[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 170 (Friday, August 30, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45878-45880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22010]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-138-AD; Amendment 39-9728; AD 96-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness 
directives (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and 
-500 series airplanes, that currently require modification of the 
packing and slide containers of the escape slide, and repetitive 
inspections of the velcro girt retaining straps of the escape slides at 
the forward door. The existing AD's were prompted by reports of slide 
girt material interfering with the girt bar stowage brackets during 
door opening. This new amendment requires the installation of a new 
modification, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspection requirements. The actions specified by this amendment are 
intended to prevent failure or interference of opening of the forward 
doors, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during 
an emergency.

DATES: Effective October 4, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 4, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Air Cruisers Company, P.O. Box 180, Belmar, New Jersey 
07719-0180; and Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, 
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 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: Roy Boffo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (206) 227-2780; 
fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding both AD 88-07-07 
[amendment 39-5884 (53 FR 9864, March 28, 1988)] and AD 91-24-04 
[amendment 39-8090 (56 FR 57588, November 13, 1991)] was published as a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on January 
19, 1996 (61 FR 1291). Both of the existing AD's are applicable to 
various Boeing Model 737 series airplanes.
    The NPRM proposed to continue to require modification of the escape 
slide packing and slide containers, which was required previously by AD 
88-07-07. The NPRM also proposed to continue to require repetitive 
inspections of the velcro girt retaining straps at the forward door of 
the escape slides, which was required previously by AD 91-24-04. 
Additionally, the NPRM proposed to require modification of the escape 
slide girts, which would constitute terminating action for the 
repetitive inspection requirements.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Support for the Proposal

    Two commenters support the proposal.

Request To Allow Removal of Placard

    One commenter requests that the proposal be revised to allow 
operators to remove the velcro straps attach points and placard on the 
slide compartment cover that were installed as part of the modification 
required by AD 88-07-07. The commenter adds that some operators have 
already removed these items when they installed a modification that was 
approved as an alternative method of compliance with the repetitive 
inspections required by AD 91-24-04.
    The FAA concurs. Once the terminating modification required by 
paragraph (c) of this final rule is installed, the velcro straps (and 
their attach points) are no longer necessary, and the placard may be 
confusing if it remains on the slide compartment. The FAA has revised 
paragraph (c) of the final rule to indicate that these items should be 
removed.

Request To Continue Approval of Previous Alternative Methods of 
Compliance

    Several commenters request that the proposal be revised to specify 
that alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) approved previously by 
the FAA for AD 91-24-04, continue to be considered approved for this 
new AD. Specifically, three commenters point out that the FAA had 
previously approved, as an AMOC, the accomplishment of the modification 
described in Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-23 as 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 91-24-
04. These commenters request that the proposed rule likewise cite this 
service bulletin as an alternative terminating action.
    The FAA does not concur. The modification described in Air Cruisers 
Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-23 entails adding placards to the escape 
slide girt (that depict the proper stowed configuration of the girt) 
and removing the velcro straps that were required to be installed by AD 
88-07-07. That modification, however, is reliant upon flight attendant 
procedures to correctly route the escape slide girt. Several recent 
ramp inspections of in-service airplanes have revealed that the girt 
material is still being misrouted, even with the placard installed. In 
light of this, the FAA has determined that the modification in that Air 
Cruisers service bulletin does not fully address the safety concern and 
is not as effective as the modification that is required by this new 
AD.
    The modification specified in this final rule (which is described 
in Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19) involves removing the 
existing girt; bonding on the girt attachments; installing a detachable 
girt; rigging a painter/mooring line; and bonding a placard to the 
slide assembly and reidentifying it. This modification will improve the 
operation of the escape slide of the forward entry and service doors, 
and will eliminate the need to rely on human factors associated with

[[Page 45879]]

ensuring that girt material is stowed properly.

