[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58102-58107]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26363]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0556; Product Identifier 2016-NM-098-AD; Amendment
39-19119; AD 2017-25-05]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-23-10,
which applied to all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319
series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and
-232 airplanes. AD 2012-23-10 required modifying the affected slide
rafts. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2012-23-10. This AD also
requires replacing each escape slide pack assembly having a certain
part number with a new escape slide pack assembly. This AD was prompted
by reports of the escape raft inflation system not deploying when
activated due to the rotation of the cable guide in a direction that
resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 16,
2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of
December 31, 2012 (77 FR 70369, November 26, 2012).

ADDRESSES: 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 [email protected]; Internet
http://www.airbus.com. For Zodiac Aerospace service information
identified in this AD, contact Air Cruisers, Cage Code 70167, 1747
State Route 34, Wall Township, NJ 07727-3935; telephone: (732) 681-
3527; Internet: http://www.zodiacaerospace.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>. It is also available on
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0556.

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 2017-
0556; 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 address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is 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 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax 425-227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2012-23-10, Amendment 39-17266 (77 FR 70369,
November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-23-10''). AD 2012-23-10 applied to all
Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; Model
A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2017 (82 FR 28599). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of the escape raft inflation system not
deploying when activated due to the rotation of the cable guide in a
direction that resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2016-0043, dated March 4, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two occurrences were reported on Airbus A320 family aeroplanes
where the escape slide raft inflation system did not deploy when
activated. This was due to the rotation of the cable guide in a
direction, which resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable.
Additionally, one case was reported where the system did not deploy
properly due to a cracked inflation hose fitting. Investigation
conducted by Air Cruisers Company [Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems],
the slide raft manufacturer, showed that the hose fitting could be
subject to a bending moment, if improperly packed. Consequently, the
hose fitting could separate from the reservoir and the inflation of
the slide raft would be impaired.
    This condition, if not corrected, could delay the evacuation
from the aeroplane in case of emergency, possibly resulting in
injury to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, DGAC France issued
AD F-2004-072 [which correlates with FAA AD 2004-26-07, Amendment
39-13919 (70 FR 1176, January 6, 2005)], to introduce an inflation
hose retainer preventing an incomplete inflation of emergency escape
slides, which could delay passenger evacuation, and EASA issued AD
2011-0160 (later revised twice) to require modification of the
affected slide rafts or replacement thereof with modified units.
    Since EASA AD 2011-0160R2 [which correlates with FAA AD 2012-23-
10 and was issued as a stand-alone, non-superseding AD] was issued,
Air Cruisers [Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems] developed a
modification of the slide and slide/raft, part of the escape slide
pack assemblies, to improve its deployment. Modified slides and
slide/rafts are identified by a different Part Number (P/N);
consequently, also the escape slide pack assemblies are identified
by a different P/N.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of DGAC France AD F-2004-072 (EASA approval 2004-5335)
and EASA AD 2011-0160R2, which are superseded, and requires
installation of modified escape slide pack assemblies.
    Appendix 1 of this [EASA] AD provides a comprehensive list of
escape slide pack assemblies P/N that, at the issue date of the
[EASA] AD, are not approved for further installation on any
aeroplane.

    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 2017-
0556.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments

received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. The Air
Line Pilots Association, International supported the NPRM.

Request To Extend the Compliance Time

    United Airlines (UAL) requested that the compliance time in the
proposed AD be extended from 36 months to 42 months. UAL stated that
this will allow sufficient time to purge the stock and order parts from
the supplier.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. UAL has not provided
suitable rationale to justify that extending the compliance time will
ensure the safety of the affected fleet. In developing the appropriate
compliance time for this action, we considered the safety implications,
parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for timely
accomplishment of this modification. We have determined that 36 months
will ensure an acceptable level of safety and provide sufficient time
to order parts and accomplish the required modification. We have not
changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Allow Interchangeable Parts

