[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28648-28651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-12987]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-81-AD; Amendment 39-12240; AD 2001-10-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 
777 Series Airplanes

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 Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 
series airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections of any 
chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory 
service unit assemblies of the passenger oxygen system that have been 
replaced, to verify correct installation of the release pin in the 
generator firing mechanism of the oxygen generator; and corrective 
action, if necessary. This action is necessary to find and fix 
incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing 
mechanism, which could result in the unavailability of supplemental 
oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during 
an in-flight decompression. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 8, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 8, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before July 23, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-81-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. 2001-NM-81-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 this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2670; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports indicating the 
incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing 
mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator of the passenger, attendant, 
and lavatory service unit assemblies. One report on a Model 757 series 
airplane revealed that 11 oxygen generators failed to activate 
following a decompression event, due to incorrect installation of the 
release pins in the generator firing mechanism. Investigation of 
certain other Model 757 series airplanes revealed additional generators 
with incorrectly installed release pins. Another report on a Model 737 
series airplane revealed incorrectly installed release pins on half the 
generators on that airplane. The incorrect installation is attributed 
to inadequate operator maintenance. Such incorrect installation can 
prevent activation of the chemical oxygen generator, which releases the 
flow of supplemental oxygen through the oxygen masks, and could result 
in incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight 
decompression.

[[Page 28649]]

    Model 737 and 757 series airplanes are equipped with chemical 
oxygen generators that have an in-line firing mechanism. This type of 
firing mechanism is also found on Model 747, 767, and 777 series 
airplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators. The in-line firing 
mechanism contains a safety pin and a release pin, and a generator with 
this type of firing mechanism will only activate if both pins are 
removed. The safety pin is installed in the generator for shipment and 
is removed when the generator is installed on the airplane. The release 
pin is attached by lanyards to oxygen masks located in the passenger 
service unit, and flight attendant and lavatory oxygen boxes. If the 
passenger supplemental oxygen system is deployed in flight, the action 
of an individual donning the oxygen mask will cause the release pin to 
pull out of the generator firing mechanism. Such action will activate 
the oxygen generator and subsequently release the oxygen flow.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the following Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletins:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service bulletin                        Date             Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-35-1076.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
737-35-1077.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
747-35-2111.........................  March 1, 2001..............    747
757-35-0021.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
757-35-0022.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
767-35-0043.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
767-35-0044.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
777-35-0008.........................  March 1, 2001..............    777
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These service bulletins describe procedures for a detailed visual 
inspection of any chemical oxygen generators, and passenger, attendant, 
or lavatory service unit assemblies of the passenger oxygen system that 
have been replaced, to verify correct installation of the release pin 
in the generator firing mechanism; and corrective action, if necessary. 
The corrective action includes relocation of any release pin 
incorrectly installed in the safety pin hole to the release pin hole. 
Accomplishment of the action specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to find and fix incorrect installation of the release pin 
in the generator firing mechanism of the oxygen generator, which could 
result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible 
incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight 
decompression. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified 
in the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed 
below.

Difference Between This AD and the Service Bulletins

    The service bulletins specify a one-time inspection of any chemical 
oxygen generators and passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit 
assemblies of the passenger oxygen system that have been replaced, to 
verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing 
mechanism; and corrective action, if necessary; which would eliminate 
the need for any further action. However, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections and corrective action following the replacement of any 
existing generators done after the initial inspection and corrective 
action required by this AD. The FAA has determined that these 
additional inspections and corrective action are necessary because 
expended or expiring chemical oxygen generators are routinely removed 
and replaced by operators. The manufacturer provides instructions for 
the removal and replacement of the oxygen generators in the applicable 
airplane maintenance manuals, and per these procedures, the safety pin 
is removed AFTER the release pin is installed. But the reports of 
erroneous release pin installation have been attributed to inadequate 
operator maintenance practices, and certain contributing factors 
include incorrect or misleading diagrams in certain maintenance manuals 
and the installation of rings/pins in the generator release pin hole as 
a means of preventing activation during shipment.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and 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.
    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 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 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 2001-NM-81-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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

[[Page 28650]]

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, 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-10-14  Boeing: Amendment 39-12240. Docket 2001-NM-81-AD.

    Applicability: Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 series 
airplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators, certificated in 
any category; as listed in the following Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletins, as applicable:

                       Table 1.--Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service bulletin                        Date             Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-35-1076.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
737-35-1077.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
747-35-2111.........................  March 1, 2001..............    747
757-35-0021.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
757-35-0022.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
767-35-0043.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
767-35-0044.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
777-35-0008.........................  March 1, 2001..............    777
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 find and fix incorrect installation of the release pin in the 
generator firing mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, which 
could result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and 
possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-
flight decompression; accomplish the following:

Detailed Visual Inspections

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (a) For airplanes having any chemical oxygen generator and/or 
passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that 
contains a chemical oxygen generator that has been replaced: Within 
90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed visual 
inspection of the chemical oxygen generator of the applicable 
assembly to verify correct installation of the release pin in the 
generator firing mechanism per the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2., below. Before 
further flight, after replacement of any chemical oxygen generator 
and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that 
contains a chemical oxygen generator, repeat the detailed visual 
inspection.

                       Table 2.--Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service bulletin                        Date             Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-35-1076.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
737-35-1077.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
747-35-2111.........................  March 1, 2001..............    747
757-35-0021.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
757-35-0022.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
767-35-0043.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
767-35-0044.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
777-35-0008.........................  March 1, 2001..............    777
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corrective Action

    (1) If no discrepancy (release pin in safety pin hole) is found 
after doing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, no 
further action is required until replacement of any existing 
chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory 
service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found after doing the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, do the 
corrective action per the applicable service bulletin listed in 
Table 2., above.

    Note 3: The release pin and safety pin are located in the 
generator firing mechanism. The safety pin hole is the hole in the 
generator firing mechanism that is closest to the main body of the 
generator. The release pin hole is the hole in the generator firing 
mechanism located furthest from the main body of the generator. The 
center axis of the release pin hole is perpendicular to the center 
axis of the safety pin hole.


    Note 4: Inspections and corrective action done before the 
effective date of this AD, per Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02474, dated 
October 9, 13, 19, or 31, 2000; or Boeing Telex M-7200-00-03040, 
dated December 18, 2000; are considered acceptable for compliance 
with the initial inspection and corrective action specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD. However, prior accomplishment of the 
inspections and corrective action specified in the telexes does not 
eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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. 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 5: 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

    (c) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins, as applicable:

                       Table 3.--Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service bulletin                        Date             Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-35-1076.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
737-35-1077.........................  March 1, 2001..............    737
747-35-2111.........................  March 1, 2001..............    747
757-35-0021.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
757-35-0022.........................  March 1, 2001..............    757
767-35-0043.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
767-35-0044.........................  March 1, 2001..............    767
777-35-0008.........................  March 1, 2001..............    777
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Boeing Commercial Airplane 
Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. 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.

[[Page 28651]]

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 8, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 17, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-12987 Filed 5-23-01; 8:45 am]
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