[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3579-3583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1125]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0219; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-228-AD;
Amendment 39-16921; AD 2012-01-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes
with off-wing escape slide systems installed. This AD was prompted by
reports of in-flight loss of the off-wing escape slide.
[[Page 3580]]
This AD requires modifying the door latch fittings and witness mark
placards of the off-wing escape slide systems; and for certain
airplanes, replacing the bearings and lockbase retainer in the door
latch assembly, relocating and adjusting the sensor target and the
sensor proximity switch, and testing to ensure positive door locking
and corrective action if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD
would also require installing a bumper assembly and placards. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the in-flight loss of the off-wing escape
slide, which could result in the unavailability of the escape slide
during an emergency evacuation. Additionally, the departed slide could
cause damage to the fuselage, wing, flaps, or stabilizer, which could
degrade flight control.
DATES: This AD is effective February 29, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 29,
2012.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box
3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; phone: (206) 544-5000,
extension 1; fax: (206) 766-5680; email: [email protected];
Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 (phone: (800) 647-5527) is Document 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: Kimberly DeVoe, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6495; fax: (425) 917-6590;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2011 (76
FR 13541). That NPRM proposed to require modifying the door latch
fittings and witness mark placards of the off-wing escape slide
systems; and for certain airplanes, replacing the bearings and lockbase
retainer in the door latch assembly, relocating and adjusting the
sensor target and the sensor proximity switch, and testing to ensure
positive door locking and corrective action if necessary. For certain
airplanes, that NPRM also proposed to require installing a bumper
assembly and placards.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Agreement With the Intent of the NPRM
American Airlines (American) stated it agrees with the intent of
the NPRM (76 FR 13541, March 14, 2011). Continental Airlines
(Continental) stated that it has no objection to paragraphs (g) and (h)
of the NPRM.
Requests To Update Service Information
American, Boeing, and an anonymous commenter requested the NPRM (76
FR 13541, March 14, 2011) be updated to refer to Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, Revision 1, dated April 12,
2011, which was released during the NPRM comment period.
We agree. Since the NPRM (76 FR 13541, March 14, 2011) was issued,
Boeing has issued Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298,
Revision 1, dated April 12, 2011, which clarifies door latch engagement
information, clarifies kit availability, and adds existing part
numbers. We have changed paragraphs (c) and (g) of the AD to refer to
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, Revision 1,
dated April 12, 2011; added paragraph (k) of the AD to give credit for
actions already accomplished in accordance with Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, dated October 16, 2008; and
revised subsequent paragraph lettering.
Request To Delay Publication of the AD
Continental requested we delay publication of the final rule until
Revision 3 to Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182 is published.
Continental justified its request by stating that it noticed some
discrepancies in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated
January 11, 2001, and would prefer that Revision 3 of this service
bulletin be issued prior to the issuance of the final rule.
We partially agree. We agree that discrepancies exist in Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001. We
have reviewed Continental's comments with Boeing to obtain technical
clarification. Boeing agrees with some of the discrepancies and has
noted them for consideration for the next scheduled revision of this
service bulletin. We disagree with delaying the issuance of the final
rule because these minor discrepancies do not affect the operators'
ability to accomplish the tasks specified in Boeing Service Bulletin
757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001. We have not changed
the AD in this regard.
Request To Identify the Specific Steps in the Service Information
American requested we change the NPRM (76 FR 13541, March 14, 2011)
to identify the steps in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision
2, dated January 11, 2001, that would be required to comply with
paragraph (h)(2) of the NPRM. American justified its request by stating
that identifying the specific steps will eliminate ambiguity and
provide clear interpretation of the proposed AD.
We agree. Clarifying the required steps will assist operators in
accomplishing the required tests and modifications and will not expand
the scope of the AD. We have added the steps to paragraph (h)(2) of the
AD.
Request To Allow an Alternative to the Door Open/Door Close Test of the
Compartment Door
American requested we change paragraph (h)(2) of the NPRM (76 FR
13541, March 14, 2011) to allow replacement of the target and remount
of the switch on the new bracket in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated
January 11, 2001, as an alternative to performing the door open/door
close test of the equipment compartment door. American justified its
request by stating it accomplished the door open/door closed test of
the compartment door as described in Boeing Service Bulletin
[[Page 3581]]
757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001, in 2002 and 2003, and
later experienced multiple off-wing slide deployments in 2006 and 2007.
We agree that replacing the target and remounting the switch on the
new bracket is an alternative to performing the door open/door close
test of the equipment compartment door. We have added a statement to
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD indicating that replacing the target and
remounting the switch on the new bracket terminates the testing
requirement in that paragraph.
Request To Allow Certain Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
American requested that all AMOCs previously approved for AD 99-17-
20, Amendment 39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999), be applicable to
the pertinent paragraphs of the NPRM (76 FR 13541, March 14, 2011).
American justified its request by stating that since these AMOCs have
previously demonstrated they provide the necessary equivalent level of
safety to the original rule, transferring the applicability will
prevent duplication of efforts already undertaken by both operators and
the FAA.
We agree. AMOCs previously evaluated and approved as providing the
necessary level of safety for AD 99-17-20, Amendment 39-11266 (64 FR
45436, August 20, 1999), would also provide the necessary level of
safety for the corresponding requirements of this AD. We have added
paragraph (l)(3) to the AD, which specifies that AMOCs approved
previously in accordance with AD 99-17-20, Amendment 39-11266, are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (h) of
this AD.
Request To Allow the Replacement of Kept Parts With New Parts of the
Same Part Number
American requested we change the NPRM (76 FR 13541, March 14, 2011)
to allow replacement of kept parts with new parts of the same part
number. American justified its request by stating that during the
course of modification, parts may become damaged or lost, therefore
rendering the kept hardware unserviceable or unavailable for
installation.