    Delta Airlines (DAL) requested an allowance for interchangeable
parts. DAL stated that paragraph (l) of the proposed AD specifies the
replacement of ``old'' escape slide packs with corresponding ``new''
escape slide packs. DAL stated that paragraph (l) of the proposed AD
does not allow the replacement of an ``old'' slide pack with an
alternative ``new'' slide pack that might be fully interchangeable with
the one that is mandated. DAL commented that, for example, an airplane
with a part number (P/N) D30664-505 slide pack already installed must
be replaced with a P/N D30664-705 slide pack. DAL stated that, however,
P/N D30664-705 and P/N D30664-709 have incorporated Zodiac Aero
Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-96, Revision 1,
dated September 18, 2015, and are fully interchangeable on DAL
airplanes. DAL also commented that paragraph (l) of the proposed AD
limits operational flexibility for accomplishing the intent of the
NPRM.
    We disagree with the commenter's request because Airbus has defined
the specific configuration of the pack assemblies that mitigate the
risk addressed in this AD. We are not aware of any data that
substantiates the interchanging of those parts referenced in table 1 to
paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD, except as
provided in paragraph (o)(3) of this AD. Operators may request approval
of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) supported by appropriate
substantiating data, under the provisions of paragraph (q)(1) of this
AD. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request for Means of Compliance

    UAL requested that operators be allowed to demonstrate compliance
by means of a technical records review for the accomplishment of the
related Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems service information.
    We contacted UAL to clarify their request. Based on UAL's
clarification, we concluded that UAL is requesting the accomplishment
of a records review as an acceptable method for demonstrating
compliance to the modification of spare parts specified in paragraph
(m)(2) of this AD. We agree with UAL that a records review can be used
to verify the modification specified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD has
been done as specified in the Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems service
information identified in that paragraph. We have not changed this AD
in this regard.

Request To Use the Latest Service Information

    UAL stated that it would like to highlight that Zodiac Aero
Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-96, Revision 1,
dated September 18, 2015; and Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service
Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-97, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015, are
now at Revision 2. UAL also commented that Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-25-1B82, Revision 01, dated December 10, 2015, is at Revision 2.
    We infer that UAL is requesting that we use the latest service
information in this AD. We agree with the commenter's request and have
revised paragraphs (m)(1)(ii) and (m)(2) of this AD accordingly. We
have also revised paragraph (p) of this AD to give credit for previous
actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD using earlier
versions of the service information.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these 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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information, which
describes procedures for replacing certain escape slide pack
assemblies. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
airplane models in different configurations.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, Revision 01, dated December
10, 2015.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, Revision 02, dated July 6,
2017.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, Revision 01, dated December
10, 2015.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, Revision 01, dated December
10, 2015.
    Zodiac Aerospace has issued Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service
Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-96, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2016; and
Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-97,
Revision 2, dated September 1, 2016. This service information describes
procedures for modification of the escape slide pack. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different airplane models in different
configurations.
    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 959 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification and installation        19 work-hours x $85 per                $341          $1,956      $1,875,804
 (retained actions from AD 2012-23-   hour = $1,615.
 10).
Replacement and modification (new    6 work-hours x $85 per hour               0             510         489,090
 action).                             = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2012-23-10, Amendment 39-17266 (77 FR 70369, November 26, 2010), and
adding the following new AD:

2017-25-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-19119; Docket No. FAA 2017-0556;
Product Identifier 2016-NM-098-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-23-10, Amendment 39-17266 (77 FR 70369,
November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-23-10'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of the escape raft inflation
system not deploying when activated due to the rotation of the cable
guide in a direction which resulted in jamming of the inflation
control cable. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-deployment of
the escape slide raft, which could result in delayed evacuation from
the airplane during an emergency and consequent injury to
passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained: Modification, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2012-23-10, with no changes. Except as provided by paragraph (i) of
this AD, within 36 months after December 31, 2012 (the effective
date of AD 2012-23-10): Modify the escape slide rafts that have a
part number (P/N) specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j)(1),
and (j)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December
17, 2010 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); or
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for
Model A318 series airplanes).

 Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g), (j)(1), and (j)(2) of This AD--Escape Slide
                                  Rafts
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Air Cruisers and Aerazur Escape Slide Rafts Part No. if Fitted With a
      Reservoir and Valve Assembly P/N D18309-105 or P/N D18309-205
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D30664-105                           D30665-105
              D30664-107                           D30665-107
              D30664-109                           D30665-109
              D30664-305                           D30665-305
              D30664-307                           D30665-307
              D30664-309                           D30665-309
              D30664-311                           D30665-311
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Retained: Replacement in Accordance With Air Cruisers Service
Bulletin, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2012-23-10, with no changes. Replacement of all affected escape
slide rafts on any affected airplane with slide rafts that have been
modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Air
Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated
January 3, 2012, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements
of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided that prior to or concurrently
with accomplishing the modification, the installation of the cable
guide assembly is done in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-56,
dated November 12, 1999.

