FR Doc 05-9469

[Federal Register: May 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 91)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 24994-24997]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12my05-21]

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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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[[Page 24994]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21184; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-111-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. This proposed AD would require
modifying the inflation systems of the upper deck escape slides;
single-piece off-wing escape ramps/slides; two-piece off-wing escape
slides; and door 1, 2, 4, and 5 escape slides/rafts. This proposed AD
is prompted by a report of 30- to 60-second delays in the inflation of
escape slides/rafts. We are proposing this AD to prevent actuation
delays in the inflation systems of the escape slides/rafts, which could
result in delayed or failed deployment of escape slides/rafts during
emergency evacuation of an airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 27, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed 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.
By 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 proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or 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-2005-21184; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-111-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Wren, 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) 917-6451; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21184;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-111-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed 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 proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments 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 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.

Examining the Docket

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 DMS receives them.

Discussion

We have received a report indicating that, during testing, an
operator observed 30- to 60-second delays in the inflation of escape
slides/rafts on two Boeing Model 747-200B and -400 series airplanes.
Insufficient margin between regulator internal friction and piston
actuator force caused the actuation delays in the inflation systems of
the escape slides/rafts. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in delayed or failed deployment of escape slides/rafts during emergency
evacuation of an airplane.
The inflation systems of the upper deck escape slides; single-piece
off-wing escape ramps/slides; two-piece off-wing escape slides; and
door 1, 2, 4, and 5 escape slides/rafts; on certain Model 747-100, -
100B, -100B SUD, -200C, -200F, -300, -400D, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR
series airplanes are identical to those on the affected Model 747-200B
and -400 series airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be
subject to the same unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed the following service bulletins:
For certain Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C,
-200F, -300, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR series airplanes, Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002; and
For certain Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and -400D
series airplanes, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232, dated July 6,
2000.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 describes procedures for
modifying the inflation systems of the upper deck escape slides; two-
piece off-wing escape

[[Page 24995]]

slides; and door 1, 2, 4, and 5 escape slides/rafts. Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-25-3232 describes procedures for modifying the inflation
system of the single-piece off-wing escape ramps/slides. For both
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-25-3279 and 747-25-3232, modification
includes replacing the plug of the regulator assembly with a pneumatic
booster assembly, and replacing the lobed cocking arm in the actuator
assembly with a new cocking arm (not lobed).
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

Additional Sources of Service Information

Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 refers to the following service
bulletins as additional sources of service information:
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3037-25-327, dated November
30, 2001, for modifying the inflation systems of the upper deck and
two-piece off-wing escape slides.
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3056-25-331, dated December
21, 2001; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-332, dated December
21, 2001; for modifying the inflation systems of the door 1, 2, 4, and
5 escape slides/rafts.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232 refers to Goodrich Service
Bulletin 4A3416-25-305, Revision 2, dated October 15, 2001, as an
additional source of service information for modifying the inflation
system of the single-piece off-wing escape ramps/slides.

Concurrent Service Bulletins to Additional Sources of Service
Information

Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3037-25-327 specifies prior or
concurrent accomplishment of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3012/4A3047-
25-256, Revision 1, dated October 27, 1999, for regulator assemblies
having part numbers (P/N) 4A3047-3 and -4.
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3056-25-331 also specifies prior or
concurrent accomplishment of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3012/4A3047-
25-256 for regulator assemblies with P/Ns 4A3047 and 4A3047-2.
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-332 specifies prior or
concurrent accomplishment of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-250,
Revision 3, dated October 27, 1999, for regulator assemblies with P/Ns
4A3194-1, -2, and -3.
BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3012/4A3047-25-256 and BFGoodrich
Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-250 both describe procedures for replacing
the actuator assembly with a new actuator assembly; replacing the
compression spring with a new compression spring; and replacing the
existing lubricant in the regulator valve with new, improved lubricant
during overhaul.
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3416-25-305 specifies prior or
concurrent accomplishment of the following service bulletins for a
regulator assembly having P/N 4A3474-3:
BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 25-292, Revision 1, dated
December 19, 1997, which describes procedures for replacing the o-rings
of the regulator assembly with new, improved o-rings;
BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3416-25-233, Revision 4,
dated October 27, 1999, which describes procedures for modifying the
regulator core; and replacing the existing lubricant in the regulator
valve with new, improved lubricant during overhaul; and
BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, Revision 2,
April 15, 1994, which describes procedures for modifying the reservoir
assembly of the regulator assembly; and modifying the inflatable
assembly.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

Although the Boeing service bulletins recommend accomplishing the
modification at ``the next scheduled evacuation system overhaul,'' we
have determined that this imprecise compliance time would not address
the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, we considered not
only the manufacturer's recommendation, but also the degree of urgency
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the average
utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform
the modifications. In light of all of these factors, we find a
compliance time of 36 months for completing the proposed actions to be
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time for
affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.
This compliance time has been coordinated with the manufacturer.

