[Federal Register: July 6, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 128)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 38821-38823]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jy05-25]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21715; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-277-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 Series
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 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require measuring the turnbuckle gap of the inflation
cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slide; corrective action if
necessary; and installing a safety device on the inflation cylinder of
the off-wing emergency escape slide. This proposed AD is prompted by a
report indicating that the inflation trigger cable may inadvertently
disconnect from the inflation turnbuckle of the inflation cylinder of
the off-wing emergency escape slide, due to incorrect spacing of the
cable insertion gap; and additional reports indicating that the pull
force increase mechanism on the off-wing charged cylinder assemblies of
the escape slide may be inadvertently disengaged. We are proposing this
AD to prevent failed deployment of the emergency escape slide during an
emergency, which could impede an evacuation and result in injury to
passengers or airplane crewmembers, or inadvertent inflation and loss
of an emergency escape slide during flight, which could result in
possible structural damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 22, 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, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
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-2005-21715; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-277-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue 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:
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-2005-21715;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-277-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 website, 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 a pre-delivery
slide deployment check, the inflation trigger cable inadvertently
disconnected from the inflation trigger turnbuckle of the inflation
cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slide on a Boeing Model 767-
300 series airplane. Further investigation revealed that the cable
insertion gap in the turnbuckle (referred to as the ``turnbuckle gap'')
of certain inflation cylinders was not crimped per the engineering
drawing specification. The gap measured approximately 0.070-inch,
instead of the 0.040-inch maximum allowable spacing.
We also received reports that operators have found the pull force
increase mechanism (PFIM) on the inflation cylinder of the off-wing
emergency escape slide incorrectly set to the ``DISENGAGED'' position
on Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. If the PFIM retainer
spring is not positioned in the ``ENGAGED'' position, airframe flexing
could result in inadvertent actuation of the inflation cylinder and
subsequent inflation of the off-wing emergency escape slide.
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in failed
deployment of the emergency escape slide during an emergency, which
could impede an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or
airplane crewmembers, or
[[Page 38822]]
inadvertent inflation and loss of an emergency escape slide during
flight, which could result in possible structural damage to the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-
0358, dated September 18, 2003. The service bulletin describes
procedures for measuring the turnbuckle gap on the inflation cylinder
of the off-wing emergency escape slides (to ensure it meets the maximum
allowable spacing limit), and performing corrective actions if
necessary. The corrective actions include crimping the gap to the
correct spacing, making sure the turnbuckle can rotate around the
cable; and replacing the adjustable bottle cable assembly with a new
assembly if the turnbuckle cannot rotate.
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0358 refers to Goodrich
Service Bulletin 130104-25-342, dated July 23, 2003, as an additional
source of service information.
We have also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
767-25-0317, dated June 27, 2002. The service bulletin describes
procedures for installing a safety device on the PFIM of the inflation
cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slide system and part-marking
the inflation cylinder if applicable.
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0317 refers to Goodrich
Service Bulletin 130104-25-328, Revision 1, dated July 23, 2003, as an
additional source of service information.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the Boeing service
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
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 Boeing service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Boeing Service Information.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and Boeing Service Information
The service bulletins recommend that the actions therein be
accomplished ``at the next normally scheduled maintenance period when
manpower, materials, and facilities are available.'' We find that such
a non-specific compliance time may not ensure that the proposed actions
are accomplished in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for these actions, we considered the safety
implications, operators' normal maintenance schedules, and the
compliance time recommended by the airplane manufacturer. In
consideration of these items, we have determined that 18 months
represents an appropriate interval of time wherein the proposed actions
can be accomplished during scheduled maintenance intervals for the
majority of affected operators, and an acceptable level of safety can
be maintained. This compliance time is consistent with the
recommendation of the airplane manufacturer.
Clarification of ``Concurrent'' Service Information
The Boeing service bulletins specify concurrent accomplishment of
the Goodrich service bulletins; however, this proposed AD refers to the
Goodrich service bulletins as additional sources of service
information.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 696 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 297 airplanes of
U.S. registry.
The proposed inspection would take about 1 work hour per airplane,
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the proposed inspection for U.S. operators is
$19,305, or $65 per airplane.
The proposed safety device installation would take about 3 work
hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts cost would be minimal. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed installation for U.S. operators is
$57,915, or $195 per airplane.
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 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-2005-21715; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
277-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by August 22, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series
airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with off-wing
[[Page 38823]]
emergency escape slides; as identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 767-25-0358, dated September 18, 2003; and Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0317, dated June 27, 2002.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the
inflation trigger cable may inadvertently disconnect from the
inflation turnbuckle of the inflation cylinder of the off-wing
emergency escape slide, due to incorrect spacing of the cable
insertion gap; and additional reports indicating that the pull force
increase mechanism (PFIM) on the off-wing charged cylinder
assemblies of the escape slide may be inadvertently disengaged. We
are issuing this AD to prevent failed deployment of the emergency
escape slide during an emergency, which could impede an evacuation
and result in injury to passengers or airplane crewmembers, or
inadvertent inflation and loss of an emergency escape slide during
flight, which could result in possible structural damage to the
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.
Measurement/Corrective Action
(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD:
Accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of
this AD.
(1) Measure the turnbuckle gap of the inflation cylinder of the
off-wing emergency escape slides to ensure it meets the maximum
allowable spacing limit and do applicable corrective actions by
doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0358, dated
September 18, 2003. Accomplish any corrective action before further
flight in accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) Install a safety device on the PFIM of the inflation
cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slides, and part-mark the
inflation cylinder as applicable, by doing all the actions specified
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 767-25-0317, dated June 27, 2002.
Note 1: Goodrich Service Bulletins 130104-25-342, dated July 23,
2003; and 130104-25-328, Revision 1, dated July 23, 2003; may be
used as additional sources of service information for accomplishing
the actions.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slides on any
airplane, unless it has been modified according to paragraph (f) of
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) 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 June 24, 2005.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13222 Filed 7-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P