[Federal Register: May 20, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 96)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 23619-23622]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20my09-5]
[[Page 23619]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0450; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-182-AD;
Amendment 39-15908; AD 2009-10-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. The existing
AD currently requires 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; as
applicable. This AD expands the applicability to include an additional
airplane. This AD results from 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.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 4, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 4, 2009.
On September 13, 2005 (70 FR 46067, August 9, 2005), the Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002;
and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232, dated July 6, 2000.
We must receive any comments on this AD by July 20, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207; telephone 206-544-9990; fax 206-766-5682; e-mail DDCS@boeing.com;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For Goodrich service
information identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation,
Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical Publications, 3414 South
Fifth Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040; telephone 602-243-2270; e-mail
george.yribarren@goodrich.com; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/
TechPubs.
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 street address for
the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Guion, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6428; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On July 29, 2005, we issued AD 2005-16-06, amendment 39-14211 (70
FR 46067, August 9, 2005). That AD applies to certain Boeing Model 747
airplanes. That AD requires 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 as applicable. That AD resulted from a report of 30- to
60-second delays in the inflation of escape slides/rafts. The actions
specified in that AD are intended 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.
Actions Since AD Was Issued
Since we issued that AD, we have been advised that one additional
airplane may be subject to the identified unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
AD 2005-16-06 referred to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279,
Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002, as the appropriate source of service
information for the modification required by paragraph (f) of that AD.
Since we issued that AD, Boeing has revised that service bulletin.
Revision 4, dated December 11, 2008, provides the same procedures as
those specified in Revision 1, but adds airplane RG162 to the
effectivity.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD
We are issuing this AD because the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the(se)
same type design(s) that could be registered in the United States in
the future. This AD retains the requirements of the AD 2005-16-06. This
AD supersedes AD 2005-16-06 to add one airplane.
Since the added airplane is not on the U.S. Register, notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary.
Differences Between the AD and Service Information
Although Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated
July 11, 2002; Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 4, dated
December 11, 2008; and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232, dated July
6, 2000; recommend accomplishing the modification at ``the next
scheduled evacuation system overhaul,'' we have determined that this
imprecise compliance time does not address the identified unsafe
condition in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance
time for this 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 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.
[[Page 23620]]
Change to Existing AD
This AD retains all requirements of AD 2005-16-06. Since AD 2005-
16-06 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and certain
paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding
paragraph identifiers have changed in this AD, as listed in the
following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding requirement
Requirement in AD 2005-16-06 in this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (e)............................. paragraph (f).
paragraph (f)............................. paragraph (g).
paragraph (g)............................. paragraph (h).
paragraph (h)............................. paragraph (i).
paragraph (i)............................. paragraph (j).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs of Compliance
The newly added airplane is not on the U.S. Register; therefore, it
is not directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this
AD necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if that
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future. For that airplane, the costs to comply with this AD would be
the same as the costs provided in the existing AD which are restated
below, with a revised average labor rate of $80 per work hour.
Estimated Costs of AD 2005-16-06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Model Work hours Parts costs Cost per registered Fleet cost
airplane airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, - 12 $34,832 (2 each: $35,792 53 $1,896,976
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: 27,008 4 108,032
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: 31,400 1 31,400
identified as Group 3 in doors 1, 2, 4,
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- 5, and two-
25-3279. piece off-wing).
747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, - 10 $30,600 (2 each: 31,400 17 533,800
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 4,392 32 140,544
airplanes, identified as deck doors).
Group 5 in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200B series airplanes, 2 $4,232 (2 two- 4,392 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- 8,410 59 496,190
airplanes, identified in piece off-wing
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- doors).
25-3232.
747-200B series airplanes, 10 $30,600 (2 each: 31,400 3 94,200
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include
``Docket No. FAA-2009-0450; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-182-AD'' at
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
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
[[Page 23621]]
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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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
removing amendment 39-14211 (70 FR 46067, August 9, 2005) and adding
the following new AD:
2009-10-12 Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2009-0450; Directorate Identifier
2008-NM-182-AD; Amendment 39-15908.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective June 4, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-16-06.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this
AD, certificated in any category.
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 4, dated
747SR series airplanes. December 11, 2008.
Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and - Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
400D series airplanes. 3232, dated July 6, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25:
Equipment/Furnishings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from 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
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2005-16-06
Modification for Upper Deck, Two-Piece Off-Wing, and Door 1, 2, 4, and
5 Slides and Slide/Rafts
(g) 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 months after September 13, 2005 (the effective date of AD
2005-16-06), do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002; or Revision
4, dated December 11, 2008. After the effective date of this AD,
only Revision 4 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 can be used
to accomplish the requirements of this paragraph.
(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 Bulletins 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated
July 11, 2002, and 747-25-3279, Revision 4, dated December 11, 2008;
refer 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
(h) 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 September 13, 2005, 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, dated July 6, 2000,
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
(i) For airplanes identified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD:
As of September 13, 2005, unless the regulator assembly of the
inflation system has been modified in accordance with paragraph (g)
or (h) 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
(j) Actions done before September 13, 2005, in accordance with
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, dated May 16, 2002, are
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
Modification for Upper Deck, Two-Piece Off-Wing, and Door 1, 2, 4, and
5 Slides and Slide/Rafts
(k) For Model 747SP airplane with the variable number RG162:
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions
specified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD, in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 4, dated December
11, 2008.
(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.
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(l) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
according to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 2, dated
July 26, 2006; or Revision 3, dated January 18, 2007; are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified
in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(m) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
according to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, dated May 16,
2002; Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002; Revision 2, dated July 26,
2006; or Revision 3, dated January 18, 2007; are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified
in paragraph (k) of this AD.
[[Page 23622]]
Parts Installation for RG162
(n) For Model 747SP airplane with the variable number RG162: As
of the effective date of this AD, unless the regulator assembly of
the inflation system has been modified in accordance with paragraph
(k) of this AD, no person may install on that 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.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(o)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Andrew Guion, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and
Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6428; fax (425) 917-6590.
(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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-16-06
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(p) You must use the service information contained in Table 2 of
this AD, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 2--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-25-3232.............................. Original.................... July 6, 2000.
747-25-3279.............................. 1........................... July 11, 2002.
747-25-3279.............................. 4........................... December 11, 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in
Table 3 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Table 3--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-25-3279.............................. 4........................... December 11, 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved
the incorporation by reference of the service information contained
in Table 4 of this AD on September 13, 2005 (70 FR 46067, August 9,
2005).
Table 4--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-25-3232.............................. Original.................... July 6, 2000.
747-25-3279.............................. 1........................... July 11, 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207;
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For
Goodrich service information identified in this AD, contact Goodrich
Corporation, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040;
telephone 602-243-2270; e-mail george.yribarren@goodrich.com;
Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(5) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 6, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11284 Filed 5-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P