[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5182-5188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02364]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0024; Product Identifier 2018-NM-002-AD; Amendment 
39-19171; AD 2018-02-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes and Model A321-111, 
-112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232 airplanes. This AD requires 
revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide guidance to the 
flight crew for emergency procedures when erroneous airspeed 
indications are displayed on the back-up speed scale (BUSS). 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 BUSS could be erroneous. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 21, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     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.

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-
0024; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0257R1, dated January 9, 2018 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131, 
-211, -212, -213, -231, -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In extreme icing conditions, pitot probes may induce erroneous 
airspeed indications. 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 to 
provide flight crews with reliable information on airspeed. This 
BUSS is intended to be used below flight level (FL) 250 only (above 
FL250, the BUSS is disconnected). 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.
    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 has been 
incorporated into the applicable A320 family Aircraft Flight Manual 
(AFM) since 07 March 2017 (publication date).
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time AFM amendment to introduce the additional operational procedure 
[to provide guidance to the flight crew for emergency procedures 
when erroneous airspeed indications are displayed on the BUSS].

* * * * *
    This AD contains a figure derived from the MCAI with content 
written by Airbus. Because this content (including the Airbus logo) is 
already publicly available through the MCAI, which is a public 
document, it is not subject to copyright protection.
    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0024.

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 these 
same type designs.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. 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 flight crew workload that could ultimately result in reduced 
control of the airplane. Therefore, we determined that notice and 
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable 
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer 
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-2018-0024; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-002-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 based on 
those comments.

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    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 1,180 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85        $100,300
                                         hour = $85.
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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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-02-18 Airbus: Amendment 39-19171; Docket No. FAA-2018-0024; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-002-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 21, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 35871 has 
been embodied in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1397 
has been embodied in service, 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.
    (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 flight crew 
workload, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Except for airplanes identified in paragraph (h) 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 (g) 
and (h) of this AD, and thereafter operate the airplane accordingly. 
When a procedure identical to that in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the 
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM.
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(h) Airplanes Not Affected by Paragraph (g) of This AD

    Airplanes operated with an AFM having the NAV--ADR 1+2+3 FAULT 
procedure identical to the procedure specified in figure 1 to 
paragraphs (g) and (h) 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 specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD is not removed from the AFM.

(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 (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

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

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0257R1, dated January 9, 
2018, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0024.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 19, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02364 Filed 2-5-18; 8:45 am]
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