Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain passenger service units (PSUs), which could cause the passenger oxygen container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during flight due to vibration. This AD requires identification of the affected PSUs, and depending on findings, doing applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the event of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 8, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-3990 ; or in person at the 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.

For Airbus 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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.

For Airbus Operations GmbH service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Operations GmbH, Cabin Electronics, Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 7437 46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email ruediger.jansen@airbus.com.

You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3990.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 19, 2015 (80 FR 63134) (“the NPRM”).

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes. The MCAI states:

A quality issue was reported regarding incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain Passenger Service Units (PSU), which may lead to a malfunction of the passenger oxygen container in case of connector disengagement during flight due to vibrations. All the aeroplanes that had a potentially affected PSU installed were identified. Most of those aeroplanes were corrected during a specific quality inspection on the final assembly line prior to customer delivery. Unfortunately, a limited number of aeroplanes were delivered before the quality inspection was implemented.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container and open in case of aeroplane decompression, possibly resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires identification of the affected PSU and, depending on the findings, * * * related investigative and corrective actions.

Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.

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-2015-3990.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Airbus has issued the following service information.

• Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers, and depending on findings, doing applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
• Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014, including Attachment 1, “List of affected PSU PNR and S/N” (the attachment is not numbered or dated). This service information describes procedures for inspecting for the connection of the jiffy joint connectors, and depending on findings, doing rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.

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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We also estimate that it takes about 5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $2,975, or $425 per product.

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.

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.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-3990;; 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 street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2016-08-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-18478. Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes, certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 5583, 5598, 5602, 5604, 5608, 5610, 5613 through 5622 inclusive, 5624 through 5627 inclusive, 5629 through 5632 inclusive, 5634 through 5636 inclusive, 5638, 5640 through 5644 inclusive, 5646 through 5649 inclusive, 5651 through 5653 inclusive, 5655, 5657 through 5661 inclusive, 5663, 5665, 5667, 5670, 5672, 5673, and 5675.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain passenger service units (PSU), which could cause the passenger oxygen container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during flight due to vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the event of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do an inspection to identify the part number and serial number of each PSU, and if an affected part number or serial number is found, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. An affected PSU part number or serial number is one listed in Attachment 1, “List of affected PSU PNR and S/N,” of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the PSU can be conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Clarification of Vendor Service Information

On page 13 of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014, Table 4 (“List of Attachments”) under the heading “APPENDIX” identifies “Attachment 1, `List of affected PSU PNR and S/N.' ” The attachment is not numbered or dated.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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.

(j) Related Information

Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 2014, 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-2015-3990.

(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) Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014, including Attachment 1, “List of affected PSU PNR and S/N.” No page of the attachment to this document provides a document number, revision level, or date.

(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014.

(3) For Airbus 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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.

(4) For Airbus Operations GmbH service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Operations GmbH, Cabin Electronics, Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 7437 46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email ruediger.jansen@airbus.com.

(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(6) 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.