[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7669-7671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4102]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-27-AD; Amendment 39-9940; AD 97-04-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-
Tech Division, Fire Extinguisher Bottle Cartridges

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech 
Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges (squibs), which may be 
installed on various transport category airplanes. This action requires 
a one-time inspection of the electrical receptacle of these fire 
extinguisher bottle cartridges and their mating connectors to detect 
the presence of aluminum foil in the area of the pins of the cartridges 
and the connectors, and removal of any aluminum foil that is present. 
This amendment is prompted by a report of failure of a fire 
extinguisher bottle cartridge to discharge as a result of the presence 
of aluminum foil in the cartridge, which caused electrical shorting of 
the pins. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such 
shorting, which could result in failure of the fire extinguisher bottle 
to discharge when commanded.

DATES: Effective March 7, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 21, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-27-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5245; fax (310) 627-
5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA received a report indicating that a 
Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher 
bottle cartridge (squib) failed to discharge when commanded. 
Investigation revealed that aluminum foil was present in the cartridge, 
which caused electrical shorting of the pins. Aluminum foil is used to 
shunt the electrical pins of the cartridge for shipping purposes. The 
aluminum foil had not been removed properly prior to installation of 
the fire extinguisher bottle cartridge. Further investigation revealed 
that the electrical shorting condition existed on six other installed 
cartridges.
    The affected cartridges are Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-
Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges having part numbers 
13083-10 and 13083-25.
    Electrical shorting of the pins in the fire extinguisher bottle 
cartridges, if not corrected, could result in failure of the fire 
extinguisher bottle to discharge when commanded.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA has determined that, in order to ensure that the fire 
extinguisher bottle will discharge when commanded, Pacific Scientific 
Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges 
having part numbers 13083-10 and 13083-25 must be inspected to ensure 
that any aluminum foil is removed from the fire extinguisher bottle 
cartridges installed on the affected airplanes.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other components of the same type design installed 
on transport category airplanes, this AD is being issued to prevent 
electrical shorting of the pins of the fire extinguisher bottle 
cartridge, which could result in failure of the fire extinguisher 
bottle to discharge when commanded. This AD requires a one-time visual 
inspection of the electrical receptacle of certain Pacific Scientific 
Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges and 
their mating connectors to detect the presence of aluminum foil in the 
area of the pins of the cartridges and the connectors, and removal of 
any aluminum foil that is present.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and

[[Page 7670]]

opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

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 97-NM-27-AD. The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    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, 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:

97-04-15  Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/KIN-Tech Division: 
Amendment 39-9940. Docket 97-NM-27-AD.

    Applicability: Fire extinguisher bottle cartridges (squibs) 
having part numbers (P/N) 13083-10 and -25; as installed in, but not 
limited to, the following airplane models, certificated in any 
category:
    de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes;
    de Havilland Model DHC-8-100 and -300 series airplanes;
    General Dynamics Convair Model 340, 440, and C-131 (military) 
series airplanes modified in accordance with Supplemental Type 
Certificate SA41100;
    Lockheed Model 382 series airplanes; and
    Sabreliner Model 60, 65, and 75A series airplanes.

    Note 1: This AD applies to Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-
Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges having P/N's 
13083-10 and -25, as installed on any airplane, regardless of 
whether the airplane 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 electrical shorting of the pins of the fire 
extinguisher bottle cartridge, which could result in failure of the 
fire extinguisher bottle to discharge when commanded, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Pull the applicable circuit breakers and disconnect the 
electrical connector from any Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-
Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridge (squib) having P/N 
13083-10 or 13083-25. CAUTION: Prior to removing the electrical 
connector from the fire extinguisher bottle cartridge, ensure that 
the technician is grounded properly. Cartridges are electrostatic 
discharge (ESD) sensitive.
    (2) Perform a one-time visual inspection of the electrical 
receptacle of the cartridge and its mating connector to detect the 
presence of aluminum foil in the area of the pins of the cartridge 
and the connector. The aluminum foil may have the appearance of 
solder. Remove any aluminum foil that is present.
    (3) Reinstall the electrical connector, and reset the applicable 
circuit breakers.

    Note 2: Inspections and removal of foil accomplished prior to 
the effective date of this AD in accordance with Pacific Scientific 
Service Letter 97-018.BC, dated January 21, 1997, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, 
fire extinguisher bottle cartridge having P/N 13083-10 or 13083-25, 
unless the cartridge has been inspected in accordance with paragraph 
(a)(2) of this AD.
    (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, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles 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) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 1997.


[[Page 7671]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-4102 Filed 2-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U