[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 9, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12405-12409]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04538]

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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 46 / Wednesday, March 9, 2016 / Rules
and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3149; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-014-AD;
Amendment 39-18394; AD 2016-03-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes, and
all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This
AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain chemical
oxygen generators in the passenger compartment that resulted in failure
of the generators to activate. This AD requires inspecting to determine
if certain passenger chemical oxygen generators are installed, and
replacement of affected generators. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the chemical oxygen generator to activate during an
emergency situation, which could result in unavailability of oxygen and
possible incapacitation of the occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 13, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 13,
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-3149; 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 SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Internet
http://www.airbus.com.
    For B/E Aerospace service information identified in this final
rule, contact B/E Aerospace Inc., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215;
telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; Internet http://beaerospace.com/home/globalsupport.
    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-
3149.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>;
fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

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 all Airbus Model A330-200,
-200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on August 31, 2015 (80 FR 52419).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0119, dated June 24, 2015, correction
January 12, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300
series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Reports have been received indicating premature ageing of
certain passenger chemical oxygen generators, Part Number (P/N)
117042-XX (XX representing any numerical value), manufactured by B/E
Aerospace. Some operators reported that when they tried to activate
generators, some older units failed to activate. Given the number of
failed units reported, all the generators manufactured in 1999,
2000, and 2001 were considered unreliable.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the
generator to activate and consequently not deliver oxygen during an
emergency, possibly resulting in injury to aeroplane occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14, making reference to B/E
Aerospace Service Information Letter (SIL) D1019-01 (currently at
Revision 1) and B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 117042-35-001.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0277 to require identification and
replacement of the affected oxygen generators.
    Since EASA AD 2014-0277 was issued, and following new
investigation results, EASA has decided to introduce a life
limitation concerning all P/N 117042-XX chemical oxygen generators,
manufactured by B/E Aerospace.
    For the reason described above, this EASA AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0277, which is superseded, expands the
scope of the AD to include chemical oxygen generators manufactured
after 2001, and requires their removal from service before exceeding
10 years since date of manufacture.
    This [EASA] AD was republished to correct a typographical error
in the applicability.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3149-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM (80 FR
52419, August 31, 2015) and the FAA's response.

Request To Remove Operator Identification

    Airbus asked that we remove the operator identification from the
chemical oxygen generator pictured in Figure 2 to paragraph (g) of the
proposed AD (80 FR 52419, August 31, 2015). Airbus stated that Figure 2
to paragraph (g) should replicate Figure 2

in EASA AD 2015-0119, dated June 24, 2015, which was published with no
signs or references to an operator.
    We agree with the commenter for the reason provided. We have
changed the oxygen generator picture in Figure 2 to paragraph (g) of
this AD accordingly.

Clarification of Oxygen Generators for Replacement

    We have revised paragraph (i) in this AD to clarify the identity of
the oxygen generators to be replaced.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (80 FR 52419, August 31, 2015) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 52419, August 31, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14,
Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated
June 17, 2015. B/E Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin 117042-35-001,
dated December 10, 2014. The service information describes procedures
for inspecting to determine if certain passenger chemical oxygen
generators are installed, and replacing affected generators. 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 91 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost on  U.S.
          Action                Labor cost            Parts cost         Cost per product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...............  1 work-hour x $85     $0..................  $85.................  $7,735.
                            per hour = $85.
Replacement..............  1 work hour x $85     $1,000 per oxygen     $1,085 per oxygen     $98,735 for one
                            per hour = $85.       generator.            generator.            oxygen generator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2015-3149; 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

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):

2016-03-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-18394. Docket No. FAA-2015-3149;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-014-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 13, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category,
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, all
manufacturer serial numbers; except those on which a gaseous system
for all oxygen generators is installed.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F,
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541,
and -642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain
chemical oxygen

generators in the passenger compartment that resulted in failure of
the generators to activate. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the chemical oxygen generator to activate during an
emergency situation, which could result in unavailability of oxygen
and possible incapacitation of the occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect each
passenger chemical oxygen generator to identify the date of
manufacture (refer to figures 1 and 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD
for the location of the date) of each passenger chemical oxygen
generator having any part number (P/N) listed in paragraphs (g)(1)
through (g)(6) of this AD, in accordance with the Instructions of
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14, Revision 01,
June 17, 2015, including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated June 17,
2015. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu
of this inspection if the date of manufacture of the generator can
be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) 117042-02 (15 minutes (min)--2 masks).
    (2) 117042-03 (15 min--3 masks).
    (3) 117042-04 (15 min--4 masks).
    (4) 117042-22 (22 min--2 masks).
    (5) 117042-23 (22 min--3 masks).
    (6) 117042-24 (22 min--4 masks).
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09MR16.000

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09MR16.001

(h) Replacement of Pre-2002 Passenger Oxygen Generators

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture
of 1999, 2000, or 2001 is found: At the time specified in paragraph
(h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, as applicable, replace the
affected passenger chemical oxygen generator, in accordance with the
Instructions of Airbus AOT A35L007-14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015;
including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated June 17, 2015 (for 15- and
22-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators); or in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated December 10, 2014 (for 15-minute
passenger chemical oxygen generators).
    (1) For units manufactured in 1999: Within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For units manufactured in 2000: Within 6 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (3) For units manufactured in 2001: Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.

(i) Replacement of 2002 or Later Passenger Oxygen Generators

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture
of 2002 or later is found: At the time specified in paragraph
(i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), (i)(4), (i)(5), (i)(6), (i)(7), or (i)(8) of
this AD, as applicable, replace the affected passenger chemical
oxygen generator with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the
Instructions of Airbus AOT A35L007-14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015;
including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated June 17, 2015 (for 15- and
22-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators); or in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated December 10, 2014 (for 15-minute
passenger chemical oxygen generators).
    (1) For units manufactured in 2002: Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For units manufactured in 2003: Within 16 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (3) For units manufactured in 2004: Within 20 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (4) For units manufactured in 2005: Within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (5) For units manufactured in 2006: Within 28 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (6) For units manufactured in 2007: Within 32 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (7) For units manufactured in 2008: Within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD.
    (8) For units manufactured in 2009 or later: Before the
accumulation of 10 years since date of manufacture.

(j) Definition of a Serviceable Unit

    A serviceable unit is an oxygen generator having P/N 117042-XX,
with a manufacturing date not older than 10 years, or any other FAA-
approved part number, provided that the generator has not exceeded

the life limit established by the manufacturer for that generator.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions
required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using
Airbus AOT A35L007-14, dated December 18, 2014.

(l) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
passenger chemical oxygen generator on any airplane, unless the
passenger chemical oxygen generator is determined to be a
serviceable unit, as defined in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(m) 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: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>. Information
may be emailed to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0119, dated June 24, 2015,
correction January 12, 2016, 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-
2015-3149.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(5) of this AD.

(o) 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 Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14,
Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated
June 17, 2015. The revision date is not shown on Appendix A.
    (ii) B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated
December 10, 2014.
    (3) For Airbus service information identified in this AD,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) For B/E Aerospace service information identified in this AD,
contact B/E Aerospace Inc., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215;
telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; Internet http://beaerospace.com/home/globalsupport.
    (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<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 19, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-04538 Filed 3-8-16; 8:45 am]
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