[Federal Register: January 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 21)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 4897-4900]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31ja03-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NE-31-AD; Amendment 39-13035; AD 2003-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Cruisers Company Emergency
Evacuation Slide/Rafts
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to a certain Air Cruisers Company Emergency Evacuation
Slide/Raft System. This amendment requires a one-time unpacking and
subsequent repacking of the slide/raft system, identified by serial
numbers (SN's), and mandates repacking of all other slide/raft systems
of the same design at the next required normal maintenance schedule of
the slide/ raft system. This amendment is prompted by reports of
separation of the lower aspirator during a number of deployments. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the
slide/raft to properly inflate, which could impede the emergency
evacuation of passengers in the event of an airplane emergency.
DATES: Effective March 7, 2003. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of March 7, 2003.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Air Cruisers Company, Technical Publications Department,
P.O. Box 180, Belmar, NJ 07719-0180; telephone: (732) 681-3527, fax:
(732) 280-8212. This information may be examined, by appointment, at
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leung Lee, Aerospace Engineer, New
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, 3rd floor, Valley Stream, NY 11581-1200;
telephone (516) 256-7509; fax (516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is
applicable to a certain Air Cruisers Company Emergency Evacuation
Slide/Raft System was published in the Federal Register on November 9,
1999 (64 FR 61042). That action proposed to require a one-time
unpacking and subsequent repacking of affected slide/raft systems
identified by SN's in accordance with Air Cruisers Company Service
Bulletin (SB) 777-107-25-06, dated February 19, 1999, and repacking of
all other slide/raft systems of the same design in accordance with Air
Cruisers Company SB 777-107-25-06, dated February 19,
[[Page 4898]]
1999 and the applicable Air Cruisers Company Folding Procedures P-12054
or P-12064, Revision E, dated October 14, 1998.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Revise the Number of Affected Slide/Rafts
Two commenters state that the proposal implies that the problem
extends beyond the 93 affected slide/rafts that are listed by SN's in
SB 777-107-25-06, dated February 19, 1999. In the proposed actions
section, the proposal states that an unsafe condition has been
identified that is likely to exist or develop on other emergency
evacuation slide/raft systems of the same type design. The commenters
disagree with this statement because at the time the problem was
identified, a program was implemented to repack all slide/raft systems
in inventory, leaving only those identified by SN's listed in the SB as
affected.
The FAA disagrees. Because emergency evacuation slide/raft systems
of this same design are suspect to potential failure due to the use of
improper folding instructions, this AD must address all emergency
evacuation slide/raft systems of this same type design, including those
specifically identified in the Air Cruisers Company Service Bulletin
777-107-25-06.
Use One Compliance Time
Two commenters request a one-time repacking compliance time of
within 18 months after the effective date of this AD for all slide/
rafts, instead of the current proposed repacking within two months for
slide/rafts identified by SN's, and repacking all other slide/rafts
within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. This would make
the associated risk consistent for all affected slide/rafts.
The FAA disagrees. The FAA position is that there is still a risk
of potential separation of the lower aspirator in this emergency
evacuation slide/raft system. In the event of an emergency evacuation,
even one slide/raft malfunction may be extremely dangerous.
Furthermore, because the Air Cruisers Company Service Bulletin 777-107-
25-06, dated February 19, 1999 has been available for more than 18
months, the burden of this AD should be less on all involved.
Therefore, the FAA made no changes to the rule with respect to this
request.
One-Time Repacking With No Repetitive Repacking
Three commenters request that a one-time unpacking and subsequent
repacking be done with no repetitive repacking procedure added to the
regular maintenance of the airplane. Since the problem will be
corrected with the one-time repacking, the need for repetitive
repacking will be eliminated.
The FAA partially agrees. A one-time unpacking and subsequent
repacking of the 93 slide/raft systems identified by SN's per this AD
is all that is required for conformance to this AD. The requirement of
this AD for ``repetitive repacking'' is for addressing all other slide/
raft systems of the same design. These slide/raft systems are to be
repacked at the next scheduled maintenance cycle within the compliance
time of this AD in accordance with the applicable Air Cruisers Company
Folding Procedures. The FAA will modify the wording ``repetitive
repacking'' to read ``repacking of all other slide/raft systems of the
same design.''
Revision Level of the Applicable Folding Procedures
One commenter states that it is not appropriate to designate the
folding procedure revision number since the procedure may be revised in
the future. The commenter requests including ``or latest as revised''
to Folding Procedures P-12054 and P-12064, Revision E. Another
commenter requests that the specific revision level of the applicable
folding procedure not be listed at all.
The FAA partially agrees. Since the proposal was issued, the FAA
has determined that Folding Procedures P-12054 and P-12064, Revision E
and earlier, are insufficent and are not to be used to comply with this
AD. Repacking must be done in accordance with the applicable Air
Cruisers Company Folding Procedure P-12054 or P-12064, Revision F,
dated March 12, 1999, or later FAA approved revision, for all emergency
evacuation slide/raft systems of the same design. Therefore paragraphs
(a) through (d) of the AD is reworded, stating to repack the slide/raft
systems in accordance with the applicable Air Cruisers Company Folding
Procedure P-12054 (for left-hand slide/rafts), Revision F, dated March
12, 1999, or later FAA approved revision, or Folding Procedure P-12064
(for right-hand slide/rafts), Revision F, dated March 12, 1999, or
later FAA approved revision.
