[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 130 (Friday, July 5, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35125-35127]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-16653]


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[[Page 35126]]


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-128-AD; Amendment 39-9683; AD 96-14-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200 (``Combi'') and 
747-300 (``Combi'') Airplanes Modified in Accordance With Heath Tecna 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2365NM or STC SA5108NM

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-200 ``combi'' and 747-300 
``combi'' airplanes. This action requires the installation of a new 
hose and fitting for the oxygen supply system. This amendment is 
prompted by a report indicating that a gasket seal in the oxygen hose 
assembly was omitted during installation. The actions specified in this 
AD are intended to prevent leakage of oxygen from the passenger oxygen 
supply lines, which could prevent an adequate flow of oxygen from 
reaching passengers in the event of a deployment of the passenger 
oxygen masks.

DATES: Effective July 22, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 22, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 3, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-128-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Heath Tecna Interiors, 3225 Woburn Street, Bellingham, Washington 
98226. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Kurle, Senior Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
telephone (206) 227-2798; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that, due to an engineering drawing error, a gasket seal was 
inadvertently omitted from the passenger oxygen supply assembly 
installed on certain Boeing Model 747-200 and -300 ``combi'' airplanes 
that have been modified in accordance with Heath Tecna Supplemental 
Type Certificate (STC) SA2365NM or STC SA5108NM. (``Combi'' airplanes 
are aircraft that are configured and certificated to transport both 
cargo and passengers at the same time on the main deck.) Without the 
gasket seal, oxygen can leak from the low pressure passenger oxygen 
supply lines. This condition, if not corrected, could prevent an 
adequate flow of oxygen from reaching passengers when the passenger 
oxygen masks are deployed (due to a drop in cabin pressure, for 
example). There have been no incidents of this sort in service, 
however.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Heath Tecna, which is the manufacturer of the oxygen supply 
assembly, has issued Service Bulletin H0364-35-001, dated March 15, 
1996, which describes procedures for installing a new hose and fitting 
for the oxygen system located in Zones D and E of the airplane.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent leakage of oxygen from the passenger oxygen 
supply lines, which could prevent an adequate flow of oxygen from 
reaching passengers in the event of a deployment of the passenger 
oxygen masks. This AD requires the installation of a new hose and 
fitting for the oxygen supply system. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the Model 747-200 ``combi'' or 747-300 ``combi'' airplanes 
affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes 
included in the applicability of this rule currently are operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that 
this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed 
in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 8 work hours to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $400 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be $880 per 
airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and 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-128-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

[[Page 35127]]

Regulatory Impact

    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.
    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 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 
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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-14-01  Boeing: Amendment 39-9683. Docket 96-NM-128-AD.

    -Applicability: Model 747-200 ``combi'' airplanes and Model 747-
300 ``combi'' airplanes; modified in accordance with Heath Tecna 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2365NM or STC SA5108NM; 
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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) 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: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

    To prevent leakage of oxygen from the passenger oxygen supply 
lines, which could prevent an adequate flow of oxygen from reaching 
passengers in the event of a deployment of the passenger oxygen 
masks, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
AD in accordance with Heath Tecna Service Bulletin H0364-35-001, 
dated March 15, 1996:
    (1) Remove the oxygen hose assembly, part number (P/N) 173479-
16; the two bushings, P/N MS21915-12-10 and P/N AN893-19D; the tube, 
P/N HPD5-74223-7; and the two nuts, P/N AN818-12D. And
    (2) Install a union-bulkhead, P/N MS21924D10, and oxygen hose 
assembly, P/N 45901-10-0200.
    (b) Prior to further fight after accomplishing the installation 
required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, perform an oxygen system 
leak test, in accordance with Boeing 747 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 
35.21.
    (c) 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, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport 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, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Heath Tecna 
Service Bulletin H0364-35-001, dated March 15, 1996. This 
incorporation by reference was 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 Heath Tecna Interiors, 3225 Woburn 
Street, Bellingham, Washington 98226. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 25, 1996.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-16653 Filed 7-3-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U