Cost of Compliance

There are about 958 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 169 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per
door, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD.

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Model Work hours Parts costs Cost per registered Fleet cost
airplane airplanes
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747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, - 12 $34,832 (2 each: $35,612 53 $1,887,436
200B, and -200C series doors 1, 2, 4,
airplanes, identified as 5, upper deck,
Group 1 in Boeing Service and two-piece
Bulletin 747-25-3279. off-wing).
747-200B and -300 series 8 26,368 (2 each: 26,888 4 107,552
airplanes, identified as doors 1, 2, 4,
Group 2 in Boeing Service and 5).
Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200B series airplanes, 10 30,600 (2 each: 31,250 1 31,250
identified as Group 3 in doors 1, 2, 4,
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- 5, and two-
25-3279. piece off-wing).

[[Page 24996]]

747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, - 10 30,600 (2 each: 31,250 17 531,250
200B, 747SP, and 747SR series doors 1, 2, 4,
airplanes, identified as and 5, and
Group 4 in Boeing Service upper deck).
Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200F and -400F series 2 4,232 (2 upper 4,362 32 139,584
airplanes, identified as deck doors).
Group 5 in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200B series airplanes, 2 4,232 (2 two- 4,362 0 0
identified as Group 6 in piece off-wing
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- doors).
25-3279.
747-400 and -400D series 2 8,250 (2 single- 8,380 59 494,420
airplanes, identified in piece off-wing
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- doors).
25-3232.
747-200B series airplanes, 10 30,600 (2 each: 31,250 3 93,750
identified as Group 4 in doors 1, 2, 4,
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- 5, upper deck,
25-3279 and also identified and single-
in Boeing Service Bulletin piece off-wing).
747-25-3232.
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Authority for This Rulemaking

The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated 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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
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 proposed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-21184; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
111-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by June 27, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing-- As identified in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
-200C, -200F, -300, -400F, 747SP, and 3279, Revision 1, dated July
747SR series airplanes. 11, 2002.
Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and - Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
400D series airplanes. 3232, dated July 6, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD was prompted by a report of 30-to 60-second delays
in the inflation of escape slides/rafts. We are issuing this AD to
prevent actuation delays in the inflation systems of the escape
slides/rafts, which could result in delayed or failed deployment of
escape slides/rafts during emergency evacuation of an airplane.

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.

Modification for Upper Deck, Two-Piece Off-Wing, and Door 1, 2, 4, and
5 Slides and Slide/Rafts

(f) For Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -
300, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR series airplanes identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002:
Within 36

[[Page 24997]]

months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified
in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1,
dated July 11, 2002.
(1) Modify the inflation systems of the upper deck and two-piece
off-wing escape slides.
(2) Modify the inflation systems of the door 1, 2, 4, and 5
escape slides/rafts, as applicable.

Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 refers to Goodrich
Service Bulletin 4A3037-25-327, dated November 30, 2001; Goodrich
Service Bulletin 4A3056-25-331, dated December 21, 2001; and
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-332, dated December 21, 2001; as
additional sources of service information for doing the
modifications.

Modification for Single-Piece Off-Wing Ramp/Slides

(g) For Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and -400D series
airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232, dated
July 6, 2000: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD,
modify the inflation system of the single-piece off-wing escape
ramps/slides, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
3232, dated July 6, 2000.

Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232 refers to Goodrich
Service Bulletin 4A3416-25-305, Revision 2, dated October 15, 2001,
as an additional source of service information for doing the
modification.

Parts Installation

(h) As of the effective date of this AD, unless the regulator
assembly of the inflation system has been modified in accordance
with paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD, as applicable, no person may
install on any airplane a regulator assembly with any of the
following part numbers (P/Ns): P/N 4A3047, -2, -3, -4, -5, -8, -9,
or -10; P/N 4A3194-1, -2, -3, or -4; or P/N 4A3474-3.

Credit for Previous Service Bulletin

(i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, dated May 16,
2002, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(j) The Manager, Seattle 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-9469 Filed 5-11-05; 8:45 am]

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