AD 2019-16-06
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A320-251N | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A320-271N | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Analysis and laboratory testing of the behavior of the flight control laws of the A320neo identified a reduced efficiency of the angle of attack protection when the aeroplane is set in certain flight configurations and in combination with specific manoeuvres commanded by the flight crew, which could lead to excessive pitch attitude, possibly resulting in increased flight crew workload.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate operational limitations and updated procedures related to center of gravity, as specified in EASA AD 2019-0189.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
All Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and A320-271N airplanes.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and A320-271N airplanes. This AD was prompted by analysis and laboratory testing of the behavior of the flight control laws, which identified reduced efficiency of the angle of attack (AoA) protection that may result in excessive pitch attitude in certain configurations in combination with specific maneuvers commanded by the flight crew. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate operational limitations, 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.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and A320-271N
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Document Text
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[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43039-43042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17905]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0607; Product Identifier 2019-NM-135-AD; Amendment
39-19709; AD 2019-16-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and A320-271N airplanes. This AD was
prompted by analysis and laboratory testing of the behavior of the
flight control laws, which identified reduced efficiency of the angle
of attack (AoA) protection that may result in excessive pitch attitude
in certain configurations in combination with specific maneuvers
commanded by the flight crew. This AD requires revising the existing
airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate operational limitations, 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 becomes effective September 4, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 4,
2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 4, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f7b6b384b792968496d9928285988796d99282"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d7c794e7d585c4e5c1358484f524d5c135848">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0607.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0607; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0189, dated July 31, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0189'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and A320-271N airplanes.
The MCAI states:
Analysis and laboratory testing of the behaviour of the flight
control laws of the A320neo identified a reduced efficiency of the
angle of attack protection when the aeroplane is set in certain
flight configurations and in combination with specific manoeuvres
commanded by the flight crew, as described through Section 2 of
Airbus Flight Operations Transmission 999.0059/19.
This condition, although never encountered during operations, if
not corrected, could lead to excessive pitch attitude, possibly
resulting in increased flight crew workload.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the
AFM TR [temporary revision], limiting the centre of gravity
[[Page 43040]]
envelope, which prevents the aforementioned condition, and the
Flight Operations Transmission 999.0059/19, providing aeroplane
loading recommendations.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
amendment of the applicable AFM by incorporating the applicable AFM
TR.
This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further
AD action may follow.
The potential unsafe condition addressed by this [EASA] AD and
related required actions are different from those addressed by EASA
AD 2019-0171R1 for A321neo aeroplanes.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0189 describes procedures for revising the existing
AFM to incorporate operational limitations and updated procedures
related to center of gravity.
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.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the agency has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because it has
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2019-0189 described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a process to
use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information for
compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. As a result,
EASA AD 2019-0189 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with EASA AD 2019-0189 in
its entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section
in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required
actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD
2019-0189 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2019-0189 will
be available on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0607 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking. Similarly, Section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to
make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good
cause.
As noted above and in EASA AD 2019-0189, these airplanes are
subject to reduced efficiency of the AoA protection that may result in
excessive pitch attitude in certain configurations in combination with
specific maneuvers commanded by the flight crew resulting in reduced
control of the airplane. The FAA considers the prevention of this
unsafe condition to be an urgent safety issue. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the
FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for
public comment. The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data,
views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0607;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-135-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD based on those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 69 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $0 $85 $5,865
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
[[Page 43041]]
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.
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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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):
2019-16-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19709; Docket No. FAA-2019-0607;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-135-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 4, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and A320-271N
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by analysis and laboratory testing of the
behavior of the flight control laws, which identified reduced
efficiency of the angle of attack (AoA) protection that may result
in excessive pitch attitude in certain configurations in combination
with specific maneuvers commanded by the flight crew. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address such reduced efficiency of the AoA
protection, which could result in reduced control of the airplane.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019-0189, dated July 31, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0189'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0189
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0189 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0189 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7feea86898aeaf6f6f1ea868a8884ea958296928294939487a1a6a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ba8397fbf4f7978b8b8c97fbf7f5f997e8ffebefffe9eee9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(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
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.
(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 2019-0189,
dated July 31, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019-0189, contact the EASA, at Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 6017; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7332370033161200125d1606011c03125d1606"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fdedbecdffafeecfeb1faeaedf0effeb1faea">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. EASA AD 2019-0189 may be found in the AD docket on the
internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0607.
(5) 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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
[[Page 43042]]
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 8, 2019.
Michael Millage,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-17905 Filed 8-19-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.
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