[Federal Register: February 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 24)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 6586-6590]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05fe08-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28299; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-139-AD;
Amendment 39-15354; AD 2008-03-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D,
747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300
Series Airplanes; Equipped With Certain Goodrich Evacuation Systems
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain
[[Page 6587]]
Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-
200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes; equipped with
certain Goodrich evacuation systems. For certain airplanes, this AD
requires replacing the evacuation system shear-pin restraints with new
ones. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires an inspection for
manufacturing lot numbers; and a general visual inspection of the
shear-pin restraints for discrepancies, and corrective actions if
necessary. This AD results from several reports of corroded shear-pin
restraints that prevented Goodrich evacuation systems from deploying
properly. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an evacuation
system, which could impede an emergency evacuation and increase the
chance of injury to passengers and flightcrew during the evacuation.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 11, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 11,
2008.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Goodrich, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical Publications,
3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040-1169.
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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is the 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: Tracy Ton, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5352; fax (562)
627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model
747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300,
747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and
Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes; equipped with certain Goodrich
evacuation systems. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
May 29, 2007 (72 FR 29452). For certain airplanes, that NPRM proposed
to require replacing the evacuation system shear-pin restraints with
new ones. For certain other airplanes, that NPRM proposed to require an
inspection for manufacturing lot numbers; and a general visual
inspection of the shear-pin restraints for discrepancies, and
corrective actions if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Supportive Comment
One commenter, Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA),
supports the proposed AD.
Request To Combine Two AD Actions Into One AD
Delta requests that this NPRM be combined with another NPRM
(Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-239-AD/Docket No. FAA-2007-28370 (72 FR
31761, June 8, 2007)) so that a single AD is issued. Both NPRMs refer
to Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343, Revision 3, dated January 12,
2007, as an appropriate source of service information for accomplishing
the proposed actions.
We do not agree with the commenter's request. While the evacuation
slides affected by this AD and the other NPRM are identified in the
same service bulletin and have the same unsafe condition, the
individual evacuation slides were approved under different
certification processes. This AD affects airplanes that had certain
evacuation slides approved as part of a type certificate. The other
NPRM (Docket No. FAA-2007-28370) affects certain other evacuation
slides that were approved under a technical special order (TSO) that
specified certain requirements for evacuation slides. The TSO approval
process specifies which airplane model(s) a specific evacuation slide
can be installed on. These two approval processes affect how we issue
ADs. We have not changed this AD or NPRM Docket No. FAA-2007-28370 in
this regard.
Request To Revise Sequence of Part Number in a Table
Goodrich, the evacuation slide manufacturer, requests that we
reverse the sequence of rows (6) and (7) of Table 1 of the NPRM to
match the sequence in the Goodrich service bulletin.
We agree with the commenter's request. Revising the sequence of
rows to match the sequence in the service bulletin will reduce any
confusion. We have revised paragraphs (c)(6) and (c)(7) of this AD
(rows (6) and (7) of Table 1 of the AD) accordingly.
Request To Give Credit for a Service Bulletin
Goodrich also requests that we give credit to operators who
accomplish Revision 3 of the service bulletin before the effective date
of this AD. Goodrich states that ``The wording of Paragraph (j) does
not provide credit for actions done in compliance with Revision 3
unless it occurs `after the effective date of this AD'.'' (We infer
that Goodrich interprets the text of paragraph (j) of the AD to mean
that operators that have accomplished Revision 3 of the service
bulletin before the effective date would be required to accomplish
those actions again after the effective date to comply with this AD.)
We disagree with the commenter's request. Paragraph (e) of this AD
states that the actions must be done as specified in the AD ``unless
the actions have already been done.'' Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343,
Revision 3, dated January 12, 2007, is referred to as the appropriate
source of service information for accomplishing the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD. Accomplishing the requirements of this AD in
accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343, Revision 3, dated
January 12, 2007, before the effective date of the AD is acceptable for
compliance with paragraph (g) of this AD. Paragraph (j) of this AD
gives credit for accomplishing earlier revisions of the service
bulletin before the effective date of this AD. We have not changed the
AD in this regard.
Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Additional Change
In paragraph (j) of the NPRM, we inadvertently referenced paragraph
(h) of the AD. Instead, the correct reference is paragraph (g) of the
AD. We have
[[Page 6588]]
revised paragraph (j) of this AD to cite the correct paragraph.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,063 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 144 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Work hours per Average labor Number of slide
Action slide unit rate per hour Parts units per airplane Cost per airplane Fleet cost
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Replacement..................... Between 2 and 9.... $80 Between $58 and Between 1 and 12... Between $218 and Between $31,392
$638, depending on $16,296. and $2,346,624.
number of
restraints.
Inspection...................... Between 2 and 9.... 80 None............... Between 1 and 12... Between $160 and Between $23,040
$8,640. and $1,244,160.
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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
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 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); 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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
0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2008-03-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-15354. Docket No. FAA-2007-28299;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-139-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective March 11, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-
400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300
series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with any
Goodrich evacuation system listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Goodrich Evacuation Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodrich evacuation systems Component/part
part number Serial No. (S/N) name
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(1) 101651-303................ PA2475 through PA2955 Slide/Raft,
inclusive. forward/aft
doors.
(2) 7A1412-3 through 7A1412-8 GU0154 through GU0325 Slide, upper
inclusive. inclusive. deck.
(3) 101651-109 through 101651- All S/Ns with a B51 Slide/Raft,
303 inclusive. prefix, and S/Ns forward/aft
PA0001 through PA2474 doors.
inclusive.
(4) 7A1101-20 through 7A1101- All S/Ns with a single Slide, doors 1
24 inclusive. letter G prefix, and and 2.
S/Ns GL0001 through
GL0099 inclusive.
(5) 7A1102-20 through 7A1102- All S/Ns with a single Slide, door 4.
24 inclusive. letter G prefix, and
S/Ns GN001 through
GN121 inclusive.
(6) Odd dash numbers 7A1103-45 All odd S/Ns with a Slide, door 5,
through 7A1103-51. single letter G left-hand (LH)
prefix, and odd S/Ns side.
GC0001 through GC0127.
[[Page 6589]]
(7) Even dash numbers 7A1103- All even S/Ns with a Slide, door 5,
46 through 7A1103-52. single letter G right-hand (RH)
prefix, and even S/Ns side.
GC0002 through GC0128.
(8) 7A1104-14 through 7A1104- All S/Ns with a single Slide, crew
24 inclusive. letter G prefix, and door.
S/Ns GM0001 through
GM0138 inclusive.
(9) Odd dash numbers 7A1105-35 All................... Slide, off-wing,
through 7A1105-43. LH side.
(10) Even dash numbers 7A1105- All................... Slide, off-wing,
36 through 7A1105-44. RH side.
(11) Odd dash numbers 7A1238-3 All odd S/Ns with a Slide/Raft,
through 7A1238-69. single letter G doors 1, 2, and
prefix, and odd S/Ns 4, LH side.
GE0001 through GE2091.
(12) Even dash numbers 7A1238- All even S/Ns with a Slide/Raft,
4 through 7A1238-70. single letter G doors 1, 2, and
prefix, and even S/Ns 4, RH side.
GE0002 through GE2076.
(13) Odd dash numbers 7A1239-3 All odd S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
through 7A1239-33. single letter G 5, LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
GF0001 through GF0649.
(14) Even dash numbers 7A1239- All even S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
4 through 7A1239-34. single letter G 5, RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
GF0002 through GF0650.
(15) Odd dash numbers 7A1248-1 All odd S/Ns with a Slide, upper
through 7A1248-35. single letter G deck, LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
GU001 through GU321.
