[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43074-43075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-20589]



[[Page 43074]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-241-AD; Amendment 39-12391; AD 2001-16-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 Series 
Airplanes Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SA8452SW

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 series airplanes 
modified by supplemental type certificate SA8452SW, that requires 
modification of the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and revision 
of the Airplane Flight Manual and the Inflight Manual. This action is 
necessary to ensure that the airplane 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 Continental Airlines, Inc., 600 Jefferson Street HQJAV, 
Houston, Texas 77002. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; at the FAA, Fort 
Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ingrid Knox, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-
150, FAA, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298; telephone (817) 222-5139; fax (817) 222-
5960.

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 McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-
30 series airplanes modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) 
SA8452SW was published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2001 (66 FR 
13207). That action proposed to require modification of the in-flight 
entertainment (IFE) system and revision of the Airplane Flight Manual 
and the Inflight Manual.

Comments

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

Withdraw the Proposed AD

    One commenter states that the proposed AD is not necessary because 
the subject IFE system was installed by an approved STC. The commenter 
acknowledges that there is not a single switch that can remove power 
from all components of the system, but notes that power may be removed 
from the separate components of the IFE system (e.g., components that 
supply audio broadcasts, video broadcasts, or boarding music). This is 
accomplished by pulling appropriate circuit breakers or using dedicated 
power switches for each separate component of the IFE system.
    The FAA infers that the commenter is requesting that we withdraw 
the proposed rule. We do not concur. We have determined that it is 
necessary to require a modification of the IFE system to install a 
master power switch and relay to enable the cabin crew to remove power 
from the entire IFE system with a single action. This will allow the 
airplane crew to quickly identify and isolate smoke or fumes that may 
be caused by the components or wiring of the IFE system. Further, we 
have determined that it is necessary to revise applicable manuals to 
inform the flight and cabin crews how to remove power from the IFE 
system in a single action, to aid them in determining whether or not 
the IFE system is the source of smoke or fumes. We also note that we do 
not certify circuit breakers to be used as switches on transport 
category airplanes. The use of circuit breakers as switches may result 
in degradation of the circuit breakers to the point where they will not 
trip at their rated current, thus creating a potentially unsafe 
condition by not protecting the wiring of associated systems. No change 
to the final rule is necessary.

Compliance Times for Future ADs

    One commenter states that it has no comments specific to the 
proposed actions. However, the commenter states that, if the FAA issues 
further rulemaking that applies to other IFE systems installed on other 
airplane models by STC, we should start the 18-month compliance time 
only after the following events have occurred:
     The FAA has approved an engineering data package generated 
by the STC holder.
     The STC holder has made modification kits available.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern with the compliance time for 
further rulemaking actions. As we stated in the proposed AD, in 
developing an appropriate compliance time for this and similar actions 
on IFE systems installed by STC, we 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, the 
availability of necessary parts, and the practical aspect of 
accomplishing the proposed actions within an interval of time that 
parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. If 
we issue further rulemaking on other IFE systems installed on other 
airplane models, we will again consider these factors, as well as any 
others that are relevant.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
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 31 Model DC-10-30 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 31 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 16 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,000 per airplane. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of this modification on the affected 
U.S. operator is estimated to be $91,760, or $2,960 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required manual revisions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these manual revisions 
on the affected U.S. operator is estimated to be $1,860, or $60 per 
airplane.

[[Page 43075]]

    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:

2001-16-22 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12391. Docket 2000-NM-
241-AD.
    Applicability: Model DC-10-30 series airplanes modified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) SA8452SW; certificated in any 
category.

    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 (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 airplane 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), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Modify the IFE system to incorporate a master power switch 
and relay, in accordance with Continental Airlines Top Drawing 
2330DA11072, Revision B, dated September 15, 2000.
    (2) Revise the ``Electrical Fire or Smoke Source Unknown 
Checklist'' in the Airplane Flight Manual to alert the flight crew 
to the existence of the master power switch for the IFE system, in 
accordance with Continental Airlines Engineering Change/Repair 
Authorization (EC/RA) 2330-02334, dated September 15, 2000.
    (3) Revise the ``Fires'' section, ``General Procedures'' 
paragraph, and ``Smoke in the Cabin'' section of the Inflight Manual 
to alert the flight crew and cabin crew to the existence of the 
master power switch for the IFE system and to inform the flight crew 
and cabin crew of where to find and how to operate the switch, in 
accordance with Continental Airlines EC/RA 2330-02335, dated 
September 15, 2000.

    Note 2: Continental Airlines Top Drawing 2330DA11072, Revision 
B, refers to the following Continental Airlines drawings as 
additional sources of information for accomplishment of the 
modification: 1100DB11064, Revision A, dated September 5, 2000; 
2330DB11063, dated August 2, 2000; 2500DB11059, Revision A, dated 
August 18, 2000; 2330DB11073, Revision A, dated September 5, 2000; 
2330DA11074, Revision A, dated September 5, 2000; and 2330DB11075, 
Revision A, dated September 5, 2000.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an IFE system in accordance with STC SA8452SW on any airplane, 
unless it is modified and the applicable manuals are 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, Fort Worth Airplane 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, Fort Worth ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Fort Worth 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Continental 
Airlines Top Drawing 2330DA11072, Revision B, dated September 15, 
2000; Continental Airlines Engineering Change/Repair Authorization 
2330-02334, dated September 15, 2000; and Continental Airlines 
Engineering Change/Repair Authorization 2330-02335, dated September 
15, 2000; as applicable. 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 
Continental Airlines, Inc., 600 Jefferson Street HQJAV, Houston, 
Texas 77002. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; at the FAA, 
Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas; 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. 01-20589 Filed 8-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U