[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:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
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
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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]
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