[Federal Register: June 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 120)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 35781-35783]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22jn06-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25102; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-117-AD;
Amendment 39-14666; AD 2006-13-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Airplanes
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 all
Boeing Model 737 airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane
flight manual to advise the flightcrew of improved procedures for pre-
flight setup of the cabin pressurization system, as well as improved
procedures for interpreting and responding to the cabin altitude/
configuration warning horn. This AD results from reports that airplanes
have failed to pressurize, and that the flightcrews failed to react
properly to the cabin altitude warning horn. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the airplane to pressurize and subsequent failure of
the flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning
horn, which could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to
hypoxia (lack of oxygen in body) and consequent loss of airplane
control.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 7, 2006.
We must receive comments on this AD by August 21, 2006.
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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Nesemeier, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6479; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that during the investigation
by the Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board of Greece
into the August 14, 2005, Helios Airways accident near Athens, Greece,
it was found that the Boeing Model 737-300 series airplane was not
pressurized during the climb from the departure airport, and the
flightcrew subsequently became incapacitated. It appears that the
pressurization mode selector was improperly set for flight, and that
the flightcrew subsequently misinterpreted the cabin altitude warning
horn as a takeoff configuration warning horn. This misinterpretation
may have occurred because the same warning horn provides both warning
functions on Model 737 airplanes.
In addition, the FAA has become aware of a number of other
incidents involving Model 737 airplanes where the flightcrew reaction
to a valid cabin altitude warning horn was delayed, either because the
flightcrew misinterpreted the horn as a takeoff configuration warning
horn, or because they did not immediately don their oxygen masks. Crew
reaction may have been delayed because the cabin altitude warning
system on Model 737 airplanes provides only the warning horn; no
associated cabin altitude warning light is installed that activates
concurrently with the warning horn.
Failure of the airplane to pressurize and subsequent failure of the
flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning
horn, if not corrected, could result in incapacitation of the
flightcrew due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in body) and consequent loss
of airplane control.
Related Rulemaking
We have previously issued two ADs to address similar unsafe
conditions.
On December 22, 2003, we issued AD 2003-03-15 R1, amendment 39-
13366 (68 FR 64802, November 17, 2003), to require revising the AFM to
advise the flightcrew to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step
when the cabin altitude warning occurs. That AD is applicable to
various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes,
including Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes.
On July 14, 2003, we issued AD 2003-14-08, amendment 39-13227 (68
FR 41519, July 7, 2003), to require revising the AFM to require the
same actions on various Boeing transport category airplanes, including
Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes.
In paragraph (a) of those ADs, a part of the revised text that we
required to be placed in the AFMs of Model 737 airplanes reads ``If the
cabin altitude warning horn sounds: * * *'' or ``Condition: The cabin
altitude warning horn sounds: * * *'', as applicable. Boeing has
advised us that in light of the information given in the Discussion
section above, it has updated the AFM phrase to read ``If the
intermittent cabin altitude/configuration warning horn sounds in
flight: * * *'' We have approved this new phrase in the AD as
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of ADs
2003-14-08 and 2003-03-15 R1.
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. For this reason, we
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the airplane to pressurize
and subsequent failure of the flightcrew to recognize and react to a
valid cabin altitude warning horn, which could result in incapacitation
of the flightcrew due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in body) and
consequent loss of airplane control. This AD requires revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM) to advise the flightcrew of
[[Page 35782]]
improved procedures for pre-flight setup of the cabin pressurization
system, as well as improved procedures for interpreting and responding
to the cabin altitude/configuration warning horn.
Interim Action
Revisions to the Emergency or Non-Normal Procedures sections of the
AFM are considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has advised
that it currently is developing a design change in the cabin altitude
warning system that will address the unsafe condition addressed by this
AD. Once this design change is developed, approved, and available, the
FAA may consider additional rulemaking.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
25102; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-117-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might
suggest a need to modify it.
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 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 may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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
receives them.
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 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, 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):
2006-13-13 Boeing: Amendment 39-14666. Docket No. FAA-2006-25102;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-117-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective July 7, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD is related to paragraph (a) of AD 2003-03-15 R1,
amendment 39-13366, and paragraph (a) of AD 2003-14-08, amendment
39-13227. This AD does not supersede the requirements of AD 2003-03-
15 R1 or AD 2003-14-08.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -
300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports that airplanes have failed to
pressurize, and that the flightcrews failed to react properly to the
cabin altitude warning horn. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the airplane to pressurize and subsequent failure of the
flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning
horn, which could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to
hypoxia (lack of oxygen in body) and consequent loss of airplane
control.
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.
Revising the Airplane Flight Manuals (AFMs)
(f) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Cabin Pressurization procedures in the Normal Procedures section
of the AFMs for Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500, -600,
-700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes to include the
following procedure:
``For normal operations, the pressurization mode selector should
be in AUTO prior to takeoff.''
(g) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Emergency Procedures section of the AFMs for Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
[[Page 35783]]
airplanes, or the Non-Normal Procedures section of the AFMs for
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, as
applicable, to include the following procedure:
``Warning Horn--Cabin Altitude or Configuration Recall
Condition: An intermittent or steady warning horn sounds:
In flight an intermittent horn indicates the cabin
altitude is at or above 10,000 feet
On the ground an intermittent horn indicates an
improper takeoff configuration when advancing thrust levers to
takeoff thrust
In flight a steady horn indicates an improper landing
configuration.
If an intermittent horn sounds in flight:
Oxygen Masks and Regulators............... on, 100%
Crew Communications....................... Establish
Do the Cabin Altitude Warning or Rapid
Depressurization checklist.
If an intermittent horn sounds on the ground: Assure proper
airplane takeoff configuration.
If a steady horn sounds in flight: Assure proper airplane
landing configuration.''
Optional Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2003-03-15 R1 and AD
2003-14-08
(h) For Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes: Using the phrase, ``If the intermittent cabin altitude/
configuration warning horn sounds in flight:'' in place of the
phrase, ``If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:'', in the
revisions to the ``Cabin Altitude Warning or Rapid
Depressurization'' procedure specified in Figures 2 and 3 of AD
2003-03-15 R1, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (a) of AD 2003-03-15 R1. All other requirements of AD
2003-03-15 R1 remain unchanged.
(i) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series
airplanes: Using the phrase, ``If the intermittent cabin altitude/
configuration warning horn sounds in flight:'' in place of the
phrase, ``Condition: The cabin altitude warning horn sounds:'', in
the revisions to the ``Cabin Altitude Warning or Rapid
Depressurization'' procedure specified in Figure 1 of AD 2003-14-08,
is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a)
of AD 2003-14-08. All other requirements of AD 2003-14-08 remain
unchanged.
Alternative Method To Revising the AFM
(j) The AFM revisions specified in paragraphs (f) and (g) of
this AD may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
(k) When statements identical to those specified in paragraphs
(f) and (g) of this AD have been included in general revisions of
the AFM, then the general revision(s) may be inserted into the AFM,
and the copy of the AD may be removed from the applicable revised
sections of the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 15, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-5585 Filed 6-21-06; 8:45 am]
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