[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6455-6457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-3027]
[[Page 6455]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-226-AD; Amendment 39-9924; AD 97-03-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes,
that currently requires inspection of the door opening thrusters and
door opening/snubbing actuators for proper oil quantity, and
modification of the off-wing compartment latching assemblies. This
amendment adds a requirement for replacement of the currently installed
door opening thrusters with new, improved thrusters for Model 747
series airplanes. This amendment also removes Model 767 series
airplanes from the applicability of the AD, since those airplanes are
addressed currently in a separate AD. This amendment is prompted by
reports indicating that the requirements of the existing AD do not
adequately detect leakage of fluid from the actuators. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such leakage, which could
result in failure of the escape slide to deploy; such failure could
delay and possibly jeopardize the successful emergency evacuation of an
airplane.
DATES: Effective March 19, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
3073, dated September 21, 1995, as listed in the regulations, is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 19, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed
in the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the
Federal Register as of November 25, 1992 (57 FR 47987, October 21,
1992).
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207; and OEA Aerospace Inc., P.O. Box KK, Hwy. 12,
Explosive Technology Road, Fairfield, California 94533-0659. This
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory L. Schneider, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;
telephone (206) 227-2028; fax (206) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 92-16-17,
amendment 39-8327 (57 FR 47987, October 21, 1992), which is applicable
to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, was published in
the Federal Register on June 26, 1996 (61 FR 33050). The action
proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections of the door
opening thrusters and door opening/snubbing actuators for proper oil
quantity, and modification of the off-wing compartment latching
assemblies for Model 747 series airplanes. For those airplanes, the
action proposed to add a requirement for replacement of existing door
opening thrusters with new, improved thrusters. Additionally, the
action proposed to remove Model 767 series airplanes from the
applicability of AD 92-16-17, since those airplanes are addressed
currently by AD 95-08-11, amendment 39-9200 (60 FR 20013).
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
Two commenters support the proposed rule.
Request To Revise Description of Effect of Required Actions
One commenter requests that Summary section of the preamble to the
proposal be revised to replace the word ``preclude'' with the word
``detect'' in the following sentence that appeared in that section:
``This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that the requirements
of the existing AD do not adequately preclude leakage of fluid from the
actuators.'' The commenter indicates that the actions required by AD
95-08-11 do not ``preclude'' fluid leakage; rather, they provide a
means of detecting decreased fluid quantities in an effort to prevent
failure of the escape slide to deploy.
The FAA concurs with the commenter's request and justification, and
has revised the Summary section of this final rule accordingly.
Request To Explain Removal of Certain Airplanes From Applicability
The same commenter requests that the Summary section of the
preamble to the proposal be revised to specify that the new AD action
would remove Model 767 series airplanes from the applicability of AD
92-16-17, since those airplanes are addressed currently by AD 95-08-11.
The commenter notes that the existing AD is, in effect, being
superseded by two AD's, one for each airplane model. The clarification
will direct operators of Model 767 series airplanes to the appropriate
AD.
The FAA does not consider that additional clarification is
necessary. This issue was discussed in detail elsewhere in the preamble
to the proposal. Such detail is unnecessary in the Summary section to a
rule, since that section is intended to provide only a synopsis of the
proposed or required actions. Further, since operators of Model 767
airplanes are no longer subject to this AD, there is no reason to
address those operators further in this final rule.
Request To Remove Paragraph (d) From the Proposal
The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of one of
its members, requests that the FAA remove paragraph (d) from the
proposal, which would require that all spare parts be modified as of
the effective date of the final rule. The ATA states that inclusion of
that paragraph would place an unnecessary burden on operators of Model
747 series airplanes. The commenter points out that AD 95-08-11
provides operators of Model 767 series airplanes an interval of two
years to modify uninstalled actuators. The ATA maintains that there is
no need to create different compliance periods between installed and
uninstalled components, except where results of a risk assessment
support two compliance periods. The commenter concludes that proposed
paragraph (d) is unnecessary since paragraph (c) requires that all
airworthy units, installed and uninstalled, be modified within two
years.
The FAA concurs partially. First, the FAA does not agree that
paragraph (d) should be removed from this final rule altogether. The
FAA finds that paragraph (d) must be included in the AD to ensure that
only new, improved door opening thrusters (that are not fluid filled)
are installed on the affected airplanes. However, upon reconsideration
of the compliance time proposed in that paragraph, the FAA finds that
it is appropriate to revise the
[[Page 6456]]
compliance time for paragraph (d) of this final rule so that is
parallel to a similar paragraph in AD 95-08-11, which addresses these
same components for Model 767 series airplanes. Accordingly, paragraph
(d) of this final rule has been revised to specify that only new,
improved door opening thrusters shall be installed on the affected
airplanes as of two years after the effective date of this AD. This
revision will also preclude the potential for any parts availability
problem that may arise in the interim.