Limit the Applicability
One commenter requests removing the words `` but not limited to''
from the proposed AD applicability paragraph. Otherwise, unaffected
owners/operators will have to spend resources in determining that
compliance is unnecessary.
The FAA disagrees. Although these emergency evacuation slide/raft
systems are currently installed on Boeing 777-200 and -300 only, it is
possible that these slide/raft systems could be installed on other
airplanes. Therefore, the FAA made no changes to the rule with respect
to this request.
Identify Only Basic Part Numbers
One commenter requests that the AD remove the dash numbers from
part numbers identifying the slide/raft systems, and use only the
basic, open-ended part numbers. Then for part number details, refer to
the effectivity of the applicable Air Cruisers Service Bulletin.
The FAA disagrees. Open-ended slide/raft systems part numbers would
cause any future part numbers to become falsely applicable to this AD.
Therefore, the FAA made no changes to the rule with respect to this
request.
Approval As-Written
One commenter approves the proposal as-written.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Economic Analysis
There are approximately 388 slide/raft systems of the affected
design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 74 slide/raft
systems installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by
this AD, that it would take approximately 5 work hours per slide/raft
system to accomplish the repacking, and that the average labor rate is
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $22,200.
Regulatory Analysis
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined
in Executive Order 13132, because it 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
[[Page 4899]]
power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to
publication of this final rule.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
2003-03-11 Air Cruisers Company: Amendment 39-13035. Docket No. 99-
NE-31-AD.
Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Air Cruisers
Company Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft System part numbers (P/N's)
62774-401, 62774-402, 62774-403, 62774-404, 62774-405, 62774-406,
62774-407 and 62774-408, with the affected slide/raft systems
identified by the serial numbers (SN's) listed in the following
Table 1:
Table 1.--Affected Slide/Raft SN's
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0203 0207 0220 0234 0235 0239 0241 0245 0250 0255
0267 0277 0280 0302 0305 0306 0310 0312 0316 0318
0320 0330 0332 0333 0335 0339 0342 0343 0344 0345
0348 0349 0350 0351 0354 0355 0356 0358 0364 0365
0366 0368 0369 0372 0373 0374 0376 0378 0379 0380
0381 0384 0385 0388 0389 0390 0391 0392 0394 0395
0396 0397 0398 0399 0402 0403 0404 0406 0408 0409
0411 0413 0415 0417 0418 0419 0420 0421 0422 0423
0425 0426 0427 0428 0429 0430 0431 0433 0438 0443
0445 0455 0456 .......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
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These Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft Systems are installed on, but
not limited to Boeing 777-200 and -300 series airplanes.
Note 1: This AD applies to each Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft
System identified in the preceding applicability provision,
regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired.
For Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft Systems that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance
Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already
done.
To prevent failure of the emergency evacuation slide/raft to
properly inflate, which could impede the emergency evacuation of
passengers in the event of an airplane emergency, do the following:
Repacking
(a) For slide/raft systems identified by SN's as listed in Table
1 of this AD, do the following in accordance with Accomplishment
Instructions described in Air Cruisers Company SB 777-107-25-06,
dated February 19, 1999, and the applicable Air Cruisers Company
Folding Procedure P-12054 (for left-hand slide/rafts), Revision F,
dated March 12, 1999, or later FAA approved revision, or Folding
Procedure P-12064 (for right-hand slide/rafts), Revision F, dated
March 12, 1999, or later FAA approved revision:
(1) For slide/raft systems currently installed on airplanes,
repack within 2 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For uninstalled slide/raft systems, repack before
installation.
(b) Repack all slide/raft systems, excluding those identified in
paragraph (a) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable Air
Cruisers Company Folding Procedure P-12054 (for left-hand slide/
rafts), Revision F, dated March 12, 1999, or later FAA approved
revision, or Procedure P-12064 (for right-hand slide/rafts),
Revision F, dated March 12, 1999, or later FAA approved revision, at
the next required normal maintenance schedule of the slide/raft
system, or no later than 18 months after the effective date of this
AD.
(c) Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft Systems which have already
been repacked in accordance with the applicable Air Cruisers Company
Folding Procedures P-12054 or P-12064, Revision F or later FAA
approved revision, are considered in compliance to the requirements
of paragraph (b) of this AD.
(d) All subsequent repacking of the Emergency Slide/Raft System
during the normal scheduled maintenance must be performed in
accordance with the applicable Air Cruisers Company Folding
Procedures P-12054 or P-12064, Revision F or later FAA approved
revision.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators must submit their request through an appropriate
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then
send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification
Office.
Special Flight Permits
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be done.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(g) The repacking must be done in accordance with the following
Air Cruisers Company service bulletin (SB) and Folding Procedures
(FP):
[[Page 4900]]
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Document No. Pages Revision Date
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SB 777-107-25-06 Total pages: 3....... All................ Original................. February 19, 1999.
P-12054 Total pages: 158.............. All................ F........................ March 12, 1999.
P-12064 Total pages: 156.............. All................ F........................ March 12, 1999.
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The incorporations by reference were approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Air Cruisers Company, Technical
Publications Department, PO Box 180, Belmar, NJ 07719-0180;
telephone: (732) 681-3527, fax: (732) 280-8212. Copies may be
inspected by appointment at the FAA, New England Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(h) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 2003.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 22, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-1952 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am]
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