[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 79 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19946-19948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10565]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-270-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series 
Airplanes Equipped With Heath Tecna Aerospace Extended Spacial Concept 
Interior III Installed in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate 
SA4744NM

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas DC-9-80 
series airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to detect 
discrepancies of electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall 
lighting system in the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of 
all pins and sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into 
place. The proposed AD also would require replacement of any discrepant 
part with a new part, and modification of the electrical wiring and 
connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger cabin. This 
proposal is prompted by reports of failures of the electrical 
connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting, which resulted in 
smoke or lighting interruption in the passenger cabin. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failures of the 
electrical connectors, which could result in poor socket/pin contact, 
excessive heat, electrical arcing, and consequently, connector burn 
through and smoke in the passenger cabin.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 2, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-270-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Hexcel Interiors (formerly Heath Tecna Aerospace), 3225 
Woburn Street, Bellingham, Washington 98226. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Oshiro, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
telephone (206) 227-2793; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this

[[Page 19947]]

proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-270-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 96-NM-270-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of failures of the electrical 
connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting on Model DC-9-80 series 
airplanes, which resulted in smoke or lighting interruption in the 
passenger cabin. [These airplanes were delivered with Heath Tecna 
Aerospace extended spacial concept interior (ESCI) III as part of the 
original equipment.] Investigation revealed that these connectors 
became internally overheated. The cause of this internal overheating 
has been attributed to physically damaged or improperly connected 
connectors. This condition, if not corrected, could result in poor 
socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and 
consequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin.
    There have been no reports of such occurrences on McDonnell Douglas 
Model DC-9-80 series airplanes equipped with Heath Tecna Aerospace ESCI 
III installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate 
SA4744NM. However, the sidewall lighting configuration of these 
airplanes is similar in design to that of the affected Model DC-9-80 
series airplanes (delivered with ESCI III as part of the original 
equipment). Therefore, both of these airplanes may be subject to the 
same unsafe condition. The FAA has previously issued AD 95-08-04, 
amendment 39-9193 (60 FR 19348, April 18, 1995), which addresses the 
identified unsafe condition on certain Model DC-9-80 series airplanes 
equipped with Heath Tecna Aerospace ESCI III as part of the original 
equipment.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Heath Tecna Service Bulletin 
H0655-33-01, dated March 28, 1996, which describes procedures for 
performing a visual inspection to:
     Detect discrepancies (i.e., damage, burn marks, and black 
or brown discoloration) of the electrical plugs having part number (P/
N) MS3126F15P, and receptacles having P/N MS3124E15S of the sidewall 
lighting system in the passenger cabin; and
     Verify that the ends of all pins and sockets are even and 
that they are seated properly and locked into place.
    The service bulletin also describes procedures for replacement of 
any discrepant part with a new part, and modification of the electrical 
wiring and connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger 
cabin. This modification involves:
     Removal of two 230 volt alternating current (VAC), 400 
hertz (Hz) power wires from pins B and K of the existing connectors of 
the sidewall lighting;
     Installation of two separate single contact connectors on 
two 230 VAC, 400 Hz wires external to each of the applicable 
connectors;
     Installation or reinstallation of wire protection J-
channel with applicable disconnect placard at the connector locations 
on the stowage compartments.
    Accomplishment of the modification will minimize the possibility of 
connector failure.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require a visual inspection to detect discrepancies 
of certain electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall lighting 
system in the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of all pins 
and sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into place. 
The proposed AD also would require replacement of any discrepant part 
with a new part, and modification of the electrical wiring and 
connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger cabin. The 
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 28 McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series 
airplanes equipped with Heath Tecna Aerospace ESCI III installed in 
accordance with STC SA4744NM of the affected design in the worldwide 
fleet. The FAA estimates that 28 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 75 work 
hours per airplane (which includes access and funcional check) to 
accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $1,700 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $173,600, or $6,200 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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.

[[Page 19948]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 96-NM-270-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-9-80 series airplanes, equipped with 
Heath Tecna Aerospace Extended Spacial Concept Interior III 
Installed in Accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA4744NM, 
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 (b) 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 failures of the electrical connectors, which could 
result in poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical 
arcing, and consequently, connector burn through and smoke in the 
passenger cabin, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraph (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with Heath Tecna Service Bulletin H0655-33-01, dated March 28, 1996.
    (1) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., 
damage, burn marks, and black or brown discoloration) of the 
electrical plugs having part number (P/N) MS3126F15P, and 
receptacles having P/N MS3124E15S of the sidewall lighting system in 
the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of all pins and 
sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into place, in 
accordance with the service bulletin. If any discrepancy is 
detected, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant part with 
a new part in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) Modify the electrical wiring and connectors of the sidewall 
lighting system in the passenger cabin in accordance with paragraph 
H. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 17, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-10565 Filed 4-23-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U