Request To Allow Use of Revised Service Documents

    One commenter requests that the proposal be revised to allow 
operators to install the terminating modification, proposed in 
paragraph (c), in accordance with various revisions of Air Cruisers 
Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19. The commenter points out that the 
service bulletin has been revised several times since the original 
version was released in May 1992.
    The FAA concurs. The FAA has reviewed and approved all revisions of 
Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19 through Revision 7, dated 
April 18, 1996. The various revisions are essentially identical, except 
for certain minor editorial changes. The FAA has revised paragraph (c) 
of the final rule to indicate that accomplishing the modification in 
accordance with any of these revisions is acceptable for compliance 
with that paragraph.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,572 Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes, equipped with Air Cruisers forward door escape slide of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 663 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 88-07-07 take 
approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts cost approximately $76 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators 
(175 airplanes) of the actions currently required is estimated to be 
$107,800, or $616 per airplane.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 91-24-04 take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact on U.S. operators (439 airplanes) of the actions currently 
required is estimated to be $26,340, or $60 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The terminating modification that is required by this new AD will 
take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts cost 
approximately $1,800 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact on U.S. operators of the new modification requirements of this 
AD is estimated to be $1,432,080, or $2,160 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

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 removing amendments 39-5884 (53 FR 
9864, March 28, 1988) and 39-8090 (56 FR 57588, November 13, 1991), and 
by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9728, to 
read as follows:

96-18-04  Boeing: Amendment 39-9728. Docket 95-NM-138-AD. Supersedes 
AD 88-07-07, amendment 39-5884; and supersedes AD 91-24-04, 
amendment 39-8090.

    Applicability: Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, 
line numbers up to and including 2211; equipped with Air Cruisers 
forward door escape slides as listed in Air Cruisers Company Service 
Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19, Revison 7, dated April 18, 1996; 
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 (d) 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 failure or interference of opening of the forward 
doors, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers 
during an emergency, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after December 17, 1991 (the effective date 
of 91-24-04, amendment 39-8090), establish operating procedures, 
approved by the FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI), for the 
forward doors to include the requirements specified in paragraphs 
(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD; and thereafter, comply with 
those procedures until the modification required by paragraph (c) of 
this AD is accomplished. The procedures required by paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD must be accomplished by qualified and 
trained mechanics. The procedures required by paragraph (a)(3) may 
be accomplished by qualified and trained members of the flightcrew 
or cabin crew. The training program to implement the procedures 
required by this paragraph must be approved by the FAA PMI. Methods 
for documentation of compliance with the following procedures must 
be approved by the FAA PMI.
    (1) Prior to the next flight after December 17, 1991, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 flight hours, inspect the 
condition of the girt retaining straps at the forward doors.
    (2) Prior to further flight after December 17, 1991, replace 
worn or aged velcro whose grip

[[Page 45880]]

strength will no longer hold the girt retaining straps in position.
    (3) Prior to the next flight after December 17, 1991, and 
thereafter prior to each flight, inspect the routing of the girt 
retaining straps at the forward doors, and reroute straps that are 
found not to be routed in accordance with the placarded instructions 
installed in accordance with AD 88-07-07, amendment 39-5885, on the 
inboard face of the slide compartment.
    (b) For Model 737-300 series airplanes: Within 6 months after 
May 9, 1988 (the effective date of AD 88-07-07, amendment 39-5885), 
modify the escape slide packing and slide containers in accordance 
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1221, dated December 17, 
1987, or Revision 1, dated June 2, 1988. This modification must be 
accomplished prior to or in conjunction with accomplishment of the 
requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (c) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the escape slide girts in accordance with Air Cruisers Company 
Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19, Revision 7, dated April 18, 1996. 
Accomplishment of the modification constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD. 
Once this modification is installed, the placard and velcro straps 
(and their attach points) required by the modification specified in 
paragraph (b) of this AD may be removed.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of this modification prior to the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with previous revisions of 
Air Cruisers Company Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19 is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.

    (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, 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle 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) Except as indicated in NOTE 2 of this AD, the terminating 
modification shall be done in accordance with Air Cruisers Company 
Service Bulletin S.B. 103-25-19, Revision 7, dated April 18, 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 Air Cruisers Company, P.O. Box 180, 
Belmar, New Jersey 07719-0180. 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on Ocotber 4, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-22010 Filed 8-29-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U