[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50047-50050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21455]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0806; Product Identifier 2018-NM-056-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-12-
08, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318 and A319 series 
airplanes and all Model A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, A320-
232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-
213, A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes. AD 2015-12-08 requires an 
inspection to determine the batch number or installation date of the 
oxygen pipe assembly that is installed at the end of the right-hand 
crew distribution line, and replacement of the pipe if necessary. Since 
we issued AD 2015-12-08, further investigation determined that affected 
oxygen pipes may have been installed on more airplanes than initially 
identified. This proposed AD would revise the applicability to include 
additional airplane models and additional pipes to be replaced if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 19, 
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 
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.

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-
0806; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone 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-2018-0806; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-056-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2015-12-08, Amendment 39-18182 (80 FR 34262, June 16, 
2015) (``AD 2015-12-08''), for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, A318-112, 
A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, 
A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, 
A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A320-112, A320-131, A320-211, A320-212, 
A320-213, A320-231, and A320-232 airplanes. AD 2015-12-08 requires an 
inspection to determine the batch number or installation date of the 
oxygen pipe assembly that is installed at the end of the right-hand 
crew distribution line, and replacement of the pipe if necessary. AD 
2015-12-08 resulted from a report of corrosion found during the 
manufacturing process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used to 
supply oxygen to the flight crew. We issued AD 2015-12-08 to address 
corrosion of the oxygen pipe assemblies, which could lead to blocked or 
reduced oxygen supply to a flight crew in case of decompression or 
smoke/fire in the flight deck. In addition, the presence of particles 
in oxygen lines, under certain conditions, increases the risk of fire 
in the flight deck.

Actions Since AD 2015-12-08 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2015-12-08, we have determined that additional 
airplane models may be subject to the identified unsafe condition.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0060R1, dated July 19, 2018 (referred to

[[Page 50048]]

after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model 
A318 and A319 series airplanes; all Model A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, 
A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, 
A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, and A321-232 
airplanes; and certain Model A320-251N, A320-271N, and A321-271N 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Some oxygen pipe assemblies were found corroded during 
manufacturing at supplier level. The affected pipe assembly was 
installed at the end of the right hand (RH) crew distribution line, 
just upstream of the First Officer and RH Observer oxygen mask 
boxes.
    The investigation showed that the affected pipes had been heat 
treated just 4 weeks before the summer factory closure and were only 
cleaned after re-opening of the factory. During this interruption, 
corrosion developed in these pipes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
blocked or reduced oxygen supply to a flight crew member in case of 
decompression or smoke/fire in the cockpit. In addition, the 
presence of particles in oxygen lines, under certain conditions, 
increases the risk of fire in the cockpit.
    The parts manufacturer identified the batch numbers of the 
potentially affected pipes that were manufactured in a specific 
period in 2011. Based on that information, Airbus identified the 
aeroplanes on which those pipes were installed on the production 
line and issued SB A320-35-1069, containing instructions to remove 
the affected pipes from service.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2013-0278 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2015-12-08, Amendment 39-18182 (80 FR 34262, June 16, 2015) (``AD 
2015-12-08'')] to require the identification and replacement of the 
affected oxygen pipes. That [EASA] AD also prohibited installation 
of any affected pipe on other aeroplanes.
    After EASA AD 2013-0278 was issued, further investigation 
determined that affected oxygen pipes may have been installed on 
more aeroplanes than initially identified. Consequently, Airbus 
revised SB A320-35-1069 and EASA issued AD 2017-0150, retaining the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0278, which was superseded, and 
requiring the same actions on these additional aeroplanes.
    After EASA AD 2017-0150 was issued, it was determined that five 
A320 and A321 NEO aeroplanes had been delivered with a configuration 
which potentially allows the installation of an affected oxygen 
pipe.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2018-0060, retaining the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0150, which was superseded, expanding 
the Applicability to include the five A320 and A321 NEO aeroplanes, 
and correcting the Table in Appendix 1 by removing MSN [manufacturer 
serial number] 5091 which belongs to Group 2.
    Since that AD was issued, several operator requests were 
received to clarify the required actions for Group 3 and Group 4 
aeroplanes. It was determined that, as per Airbus configuration 
control, the EASA AD No.: 2018-0060R1 affected parts have been 
identified as being potentially installed in production only on 
Group 1 and Group 2 aeroplanes. However, it is possible that those 
parts migrated to other aeroplanes during maintenance; for that 
reason, Group 3 and 4 aeroplanes need to be considered. This AD is 
revised accordingly.

    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-
0806.