(i) Retained: Airplanes Not Affected by Paragraph (g) of This AD, With
No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2012-23-10, with no changes. Before the effective date of this AD:
Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 151459 or Modification 151502
has been embodied in production, and on which no escape slide raft
replacements have been made since first flight, are not affected by
the requirement specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Retained: Parts Installation Limitations, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD
2012-23-10, with no changes.
    (1) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (i)
of this AD: After accomplishment of the modification required by
paragraph (g) of this AD or after accomplishment of the alternative
modification specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, no person may
install, on any airplane, an escape slide raft specified in figure 1
to paragraphs (g), (j)(1), and (j)(2) of this AD, unless it has been
modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 2010 (for
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A318
series airplanes); or Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-
25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012 (for Model A318, A319,
A320, and A321 series airplanes), including the installation of the
cable guide assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-56,
dated November 12, 1999.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (i) of this AD: As of
December 31, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-23-10), no person
may install, on any airplane, an escape slide raft specified in
figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j)(1), and (j)(2) of this AD, unless it
has been modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 2010
(for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A318
series airplanes); or Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-
25-85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012 (for Model A318, A319,
A320, and A321 series airplanes), including the installation of the
cable guide assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-56,
dated November 12, 1999.

(k) Retained: Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2012-23-10, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before December 31, 2012 (the effective date
of AD 2012-23-10), using Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-85, dated November 30, 2010; or Air Cruisers Service Bulletin
S.B. A320 004-25-85, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2011; which are
not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(l) New: Replacement

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
each escape slide pack assembly having a part number identified as
``old'' in table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of
this AD, with a new escape slide pack assembly having the
corresponding part number identified as ``new'' in table 1 to
paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD, 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).

  Table 1 to Paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of This AD--Air
 Cruisers and Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Affected by Paragraph
                             (1) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Escape slide  pack assembly  part    Escape slide  pack assembly  part
              No.--Old                             No.--New
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D30664-405                           D30664-605
              D30664-407                           D30664-607
              D30664-409                           D30664-609
              D30664-505                           D30664-705
              D30664-507                           D30664-707
              D30664-509                           D30664-709
              D30664-511                           D30664-711
              D30665-405                           D30665-605
              D30665-407                           D30665-607
              D30665-409                           D30665-609
              D30665-505                           D30665-705
              D30665-507                           D30665-707
              D30665-509                           D30665-709
              D30665-511                           D30665-711
              D31516-119                           D31516-619
              D31516-121                           D31516-621
              D31516-123                           D31516-623
              D31516-125                           D31516-625
              D31516-315                           D31516-615
              D31516-317                           D31516-617
              D31516-415                           D31516-715
              D31516-417                           D31516-717
              D31516-519                           D31516-719
              D31516-521                           D31516-721
              D31516-523                           D31516-723
              D31516-525                           D31516-725
              D31517-119                           D31517-619
              D31517-121                           D31517-621
              D31517-123                           D31517-623
              D31517-125                           D31517-625
              D31517-315                           D31517-615
              D31517-317                           D31517-617
              D31517-415                           D31517-715
              D31517-417                           D31517-717
              D31517-519                           D31517-719
              D31517-521                           D31517-721
              D31517-523                           D31517-723
              D31517-525                           D31517-725
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(m) New: Modification

    (1) Modification of an airplane in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (m)(1)(i) through (m)(1)(iv) of this AD, as
applicable to the airplane model and escape slide pack assembly part
number, is an acceptable method of compliance with the requirements
of paragraph (l) of this AD for that airplane.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slide/rafts having P/
Ns D30664-405, D30664-407, D30664-409, D30664-505, D30664-507,
D30664-509, D30664-511, D30665-405, D30665-407, D30665-409, D30665-
505, D30665-507, D30665-509, and D30665-511).
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, Revision 02, dated
July 6, 2017 (for airplanes equipped with slides having P/Ns D31516-
121, D31516-125, D31516-317, D31516-417, D31516-525, D31517-121,
D31517-125, D31517-317, D31517-417, and D31517-525).
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slides with re-entry
line P/Ns D31516-119, D31516-123, D31516-519, D31516-523, D31516-
315, D31516-415, D31517-119, D31517-123, D31517-519, D31517-523,
D31517-315, and D31517-415).
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slides with Dual
Fastener P/N D31516-521 and D31517-521).
    (2) An escape slide pack assembly not installed on an airplane
and having a part number identified as ``old'' in table 1 to
paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD may be
modified to the corresponding part number identified as ``new'' in
table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD, in
accordance with Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B.
A320 004-25-96, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2016; and Zodiac Aero
Evacuations Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-97, Revision
2, dated September 1, 2016; as applicable.

