[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1703-1705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-845]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-01-AD; Amendment 39-9492; AD 96-01-51]


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100 and -200 Series 
Airplanes Modified in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) SA2322SO or SA4227NM-D.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) T96-01-51 that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Boeing 
Model 747-100 and -200 airplanes by individual telegrams. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections of the latch safety pins of the main 
deck side cargo door to ensure that the door is securely latched and 
locked; it also requires deactivation of certain panel lights and 
installation of a placard to indicate such deactivation. This amendment 
is prompted by a report of a malfunction of the safety interlock system 
of the main deck side cargo door on one airplane. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent such malfunctions, which could 
result in the opening of the main deck side cargo door while the 
airplane is in flight, and subsequent rapid decompression of the 
airplane.

DATES: Effective January 29, 1996, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T96-01-51, 
issued January 3, 1996, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-01-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    Information pertinent to this rulemaking action may be examined at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-
160, College Park, Georgia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Avera, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-130A, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Campus Building, 
1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748; 
telephone (404) 305-7381; fax (404) 305-7348.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has recently received a report that 
the flightcrew on a Boeing Model 747-100 series airplane noted an 
abnormal cabin altitude rate of climb. Although the pressurization vent 
door light was not illuminated (which signified to the flightcrew that 
the door was closed and locked), the flightcrew was unable to 
pressurize the airplane. The flightcrew also noted that the main deck 
side cargo door ``DOOR UNLOCKED'' light illuminated shortly after 
takeoff. Investigation revealed that 11 of the 12 latches on the main 
deck side cargo door were unlatched and unlocked. However, the 
pressurization vent door was closed and locked; this would signify that 
a malfunction of the safety interlock system had occurred.
    A properly functioning safety interlock system electro-mechanically 
prevents the pressurization vent door from closing until all of the 
latches are in the fully latched and locked position. If the 
pressurization vent door is not closed, the airplane cannot be 
pressurized.
    Although the original cause of the failure to properly latch the 
door may be attributable to human error, the purpose of the interlock 
system is to ensure that such errors are detected so that the airplane 
cannot be pressurized unless the main deck side cargo door is properly 
latched and locked. Malfunction of the safety interlock system of the 
main deck side cargo door, if not corrected, could result in an in-
flight opening of the main deck side cargo door, and subsequent rapid 
decompression of the airplane.
    The airplane in the reported incident was a Model 747-100 series 
airplane that had been modified in accordance with Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA2322SO. The modification entailed the installation 
of a main deck side cargo door as part of a conversion of the airplane 
from a passenger configuration to a special freighter configuration.
    Since STC SA2322SO for Model 747-100 series airplanes is similar in 
design to STC SA4227NM-D for Model 747-200 series airplanes, the FAA 
has determined that the unsafe condition may also exist on a MODEL 747-
200 series airplane that has been modified in accordance with STC 
SA4227NM-D. (Likewise, that STC entails the conversion of a Model 747-
200 series airplane from a passenger configuration to a special 
freighter configuration.)
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued Telegraphic 
AD T96-01-51 to prevent malfunction of the safety interlock system of 
the main deck cargo door, which could result in the opening of the main 
deck side cargo door during flight, and subsequent rapid decompression 
of the airplane. The AD requires repetitive inspections of the latch 
safety pins of the main deck side cargo door to ensure that the door is 
securely latched and locked. The AD also requires deactivation of the 
``LATCHES UNLOCKED'' light at the door operating panel, and the ``DOOR 
UNLOCKED'' light at the flight engineer (F/E) panel; as well as the 
fabrication and installation of a placard to indicate that the ``DOOR 
UNLOCK'' light at the F/E panel has been deactivated. These actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the 
FAA.
    The AD also provides for the termination of these requirements 
following accomplishment of a modification that positively addresses 
the identified unsafe condition and that has been approved by the FAA.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual telegrams 
issued on January 3, 1996, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
the affected Boeing Model 747-100 and -200 series airplanes. These 
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal 
Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking. 

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Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-01-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-01-51  Boeing: Amendment 39-9492. Docket 96-NM-01-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747-100 series airplanes having serial 
numbers 19637, 19638, 19642, 19647, 19648, 19657, 19725, 20320, and 
20347, that have been modified in accordance with Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA2322SO; and Model 747-200 series airplane having 
serial number 20010 that has been modified in accordance with STC 
SA4227NM-D; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent malfunction of the safety interlock system of the 
main deck cargo door and subsequent rapid decompression of the 
airplane due to in-flight opening of the main deck side cargo door, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph E. of AD 90-
09-06, amendment 39-6581, within 3 days after the effective date of 
this AD, deactivate the ``LATCHES UNLOCKED'' light at the door 
operating panel and the ``DOOR UNLOCKED'' light at the flight 
engineer (F/E) panel; and fabricate and install placards; in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate.
    (b) Within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), 
(b)(4), (b)(5), AND (b)(6) of this AD. Repeat these procedures 
thereafter prior to each flight. These procedures must be performed 
by properly trained and qualified maintenance personnel.
    (1) Close the main deck side cargo door in accordance with 
normal operations procedures.
    (2) Unscrew, lift, and secure the door lower access panels in 
the ``UP'' position.
    (3) Perform a visual inspection of all 12 latch and lock arms to 
ensure that they are overcenter in the ``LOCKED'' position and that 
all alignment marks line-up correctly.
    (4) Perform a detailed visual inspection to ensure that the ten 
photo scanner alignment holes in latches 2 through 11 have no 
obstructions.
    (i) Counting forward to aft, install pins in photo scanner 
alignment holes in latch assemblies 2 through 11. The safety pins 
must engage the lock arm and latch arm lever, and go completely 
through the latch assembly.
    (ii) All latch safety pins must be fastened together with a 
safety cable, and the safety cable must be attached to the main deck 
door sill protector.
    (iii) Lower and secure the lower access panels in place.
    (iv) Open circuit breaker HC5, located on P-10, main power 
center-left.
    (5) To close the pressure vent door on the main deck side cargo 
door, accomplish paragraphs (b)(5)(i), (b)(5)(ii), (b)(5)(iii), AND 
(b)(5)(iv) of this AD:
    (i) Remove pressure vent door cover;
    (ii) Manually retract the two solenoid valves to allow pressure 
vent door closure;
    (iii) Close pressure vent door; and
    (iv) Replace vent door cover.
    (6) All safety pins must be removed before opening or operating 
cargo door.
    (c) Accomplishment of a modification in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD.
    (d) 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, Atlanta ACO, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of 

[[Page 1705]]
compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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 accomplished.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 29, 1996, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by telegraphic AD T96-01-51, issued on January 3, 1996, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-845 Filed 1-22-96; 8:45 am]
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