The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that there have been several reports of total loss of all six liquid crystal display (LCD) units for the electronic instrument system (EIS) of a certain EIS2 standard during cruise for a short period of time. The flightcrew used the standby instruments, and the LCD units were eventually recovered. Subsequent investigation revealed that the three display management computers had received erroneous data from one LCD unit. Loss of all LCD units, if not corrected, could result in loss of critical flight information to the flightcrew and the reduced ability of the flightcrew to control the airplane during adverse operating conditions.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Temporary Revision (TR) 4.02.00/22, dated June 22, 2004, to the A318/319/320/321 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). The TR provides procedures for the flightcrew to follow in the event of the loss of all LCD units on airplanes equipped with a certain EIS2 standard of electronic instrument system. The DGAC mandated incorporation of the TR and issued French airworthiness directive F-2004-104 R1, dated August 18, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
The DGAC advises that a new EIS2 standard, 4.2, has been developed to address the problems associated with loss of the LCD units. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31A1220, dated July 2, 2004 (reference Airbus Modification 34571), describes procedures for installing EIS2 standard 4.2, which eliminates the need for the AFM revision described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to provide procedures to the flightcrew to restore operation of these LCD units and prevent prolonged loss of critical flight information to the flightcrew and the consequent reduced ability of the flightcrew to control the airplane during adverse flight conditions. This AD requires incorporation of the TR described previously, unless the new EIS2 standard is installed.
Differences Between FAA and DGAC Airworthiness Directives
The DGAC airworthiness directive mandates changes to the master minimum equipment list (MMEL). But this (FAA) AD will not mandate those MMEL changes because the limits imposed by the FAA-approved MMEL meet or exceed those mandated by the French airworthiness directive.
Although the DGAC airworthiness directive mandates the immediate incorporation of the TR's operational limitations, this (FAA) AD would allow up to 10 days for compliance. We find that a 10-day compliance time will provide the time necessary for operators to accomplish the requirements of this AD without adversely affecting safety.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. The DGAC is considering mandating the new EIS standard on those airplanes. We may consider further rulemaking at that time.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "Docket No. FAA-2004-19183; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-158-AD" at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket web site, anyone can find and read the comments in anyof our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of our communications with you. You can get more information about plain language at http://www/faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 the regulation:
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); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):