[Federal Register: June 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 114)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34638-34641]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15jn05-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21240; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-104-AD;
Amendment 39-14130; AD 2005-12-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER
Series Airplanes Equipped With Door-Mounted Escape Slides
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. This
AD requires an inspection to determine if the door-mounted escape
slide/rafts have certain part numbers. For those door-mounted escape
slide/rafts having certain part numbers, this AD requires an inspection
for excessive tension of the firing cable, and procedures for providing
slack in the firing cable or rerouting the firing cable if necessary.
This AD is prompted by reports of uncommanded inflation inside the
airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in the passenger
compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance
personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating
conditions and to prevent interference with evacuation of the airplane
during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation of a door-mounted
escape slide/raft.
DATES: Effective June 30, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is
[[Page 34639]]
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 30, 2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by August 15, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; or
Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products, 3414 South 5th Street, Phoenix,
Arizona 85040, as applicable.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-21240; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2005-NM-104-AD.
Examining the Dockets
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
(DMS) receives them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Rosanske, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6448; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating that
three cases of uncommanded inflation of door-mounted escape slide/rafts
occurred on Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes. In one case, the
uncommanded inflation of the door-mounted escape slide/raft resulted in
injury to a member of the cabin crew. In the other two incidents,
damage occurred to the lavatory, ceiling panels, door bustles, and the
sidewalls. Inspections by the airplane manufacturer and the escape
slide/raft supplier of the factory packs and overhauled packs revealed
variability in the slack/tension condition of the firing cable of the
slide/rafts. The slide/rafts are designed with slack in the firing
cable. Investigation revealed that a ``tight'' (excessive tension)
firing cable, in combination with changes that occur in the pack as the
result of the in-service environment, could result in the tension on
the firing cable increasing and activating the regulator valve. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in injury to maintenance
personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating
conditions and could result in interference with evacuation of the
airplane during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation inside the
airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-25A0390,
dated May 13, 2005. The ASB describes procedures for removing the cover
(bustle) of the door-mounted escape slides/rafts, and performing a
tension check to determine if there is excessive tension of the firing
cable of the escape slides/rafts. Additionally, the ASB describes
procedures for removing excessive tension of the firing cable by
providing necessary slack in the firing cable, or removing the slide
and rerouting the firing cable if necessary. The ASB also specifies
that a general visual inspection or a records check may be accomplished
to determine if certain Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/rafts are
installed.
The ASB refers to Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 5A3294/5A3295-
25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an additional source of service
information.
Goodrich has also issued the following packing instructions for the
slide/rafts: Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft,
Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 2005; Goodrich Packing
Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, Document 501637, Revision E,
dated May 16, 2005; and Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation
Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision D, dated May 16, 2005.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are
issuing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance personnel, passengers,
and crew during otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent
interference with evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due
to uncommanded inflation of a door-mounted escape slide/raft. This AD
requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will
address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, we may consider
additional rulemaking.
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-2005-21240;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-104-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
[[Page 34640]]
in any of 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.
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 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
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2005-12-14 Boeing: Amendment 39-14130. Docket No. FAA-2005-21240;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-104-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective June 30, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER
series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with door-
mounted escape slide/rafts.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded inflation
inside the airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in
the passenger compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
injury to maintenance personnel, passengers, and crew during
otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent interference
with evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due to
uncommanded inflation of the airplane of a door-mounted escape
slide/raft.
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.
Inspection for Part Numbers (P/Ns)
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions in either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this
AD.
(1) Perform a one-time inspection to determine if any Goodrich
door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2,
5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If no slide/raft having any of
those P/Ns is installed, no further action is required by this
paragraph, except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
(2) Perform a one-time check of the airplane maintenance records
to determine if any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having
P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If it
can be conclusively determined from the airplane maintenance records
that no slide/raft having any of those P/Ns is installed, no further
action is required by this AD, except for the requirements of
paragraph (j) of this AD.
Inspection for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable
(g) If any door-mounted escape slide/raft with any P/N specified
in paragraph (f) of this AD is installed: Within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, perform a tension check on the firing
cable of the slide/raft, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. If no excessive
tension is detected, no further action is required by this AD,
except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
Note 1: Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, references
Goodrich ASB 5A3294/5A3295-25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an
additional source of service information.
Corrective Action for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable
(h) If any excessive tension of the firing cable is detected,
before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions; in
accordance with the Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005.
Previous Accomplishment
(i) Inspections of the firing cables for excessive tension in
accordance with Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, that
were accomplished before the effective date of this AD are
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of
this AD, provided that any applicable corrective was completed.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having
P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3, unless the tension of
the firing cable has been checked and the applicable corrective
action completed in accordance with Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated
May 13, 2005, or the escape slide/raft has been repacked in
accordance with Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/
Raft, Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 2005; Goodrich
Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, Document 501637,
Revision E, dated May 16, 2005; or Goodrich Packing Instructions,
Evacuation Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision D, dated May
16, 2005; as applicable.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, to
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with
5 U.S.C.
[[Page 34641]]
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service information,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207; or Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products, 3414
South 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, as applicable. To view the
AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service
information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the
NARA, 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 June 7, 2005.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11696 Filed 6-14-05; 8:45 am]
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