[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