[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 42 (Friday, March 2, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13189-13192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-4942]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-231-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 Series 
Airplanes Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST00054SE

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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[[Page 13190]]

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-
30 series airplanes modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) 
ST00054SE. This proposal would require removal of the in-flight 
entertainment (IFE) system installed by that STC. This action is 
necessary to prevent inability of the flight crew to remove power from 
the IFE system when necessary. Inability to remove power from the IFE 
system during a non-normal or emergency situation could result in 
inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or 
cabin. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 16, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-231-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-231-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen S. Oshiro, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2793; fax (425) 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-231-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-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2000-NM-231-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently completed a 
review of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems certified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) and installed on transport category 
airplanes. The review focused on the interface between the IFE system 
and airplane electrical system, with the objective of determining if 
any unsafe conditions exist with regard to the interface. STC's issued 
between 1992 and 2000 were considered for the review.
    The type of IFE systems considered for review were those that 
contain video monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays; 
either hanging above the aisle or mounted on individual seat backs or 
seat trays), or complex circuitry (i.e., power supplies, electronic 
distribution boxes, extensive wire routing, relatively high power 
consumption, multiple layers of circuit protection, etc.). In addition, 
in-seat power supply systems that provide power to more than 20 percent 
of the total passenger seats were also considered for the review. The 
types of IFE systems not considered for review include systems that 
provide only audio signals to each passenger seat, ordinary in-flight 
telephone systems (e.g., one telephone handset per group of seats or 
bulkhead-mounted telephones), systems that only have a video monitor on 
the forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection system) to provide passengers 
with basic airplane and flight information, and in-seat power supply 
systems that provide power to less than 20 percent of the total 
passenger seats.
    Items considered during the review include the following:
     Can the electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE 
system be deenergized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that may be required for continued safe flight and landing?
     Can IFE system power be removed when required without 
pulling IFE system circuit breakers? [i.e., is there a switch 
(dedicated to the IFE system or a combination of loads) located in the 
flight deck or cabin that can be used to remove IFE power?]
     If the IFE system requires changes to flight crew 
procedures, has the airplane flight manual (AFM) been properly amended?
     If the IFE system requires changes to cabin crew 
procedures, have they been properly amended?
     Does the IFE system require periodic or special 
maintenance?
    In all, approximately 180 IFE systems approved by STC were reviewed 
by the FAA. The review results indicate that potential unsafe 
conditions exist on some IFE systems installed on various transport 
category airplanes. These conditions can be summarized as:
     Electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE system 
cannot be deenergized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that may be required for continued safe flight and landing.
     Power cannot be removed from the IFE system when required 
without pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., there is no switch 
dedicated to the IFE system or combination of systems for the purpose 
of removing power).
     Installation of the IFE system has affected crew (flight 
crew and/or cabin crew) procedures, but the procedures have not been 
properly revised.

FAA's Determination

    As part of its review of IFE systems, the FAA has determined that 
an unsafe condition exists on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 series 
airplanes modified by STC ST00054SE. The IFE

[[Page 13191]]

system on these airplanes is connected to an electrical bus that cannot 
be deenergized without also removing power from airplane systems 
necessary for safe flight and landing. Additionally, the flight crew 
and cabin crew emergency procedures have not been revised to advise the 
crew that they cannot remove power from the IFE system. This condition, 
if not corrected, could result in inability to remove power from the 
IFE system during a non-normal or emergency situation, and consequent 
inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or 
cabin.

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 removal of the IFE system installed by STC 
ST00054SE. The action would be required to be accomplished by a method 
approved by the FAA. Subsequent to the FAA's review of STC ST00054SE, 
the STC holder informed the FAA that the IFE system installed by that 
STC has been removed from all affected airplanes. However, the FAA 
finds it necessary to propose this AD to ensure that all operators have 
indeed removed the IFE system and to prohibit future installation of 
the system in other eligible airplanes.

Calculation of Compliance Time

    In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the 
FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with 
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the amount of time 
necessary to accomplish the proposed actions, and the practical aspect 
of accomplishing the proposed actions within an interval of time that 
parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. In 
consideration of these factors, the FAA has determined that 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD represents an appropriate interval 
of time allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be 
maintained.

Other Relevant Proposed Rulemaking

    This proposed action is one of a number of proposed AD's on 
airplanes modified by STC's that have been determined to be subject to 
similar unsafe conditions. Other currently proposed AD's include the 
following airplanes and STC's:

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             Model/Series                            STC number                         Docket number
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Boeing 757-200........................  SA1727GL                             2000-NM-228-AD
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McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 and DC-9-83.  SA8026NM                             2000-NM-229-AD
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Boeing 767-300 and 767-300ER..........  SA5765NM                             2000-NM-232-AD
                                        SA5978NM
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Boeing 767-300........................  ST00157SE                            2000-NM-233-AD
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Boeing 747-100 and -200...............  ST00196SE                            2000-NM-234-AD
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Boeing 767-200........................  SA5134NM                             2000-NM-235-AD
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Boeing 767-300........................  ST00118SE                            2000-NM-236-AD
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Boeing 737-300........................  ST00171SE                            2000-NM-237-AD
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Boeing 767-222ER......................  SA4998NM                             2000-NM-238-AD
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Boeing 767-300........................  SA7019NM-D                           2000-NM-239-AD
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Boeing 747-100 and -200...............  SA8622SW                             2000-NM-240-AD
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McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30............  SA8452SW                             2000-NM-241-AD
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Boeing 737-700........................  ST09100AC-D                          2000-NM-242-AD
                                        ST09104AC-D
                                        ST09105AC-D
                                        ST09106AC-D
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Boeing 767-200........................  ST09022AC-D                          2000-NM-243-AD
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Boeing 747SP..........................  ST09097AC-D                          2000-NM-244-AD
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Boeing 747-400........................  SA8843SW                             2000-NM-245-AD
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Airbus A340-211.......................  ST0902AC-D                           2000-NM-246-AD
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Cost Impact

    As stated previously, the STC holder has informed the FAA that the 
subject IFE system has been removed from all affected airplanes. 
Therefore, the FAA expects that there will be no future cost impact on 
U.S. operators as a result of the proposed rule.
    However, if an airplane subject to this AD is identified, the FAA 
estimates that removal of the IFE system would take approximately 12 
work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on an 
affected airplane is estimated to be $720 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on information that 
the subject IFE system has been removed from all affected airplanes. 
The cost impact figures discussed in most proposed AD actions are based 
on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
proposed requirements, and that no operator

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would accomplish those actions in the future if the proposed AD were 
not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions 
represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions 
actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include 
incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close 
up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative 
actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2000-NM-231-AD.
    Applicability: Model DC-10-30 series airplanes modified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) ST00054SE, 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 the inability of flight crew to remove power from the 
in-flight entertainment (IFE) system when necessary; which, during a 
non-normal or emergency situation, could result in inability to 
control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin; 
accomplish the following:

Removal of IFE System

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the IFE system installed by STC ST00054SE by a method approved by 
the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a 
removal method to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as 
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an IFE system by STC ST00054SE on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 ACO. 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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 February 23, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-4942 Filed 3-1-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P