 160021), leading to different compliance times, depending on 
aeroplane configuration.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0081 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2015-15-13] to require reinforcement of the potable water and 
waste water service panels. Accomplishment of these modifications 
cancelled the need for the related ALS Part 2 Tasks.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, further investigations linked 
to the Widespread Fatigue Damage (WFD) analysis highlighted that, to 
meet the WFD requirements, it is necessary that the affected 
modification is not accomplished before reaching a certain 
threshold, by imposing a so-called ``window of embodiment''. 
Consequently, Airbus revised SB A320-53-1272 (now at revision (Rev.) 
04) and SB A320-53-1267 (now at Rev. 05).
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0081, which is superseded, and 
introduces additional compliance times for those actions.

    This AD also removes Model A319 series airplanes on which 
modification 28162, 28238, and 28342 have been embodied (``Corporate 
Jet'' modifications) from the applicability because production 
modifications mitigated the risk associated with the unsafe condition. 
This AD also adds Model A320-216 airplanes to the applicability, 
because those airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe 
condition.
    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-
1100.

[[Page 21862]]

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. United Airlines stated support for 
the NPRM.

Request To Fix Typographical Error in Heading of Table 1 of the 
Proposed AD

    Airbus requested that the typographical error in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (i) of the proposed AD be changed from ``portable 
water'' to ``potable water.''
    We agree with the commenter's request and have revised the heading 
of table 1 of this AD accordingly.

Request To Fix Typographical Error in a Compliance Time Specified in 
Table 2 of the Proposed AD

    Airbus requested that the typographical error in the proposed 
compliance time in table 2 to paragraphs (h)(1) and (i) of the proposed 
AD affecting airplanes ``A319, pre-modification 160001 and pre-service 
bulletin A320-57-1193,'' be changed from ``28,600 total flight cycles'' 
to ``38,600 total flight cycles.''
    We agree with the commenter's request and have corrected the 
specified compliance time in table 2 of this AD accordingly.

Request for Credit for Previous Actions

    An anonymous commenter requested that certain service information 
be added to the Credit for Previous Actions section in the proposed AD. 
The commenter stated that Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) ANM-
116-17-195 allows the use of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, 
Revision 04, dated November 29, 2016; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
53-1267, Revision 05, dated November 29, 2016; with respect to AD 2015-
15-13. The commenter pointed out that these are the same revision 
levels specified for the requirements in the proposed AD.
    We do not agree with the request. We recognize that it is possible 
to have already accomplished Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, 
Revision 04, dated November 29, 2016; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
53-1267, Revision 05, dated November 29, 2016; before this AD becomes 
effective. However, this service information is required for the 
actions identified in this AD. Paragraph (f) ``Compliance,'' of this AD 
states, ``Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.'' If operators have already completed the 
requirements of this AD, then this AD does not require that those 
actions be repeated. We have made no change to this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including 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 changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     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 Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 05, dated 
November 29, 2016, which describes procedures for modifying the waste 
water service panel. Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A320-53-
1272, Revision 04, dated November 29, 2016, which describes procedures 
for modifying the potable water service panel. Both modifications 
include a check of the diameter of the holes of removed fasteners, a 
related investigative action (rotating probe inspection for cracking on 
the holes of the removed fasteners) and a corrective action (repair). 
This service information is unique because it applies to different 
service panels. 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.

Explanation of Compliance Time

    The compliance time for the replacement specified in this AD for 
addressing WFD was established to ensure that discrepant structure is 
replaced before WFD develops in airplanes. Standard inspection 
techniques cannot be relied on to detect WFD before it becomes a hazard 
to flight. We will not grant any extensions of the compliance time to 
complete any AD-mandated service bulletin related to WFD without 
extensive new data that would substantiate and clearly warrant such an 
extension.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 851 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification (new action).............  27 work-hours x $85 per             $700          $2,995      $2,548,745
                                         hour = $2,295.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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

[[Page 21863]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-15-13, Amendment 39-18223 (80 FR 45857, August 3, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-09-16 Airbus: Amendment 39-19273; Docket No. FAA-2017-1100; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-077-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 15, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-15-13, Amendment 39-18223 (80 FR 45857, 
August 3, 2015) (``AD 2015-15-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
except for those airplanes on which Airbus modification 160055 or 
modification 160056 has been embodied in production, and except for 
Model A319 series airplanes on which modification 28162, 28238, and 
28342 have been embodied (``Corporate Jet'').
    (1) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that the potable water and waste water 
service panel areas are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). 
We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the potable water and 
waste water service panel areas, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification of the Potable Water Service Panel

    (1) Within the compliance times specified in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (i) of this AD, as applicable, modify the 
potable water service panel, including doing a check of the diameter 
of the holes of removed fasteners, and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, 
Revision 04, dated November 29, 2016, except as required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions before further flight.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11MY18.000

    (2) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, Revision 04, 
dated November 29, 2016, specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate 
action, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for 
Compliance): Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m)(2) of this 
AD.

(h) Modification of the Waste Water Service Panel

    (1) Within the compliance times specified in table 2 to 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (i) of this AD, as applicable, modify the 
waste water service panel, including doing a check of the diameter 
of the holes of removed fasteners, and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, 
Revision 05, dated November 29, 2016, except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions before further flight.

[[Page 21865]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11MY18.001

    (2) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 05, 
dated November 29, 2016, specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate 
action, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for 
Compliance): Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m)(2) of this 
AD.

(i) Corrective Action for Airplanes With Certain Modifications

    For airplanes on which the modification, as required by 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as applicable, was accomplished 
before reaching the applicable minimum compliance time as defined in 
table 1 to paragraphs (g)(1) and (i) of this AD or table 2 to 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (i) of this AD: Before exceeding 60,000 flight 
cycles since the airplane's first flight, contact the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA) for approved corrective action 
instructions and accomplish those instructions accordingly. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(j) Terminating Action for Airplanes on Which the Potable Water Service 
Panel Modification Is Done

    Modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD terminates the requirement for accomplishing the ALS Part 2 task 
for that airplane as specified in table 3 to paragraph (j) of this 
AD, as applicable.

[[Page 21866]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11MY18.002

(k) Terminating Action for Airplanes on Which the Waste Water Service 
Panel Modification Is Done

    Modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD terminates the requirement for accomplishing the ALS Part 2 task 
for that airplane as specified in table 4 to paragraph (k) of this 
AD, as applicable.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11MY18.003


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(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) 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 in 
paragraphs (l)(1)(i) through (l)(1)(iv) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, Revision 00, dated 
January 10, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, Revision 01, dated 
August 6, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, Revision 02, dated 
May 19, 2014, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2015-15-13.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1272, Revision 03, dated 
November 26, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information in 
paragraphs (l)(2)(i) through (l)(2)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 00, dated 
June 24, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 01, dated 
October 2, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 02, dated 
May 19, 2014, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2015-15-13.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 03, dated 
November 26, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 04, dated 
February 1, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(m) 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 (n)(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: 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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (h)(2) of this AD: 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.

 (n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0098, dated June 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-2017-1100.
    (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.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) 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 A320-53-1272, Revision 04, dated 
November 29, 2016.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1267, Revision 05, dated 
November 29, 2016.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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, 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 April 27, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09862 Filed 5-10-18; 8:45 am]
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