Second, the FAA must clarify for this commenter that neither
paragraph (c) nor paragraph (d) of this AD address ``uninstalled''
components. Part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part
39) precludes AD actions taken to address components that are not
currently installed on the airplane (or product). Therefore, the FAA
cannot require via an AD that operators inspect, repair, or modify a
``spare part'' (i.e., currently in an operator's parts inventory).
However, the FAA can ensure, via a requirement such as that specified
in paragraph (d) of this AD, that any spare part is inspected,
repaired, or modified prior to it being installed on an airplane.
Accordingly, paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD do not require that any
action to be taken on ``uninstalled'' parts (spares). The requirements
of those paragraphs only specify that, whenever a door opening thruster
is to be installed on an airplane now or in the future, that thruster
must be an improved model.
Request To Reference Additional Service Information
One commenter requests that the proposal be revised to cite the
following service bulletin revisions, which have been reviewed and
approved by the FAA, as additional sources of appropriate service
information:
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3073, Revision 1, dated
August 1, 1996.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-2951, Revision 1, dated May
13, 1993.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-2951, Revision 2, dated
September 30, 1993.
OEA Service Bulletin 2174200-25-013, Revision 1, dated
September 14, 1993.
OEA Service Bulletin 2174200-25-013, Revision 2, dated
November 1, 1993.
OEA Service Bulletin 2174200-25-013, Revision 3, dated
January 13, 1994.
The FAA agrees that the service bulletins listed above, with the
exception of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3073, Revision 1, dated
August 1, 1996, should be referenced in the final rule. The FAA has
confirmed that Boeing has not yet released Revision 1 of Service
Bulletin 747-25-3073 due to changes in the engineering aspects prior to
receipt of FAA approval of that service bulletin. However, Boeing
advises that it plans to issue Revision 1 of that service bulletin in
early 1997 and, subsequently, will request approval of it as an
alternative method of compliance with this AD.
The FAA has revised the final rule to add new NOTES 2 and 3, which
specify that accomplishment of the actions required by this AD in
accordance with the last five service bulletins listed above is
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
Request To Add Address To Obtain Service Information
One commenter requests that the FAA revise the Addresses section of
the preamble to the proposal to include the address for OEA Aerospace
Inc., since an OEA service bulletin is cited in the proposal.
The FAA concurs. The address for OEA was omitted inadvertently from
the proposal, but has been included in this final rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 400 Model 747 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 125
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 92-16-17 and retained
in this new AD take approximately 12 work hours per airplane to
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required
parts cost approximately $510 per airplane. Based on these figures, the
cost impact on U.S. operators of the actions currently required is
estimated to be $153,750, or $1,230 per airplane.
The new actions that are required by this new AD will take
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$6,400 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S.
operators of the new requirements of this AD is estimated to be
$815,000, or $6,520 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8327 (57 FR
47987, October 21, 1992), and by adding
[[Page 6457]]
a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9924, to read as
follows:
97-03-19 BOEING: Amendment 39-9924. Docket 95-NM-226-AD. Supersedes
AD 92-16-17, Amendment 39-8327.
Applicability: Model 747-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes
equipped with an off-wing, two-piece escape slide on Door 3;
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the escape slide to deploy, which could
delay and possibly jeopardize the successful emergency evacuation of
an airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 18 months after November 25, 1992 (the effective date
of AD92-16-17, amendment 39-8327), perform an inspection of the door
opening thrusters of the escape system in accordance with OEA
Service Bulletin 2174200-25-013, dated July 29, 1991. Repeat this
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 20 months until the
replacement required by paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished.
Note 2: Inspections accomplished in accordance with OEA Service
Bulletin 2174200-25-013, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1993;
Revision 2, dated November 1, 1993; or Revision 3, dated January 13,
1994; are considered acceptable for compliance with the inspections
specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(b) Within 18 months after November 25, 1992, inspect and modify
the door latching mechanism of the escape slide compartment in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-2951, dated August
15, 1991.
Note 3: Inspections and modifications accomplished in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-2951, Revision 1, dated May 13,
1993; or Revision 2, dated September 30, 1993; are considered
acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in
paragraph (b) of this AD.
(c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, replace
the door opening thrusters having part number (P/N) 60B50077-14 or -
17 with new thrusters having P/N 60B50077-19 in accordance with
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3073, dated September 21, 1995.
Accomplishment of this replacement terminates the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
(d) As of 2 years after the effective date of this AD, only door
opening thrusters having P/N 60B50077-19 shall be installed on any
airplane.
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Seattle ACO.
Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) The inspections and modification shall be done in accordance
with OEA Service Bulletin 2174200-25-013, dated July 29, 1991; and
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-2951, dated August 15, 1991. The
incorporation by reference of those documents was approved
previously by the Director of the Federal Register, in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as of November 25, 1992 (57
FR 47987, October 21, 1992). The replacement shall be done in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3073, dated September
21, 1995. The incorporation by reference of that document was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124-2207; and OEA Aerospace Inc., P.O. Box KK, Hwy. 12, Explosive
Technology Road, Fairfield, California 94533-0659. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on March 19, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 31, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-3027 Filed 2-11-97; 8:45 am]
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