[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22426-22428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10298]


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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]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A319-115 and -132 airplanes, and Model A320-214, -
216, -232, and -233 airplanes. This proposed 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 
proposed AD would require modification of the FLSCU wiring. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 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.

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 the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this NPRM, 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 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0411; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on 
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 NPRM.

Discussion

    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 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 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 
in-flight 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.


[[Page 22427]]


    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.

Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2016-25-23

    This NPRM would not supersede AD 2016-25-23. Rather, we have 
determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to address 
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require modification of the 
FLSCU wiring. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then 
terminate all of the requirements of AD 2016-25-23.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

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

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
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 proposed 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0411; Product Identifier 2017-NM-157-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 29, 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 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-

[[Page 22428]]

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'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; telephone 
and fax: 206-231-3223.(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. 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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 8, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10298 Filed 5-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