Model A320-216 Airplanes

    The Airbus SAS Model A320-216 was type certificated on December 19, 
2016. Before that date, any EASA AD that affected Model A320-216 
airplanes was included on the Required Airworthiness Action List 
(RAAL). Model A320-216 airplanes have subsequently been placed on the 
U.S. Register, and will now be included in FAA AD actions. For Airbus 
SAS Model A320-216 airplanes, the requirements that correspond to AD 
2015-12-08 were mandated by the MCAI via the RAAL. Although that RAAL 
requirement is still in effect, for continuity and clarity we have 
identified Airbus SAS Model A320-216 airplanes in paragraph (c) of this 
proposed AD; the restated requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) 
of this proposed AD would therefore apply to those airplanes.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 3, 
dated December 8, 2017. The service information describes an inspection 
to determine the batch number or installation date of the oxygen pipe 
assembly that is installed at the end of the right hand crew 
distribution line, and replacement of the pipe. 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 Revised Service Information

    AD 2015-10-08 required using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, 
dated April 26, 2013, for an inspection to determine the batch number 
or installation date of the oxygen pipe assembly that is installed at 
the end of the right-hand crew distribution line, and replacement of 
the pipe if necessary. We have determined that Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-35-1069, Revision 3, December 8, 2017, adds additional airplane 
models to the applicability, but adds no new actions.

FAA's Determination

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2015-12-08, 
and would revise the applicability to include additional airplane 
models and additional pipes to be replaced if necessary.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 50 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170           $8,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

[[Page 50049]]



                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425....              $0             $425
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-12-08, Amendment 39-18182 (80 FR 34262, June 16, 2015), and adding 
the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0806; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
056-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-12-08, Amendment 39-18182 (80 FR 34262, 
June 16, 2015) (``AD 2015-12-08'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (5) Model A320-251N, A320-271N, and A321-271N airplanes, 
manufacturer serial numbers 6101, 6286, 6419, 6642, and 6673.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found during the 
manufacturing process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used 
to supply oxygen to the flight crew. We are issuing this AD to 
address corrosion of the oxygen pipe assemblies, which could lead to 
blocked or reduced oxygen supply to a flight crew in case of 
decompression or smoke/fire in the flight deck. In addition, the 
presence of particles in oxygen lines, under certain conditions, 
increases the risk of fire in the flight deck.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection for Batch Numbers and Replacement, With New 
Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-12-08, with new service information. For airplanes identified 
in paragraph 1.A. of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated 
April 26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months, whichever 
occurs first after July 21, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-12-
08), inspect the crew oxygen pipe, having part number (P/N) 
D3511032000640, to determine the batch number of that pipe, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 03, dated December 8, 2017. A review 
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the batch number of the pipe can be conclusively 
determined from that review. If the batch number of the oxygen pipe 
is 19356252, 40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 40292749, 40405164, 
40649383, 40724994, 40820410, or 40911832: Within 7,500 flight hours 
or 26 months, whichever occurs first after July 21, 2015, replace 
the oxygen pipe with a serviceable part, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, 
dated April 26, 2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, 
Revision 03, dated December 8, 2017. After the effective date of 
this AD, only Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 3, 
dated December 8, 2017, may be used to do the actions required by 
this paragraph.

[[Page 50050]]

(h) Retained Inspection for Part Number and Installation Date of Crew 
Oxygen Pipe, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-12-08, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD that are not identified in 
paragraph 1.A. of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 
26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months, whichever occurs 
first after July 21, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-12-08), 
inspect the crew oxygen pipe to determine whether P/N D3511032000640 
was installed after June 2011. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number 
and installation date of the pipe can be conclusively determined 
from that review. If the pipe was installed after June 2011, or the 
date cannot be conclusively determined, before further flight, do 
the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2015-12-08, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, except for Model A320-216 
airplanes: As of July 21, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-12-
08), do not install, on any airplane, a crew oxygen pipe P/N 
D3511032000640, that is identified as belonging to batch number 
19356252, 40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 40292749, 40405164, 
40649383, 40724994, 40820410, or 40911832.

(j) New Requirement of This AD: Inspection for Batch Numbers and 
Replacement for Certain Airplanes

    For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(5) of this AD and for 
Model A320-216 airplanes: Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the crew oxygen pipe, having P/N D3511032000640, to determine the 
batch number of that pipe, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 03, 
dated December 8, 2017. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the batch number of the 
pipe can be conclusively determined from that review. If the batch 
number of the oxygen pipe is 19356252, 40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 
40292749, 40405164, 40649383, 40724994, 40820410, or 40911832: 
Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months, whichever occurs first after 
the effective date of this AD, replace the oxygen pipe with a 
serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 03, dated December 
8, 2017.

(k) New Parts Installation Prohibition for Certain Airplanes

    For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(5) of this AD and for 
Model A320-216 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, do 
not install, on any airplane, a crew oxygen pipe P/N D3511032000640, 
that is identified as belonging to batch number 19356252, 40008586, 
40076689, 40187414, 40292749, 40405164, 40649383, 40724994, 
40820410, or 40911832.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: 
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD, if those actions were performed before July 21, 2015 
(the effective date of AD 2015-12-08) using a service bulletin 
identified in paragraph (l)(1)(i) or (l)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 01, dated 
March 24, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 02, dated 
October 26, 2016.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (j) of this AD: This 
paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date 
of this AD using a service bulletin identified in paragraph 
(l)(2)(i), (l)(2)(ii), or (l)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 01, dated 
March 24, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, Revision 02, dated 
October 26, 2016.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0060R1, dated July 19, 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-2018-0806.
    (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 SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; 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 September 23, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21455 Filed 10-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