(16) Even dash numbers 7A1248- All even S/Ns with a Slide, upper
2 through 7A1248-36. single letter G deck, RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
GU002 through GU662.
(17) Odd dash numbers 7A1252-1 All odd S/Ns with a Slide, off-wing,
through 7A1252-9. single letter G LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
GO001 through GO505.
(18) Even dash numbers 7A1252- All even S/Ns with a Slide, off-wing,
2 through 7A1252-10. single letter G RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
GO002 through GO506.
(19) Odd dash numbers 7A1255-1 All odd S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
through 7A1255-29. single letter G 2, LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
WH0001 through WH0139.
(20) Even dash numbers 7A1255- All even S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
2 through 7A1255-30. single letter G 2, RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
WH0002 through WH0136.
(21) Odd dash numbers 7A1256-1 All odd S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
through 7A1256-29. single letter G 3, LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
WI0001 through WI0143.
(22) Even dash numbers 7A1256- All even S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
2 through 7A1256-30. single letter G 3, RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
WI0002 through WI0144.
(23) Odd dash numbers 7A1257-1 All odd S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
through 7A1257-29. single letter G 4, LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
WJ0001 through WJ0167.
(24) Even dash numbers 7A1257- All even S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
2 through 7A1257-30. single letter G 4, RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
WJ0002 through WJ0160.
(25) Odd dash numbers 7A1261-1 All odd S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
through 7A1261-33. single letter G 1, LH side.
prefix, and odd S/Ns
WG0001 through WG0165.
(26) Even dash numbers 7A1261- All even S/Ns with a Slide/Raft, door
2 through 7A1261-34. single letter G 1, RH side.
prefix, and even S/Ns
WG0002 through WG0162.
(27) 7A1412-1 through 7A1412-8 All S/Ns with a single Slide, upper
inclusive. letter G prefix, and deck.
S/Ns GU001 through
GU153.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several reports of corroded shear-pin
restraints that prevented Goodrich evacuation systems from deploying
properly. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an evacuation
system, which could impede an emergency evacuation and increase the
chance of injury to passengers and flightcrew during the evacuation.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin Reference
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343,
Revision 3, dated January 12, 2007.
Replacement, or Inspections and Corrective Action
(g) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(1) For airplanes equipped with any Goodrich evacuation system
identified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD: Replace the
shear-pin restraints with new restraints.
(2) For airplanes equipped with any Goodrich evacuation system
identified in paragraphs (c)(3) through (c)(27) of this AD: Do an
inspection to verify the manufacturing lot number of the shear-pin
restraint. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in
lieu of this inspection if the manufacturing lot number of the
shear-pin restraint can be conclusively determined from that review.
(i) If a manufacturing lot number from 3375 through 5551
inclusive is found, before further flight, replace the shear-pin
restraint with a new restraint.
(ii) If a manufacturing lot number from 3375 through 5551
inclusive is not found, do a general visual inspection of the shear-
pin restraints for discrepancies (i.e., corrosion, security of pin
retainer/label, overall condition, and lack of play). If any
discrepancy is found, before further flight, replace the shear-pin
restraint with a new restraint.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no Goodrich evacuation
system with a part number and serial number identified in paragraph
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD may be installed on any airplane, unless
the shear-
[[Page 6590]]
pin restraints have been replaced with new restraints in accordance
with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no Goodrich evacuation
system with a part number and serial number identified in paragraphs
(c)(3) through (c)(27) of this AD may be installed on any airplane,
unless the shear-pin restraints have been inspected and found
acceptable in accordance with paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information
(j) Replacements and inspections done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343,
dated October 15, 2003; Revision 1, dated January 31, 2005; or
Revision 2, dated October 11, 2006; are acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343, Revision 3,
dated January 12, 2007, to perform the actions that are required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this
document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Goodrich, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040-1169, for a
copy of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or 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: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 18, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-1724 Filed 2-4-08; 8:45 am]
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