[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.
[[Page 1704]]
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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