We agree with using new parts where the service information calls
for installation of kept parts because a part having the identical part
number is acceptable for use whether it is kept or new. We have added
new paragraph (h)(5) to this final rule to allow using new parts.
Request To Allow Operator Use of Approved Substitutes of Common
Hardware
American requested we change the NPRM (76 FR 13541, March 14, 2011)
to allow operators to use substitutes of common hardware (e.g.,
washers, nuts, bolts, and adhesives) that have been determined to be
equivalent in accordance with the operator's parts management system to
comply with hardware specified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-25-0298, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2011, Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001, Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, Revision 1, dated August 3, 2000, and
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0219, dated August 3,
2000.
We disagree. Parts management is an operator-specific process and
needs to be evaluated on an individual basis. We will consider requests
for approval of an AMOC under the provisions of paragraph (l) of this
AD. Sufficient data must be submitted to substantiate that the
operator's use of substitutes of common hardware would provide an
acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 451 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Modification of fittings and 7 work-hours x $1,365 $1,960 $883,960.
placards: Boeing Special $85 per hour =
Attention Service Bulletin $595.
757-25-0298, Revision 1,
dated April 12, 2011.
Modification: Boeing Service 40 work-hours x 2,786 6,186 $1,880,544 (304 airplanes).
Bulletin 757-25-0182, $85 per hour =
Revision 2, dated January $3,400.
11, 2001.
Test: Service Boeing Service 2 work-hours x 0 170 $76,670.
Bulletin $85 per hour =
757[dash]25[dash]0182, $170.
Revision 2, dated January
11, 2001.
Bumper assembly and placards 4 work-hours x 457 797 $272,574 (342 airplanes).
installation: Boeing $85 per hour =
Service Bulletin 757-25- $340.
0200, Revision 1, dated
August 3, 2000.
Bumper assembly and placards 4 work-hours x 457 797 $0 (0 airplanes).
installation: Boeing $85 per hour =
Special Attention Service $340.
Bulletin 757-25-0219, dated
August 3, 2000.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the test. We have no way
of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
replacements.
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement and remount; Boeing Service 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,786 $3,126
Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated $340.
January 11, 2001.
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[[Page 3582]]
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
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 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2012-01-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16921; Docket No. FAA-
2011-0219; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-228-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 29, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
Certain requirements of this AD affect certain requirements of
AD 99-17-20, Amendment 39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and
-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, Revision
1, dated April 12, 2011; with off-wing escape slide systems
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment and Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight loss of the off-
wing escape slide. We are issuing this AD to prevent the in-flight
loss of the off-wing escape slide, which could result in the
unavailability of the escape slide during an emergency evacuation.
Additionally, the departed slide could cause damage to the fuselage,
wing, flaps, or stabilizer, which could degrade flight control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
door latch fittings and witness mark placards of the left and right
off-wing escape slide systems, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-
0298, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2011.
(h) Concurrent Actions
Concurrently with or before accomplishing the actions specified
in paragraph (g) of this AD, do the applicable actions specified in
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes that have not been modified by Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-25-0182, dated October 10, 1996; or Revision 1, dated
June 12, 1997; as of the effective date of this AD: Modify the door
latch system of the left and right off-wing emergency evacuation
slide systems, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11,
2001.
(2) For airplanes that have been modified by Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-25-0182, dated October 10, 1996; or Revision 1, dated
June 12, 1997; as of the effective date of this AD: Do a test to
verify that the modified compartment door sensor provides an
accurate indication of the door lock condition, in accordance with
Part II, Steps A. through C., of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11,
2001. If the test indicates that the compartment door is not locking
positively, concurrently with or before accomplishing the actions
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the target and
remount the switch on the new bracket, in accordance with Part II,
Steps F. through V., of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001.
Replacing the target and remounting the switch on the new bracket
terminates the testing requirement in this paragraph.
(3) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-
0200, Revision 1, dated August 3, 2000: Concurrently with or before
accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
install a bumper assembly on the left and right off-wing escape
slide carriers, and install new placards in the area of the
maintenance access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, Revision 1,
dated August 3, 2000.
(4) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-25-0219, dated August 3, 2000: Concurrently with or
before accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, install a bumper assembly on the left and right off-wing escape
slide carriers, and install new placards in the area of the
maintenance access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-
0219, dated August 3, 2000.
(5) Using new parts having the same part number where the
service information calls for installation of kept parts is
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
(i) Terminating Action for Paragraph (a)(1) of AD 99-17-20, Amendment
39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999)
Actions done in accordance with paragraph (h)(1) of this AD
terminate the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of AD 99-17-20,
Amendment 39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999).
(j) Terminating Action for Paragraph (a)(2) of AD 99-17-20, Amendment
39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999)
Actions done in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of this AD
terminate the corresponding requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of AD
99-17-20, Amendment 39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999).
(k) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, dated January 21, 1999,
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of
paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(4) of this AD. Actions done
[[Page 3583]]
before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, dated October 16,
2008, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) 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.
(3) AMOCs approved in accordance with AD 99-17-20, Amendment 39-
11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999), are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kimberly DeVoe,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch,
ANM-150S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-
6495; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: [email protected].
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298,
Revision 1, dated April 12, 2011.
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated
January 11, 2001.
(iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, Revision 1, dated
August 3, 2000.
(iv) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0219,
dated August 3, 2000.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; phone:
(206) 544-5000, extension 1; fax: (206) 766-5680; email:
[email protected]; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 13, 2012.
John Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-1125 Filed 1-24-12; 8:45 am]
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