[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43068-43070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-20586]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-234-AD; Amendment 39-12388; AD 2001-16-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100 and -200 Series 
Airplanes Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST00196SE

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Boeing Model 747-100 and -200 series airplanes 
modified by supplemental type certificate ST00196SE, that requires 
modification of 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: Effective September 21, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 21, 2001.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from JAMCO America, Inc., 1018 80th Street SW, Everett, 
Washington 98023. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 747-100 and -200 
series airplanes

[[Page 43069]]

modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) ST00196SE was published 
in the Federal Register on March 29, 2001 (66 FR 17118). That action 
proposed to require modification of the in-flight entertainment (IFE) 
system and revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    The commenter asks the FAA to extend the compliance time for the 
proposed actions. The commenter states that it operates the 11 
airplanes affected by this AD. Of these 11 airplanes modified by STC 
ST00196SE, 3 airplanes were further modified by a second STC, which 
involved installation of another entertainment system. Due to the 
nature of the modifications by the second STC, the commenter is unable 
to comply with the requirements of the proposed AD. Because it will 
need additional service information to fulfill the intent of the 
proposed AD, the commenter asks the FAA to extend the compliance time 
of this AD until 18 months after the issuance of such new service 
information.
    We do not concur. First, the commenter provides no justification 
for an extension of the compliance time of this AD for the 8 airplanes 
that were not modified by a second STC. Thus, we find that no extension 
of the compliance time is necessary for these airplanes.
    Second, with regard to the 3 airplanes that cannot be modified 
according to the procedures specified in this AD, the operator may 
request approval of an alternative method of compliance as provided by 
paragraph (c) of this AD. We will consider approving both the 
alternative method of compliance as well as an adjustment of the 
compliance time for the required actions. No change to the final rule 
is necessary.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 11 Model 747-100 and -200 series airplanes 
modified by STC ST00196SE in the worldwide fleet. None of the airplanes 
affected by this AD are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in 
the applicability of this AD currently are operated by non-U.S. 
operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are 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 any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on 
the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it will take approximately 8 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required modification, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $450 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required 
modification will be $930 per airplane.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required AFM revision, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the required AFM revision will be $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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:

2001-16-19  Boeing: Amendment 39-12388. Docket 2000-NM-234-AD.
    Applicability: Model 747-100 and -200 series airplanes modified 
by supplemental type certificate (STC) ST00196SE, 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 entertainment (IFE) system when necessary 
and is advised of appropriate procedures for such action, accomplish 
the following:

Modification

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Modify the IFE system in accordance with JAMCO America 
Service Bulletin 747-25-M025, dated August 30, 2000.

[[Page 43070]]

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (2) Revise the procedures for ``Electrical System Smoke or 
Fire'' of the ``Emergency Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following information. 
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the 
AFM.

``IF SMOKE SOURCE IS UNDETERMINED:

Galley Power, Recirculating and Gasper Fans, and supplemental vent 
fans (if installed) . . . OFF
Establish communications with cabin crew.
Instruct cabin crew to depress in-flight entertainment (IFE) system 
Master Control System Power `OFF' switch.
Obtain confirmation from cabin crew that electrical power to the IFE 
system has been removed.''

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an IFE system in accordance with STC ST00196SE on any airplane, 
unless it is modified and the FAA-approved 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 
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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with JAMCO 
America Service Bulletin 747-25-M025, dated August 30, 2000. 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 JAMCO America, Inc., 1018 80th 
Street SW, Everett, Washington 98023. 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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 21, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 9, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-20586 Filed 8-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U