[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 42 (Friday, March 2, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13198-13201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-4945]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-237-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300 Series Airplanes 
Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST00171SE

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 all Boeing Model 737-300 series 
airplanes modified by supplemental type certificate ST00171SE. This 
proposal would require installation of a master switch to apply and 
remove power from the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, and 
revision of the Airplane Flight Manual. This action is necessary to 
ensure that the flight crew is able to remove electrical power from the 
IFE system when necessary and is advised of appropriate procedures for 
such action. 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-237-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-237-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.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Flight Structures, Inc., 4407 172nd Street NE, Arlington, 
Washington 98223. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elias Natsiopoulos, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-1279; 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-237-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-237-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

[[Page 13199]]

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 Boeing Model 737-300 series airplanes 
modified by STC ST00171SE. The IFE system on these airplanes is 
connected to an electrical bus that cannot be deactivated without also 
cutting power to airplane systems necessary for safe flight and 
landing. Also, there is no means available to the flight or cabin crew 
to remove power from the IFE system without pulling circuit breakers 
for the system. The airplane flight manual and cabin crew manual also 
do not provide clear instructions on how to remove power from the IFE 
system when responding to an emergency. 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 Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Flight Structures Service 
Bulletin 94FS492-23-01, Revision 2, dated September 21, 2000, which 
describes procedures for installation of a master switch to apply and 
remove power from the IFE system. The service bulletin also includes a 
Temporary Revision to the Airplane Flight Manual, which advises the 
flight crew on using the master switch to remove power from the IFE 
system. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 
is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

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 accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously.

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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McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30............  ST00054SE                            2000-NM-231-AD
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Boeing 767-300 and 767-300ER..........  SA5765NM                             2000-NM-232-AD
                                        SA5978NM
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[[Page 13200]]

 
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 767-200........................  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

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. The single airplane included in the applicability of this 
rule currently is operated by a non-U.S. operator under foreign 
registry; therefore, it is 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 the subject 
airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should the affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would take approximately 24 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $1,500 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
AD would be $2,940 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 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:

Boeing: Docket 2000-NM-237-AD.

    Applicability: Model 737-300 series airplanes modified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) ST00171SE, 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 ensure that the flight crew is able to remove electrical 
power from the in-flight

[[Page 13201]]

entertainment (IFE) system when necessary and is advised of 
appropriate procedures for such action, accomplish the following:

Installation of Power Switch and Revision of Airplane Flight Manual

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with Flight Structures Service Bulletin 94FS492-23-01, Revision 2, 
dated September 21, 2000.
    (1) Install a master switch to apply and remove power from the 
IFE system.
    (2) Insert the Temporary Revision included in the service 
bulletin into the Emergency Procedures section of the FAA-approved 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), to advise the flight crew on 
procedures for using the master switch installed in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(1) of this AD. Once the AFM has been formally revised 
to include the information in the Temporary Revision, the Temporary 
Revision may be removed from the AFM.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an IFE system in accordance with STC ST00171SE on any airplane, 
unless it is modified and the AFM is revised in accordance with this 
AD.

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 Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. 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. 01-4945 Filed 3-1-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P