(n) New: Airplanes Not Affected

    (1) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 151459 or
Modification 151502 has been embodied in production is not affected
by the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided it is
determined that no escape slide pack assembly having a part number
specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD,
figure 3 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, or figure 4 to
paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, is installed on that airplane
as of the effective date of this AD.
    (2) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 156766,
Modification 156767, Modification 156768, Modification 156769, or
Modification 156770 has been embodied in production is not affected
by the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (l) of this AD, provided
that it is determined that no escape slide raft having a part number
identified in figure 2 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD,
figure 3 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, or figure 4 to
paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, or having a part number
identified as ``old'' in table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2),
and (o)(1) of this AD, is installed on that airplane as of the
effective date of this AD.

   Figure 2 to Paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of This AD--Air Cruisers and
 Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Affected by Paragraph (1) of This
                                   AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D31516-111                           D31517-111
              D31516-113                           D31517-113
              D31516-115                           D31517-115
              D31516-117                           D31517-117
              D31516-311                           D31517-311
              D31516-313                           D31517-313
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Figure 3 to Paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of This AD--Air Cruisers and
 Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Affected by Paragraphs (g) and (h)
                               of This AD
  [If fitted with a Reservoir and Valve Assembly P/N D18309-105 or P/N
                               D18309-205]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D30664-105                           D30665-105
              D30664-107                           D30665-107
              D30664-109                           D30665-109
              D30664-305                           D30665-305
              D30664-307                           D30665-307
              D30664-309                           D30665-309
              D30664-311                           D30665-311
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Figure 4 to Paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of This AD--Air Cruisers and
      Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Not Approved for Further
                      Installation on Any Airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D30664-101                           D30665-101
              D30664-103                           D30665-103
              D31516-101                           D31517-101
              D31516-103                           D31517-103
              D31516-105                           D31517-105
              D31516-107                           D31517-107
              D31516-109                           D31517-109
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(o) New: Parts Installation Provisions

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any
airplane an escape slide pack assembly having a part number
identified as ``old'' in table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2),
and (o)(1) of this AD.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any
airplane an escape slide pack assembly having a part number
identified in figure 2 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD,
figure 3 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, and figure 4 to
paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD.
    (3) Installation of an escape slide pack assembly having a part
number approved after March 18, 2016 (the effective date of EASA AD
2016-0043), constitutes compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (l) of this AD, provided the conditions as specified in
paragraphs (o)(3)(i) and (o)(3)(ii) of this AD are met.
    (i) The part number must be approved by the Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the EASA;
or Airbus's EASA DOA; and
    (ii) The installation must be accomplished in accordance with
airplane modification instructions approved by the Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the EASA;
or Airbus's EASA DOA.

(p) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using the applicable service
information in paragraphs (p)(1)(i) through (p)(1)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, dated August 13, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, dated August 13,
2015.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, dated July 31, 2015.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, dated July 31, 2015.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using the applicable service
information in paragraphs (p)(2)(i) through (p)(2)(iv) of this AD.
    (i) Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-96, dated July 9, 2015;
    (ii) Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-96, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015.
    (iii) Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-97, dated July 9, 2015.
    (iv) Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-97, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015.

(q) 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 (r)(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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA 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.

(r) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0043, dated March 4, 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 2017-0556.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone
425-227-1405; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (s)(5) and (s)(6) of this AD.

(s) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
January 16, 2018.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, Revision 02, dated
July 6, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, Revision 01, dated
December 10, 2015.
    (v) Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-96, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2016.
    (vi) Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320
004-25-97, Revision 2, dated September 1, 2016.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 31, 2012 (77 FR 70369, November 26, 2012).
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17,
2010.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17,
2010.
    (iii) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-85,
Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012.

    (iv) Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-56, dated
November 12, 1999.
    (5) 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. For Zodiac Aerospace service information identified
in this AD, contact Air Cruisers, Cage Code 70167, 1747 State Route
34, Wall Township, NJ 07727-3935; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>;
Internet: http://www.zodiacaerospace.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (7) 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 November 29, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26363 Filed 12-8-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P