[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 26, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43058-43068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15661]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-23-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 208 and 
208B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 
208 and 208B airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to 
repetitively inspect the inboard forward flap bellcranks for cracks or 
replace bellcranks depending on the amount of usage. This proposed AD 
is the result of Cessna re-evaluating the bellcrank life limit analysis 
and determining that the original estimate is too high. The actions 
specified by this proposed AD are intended to detect, correct, and 
prevent future cracks in the bellcrank, which could result in failure 
of this part. Such failure could lead to damage to the flap system and 
surrounding structure and result in reduced or loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before August 28, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-23-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday

[[Page 43057]]

through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-23-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006. You 
may also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4125; facsimile: 816-946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How do I comment on this proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this 
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we 
need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of 
this proposed AD.

How can I be sure FAA receives my comment?

    If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-23-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What events have caused this proposed AD?

    A search by the FAA of the service difficulty database has revealed 
10 cracked bellcrank incidents on Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes. 
As a result, Cessna has re-evaluated the bellcrank life limit analysis 
and detemined 7,000 landings is more accurate than the original 
estimate of 9,000 landings. Cessna has revised the Models 208 and 208B 
Maintenance Manual and developed a service bulletin to notify the 
public that the inboard forward flap bellcrank life limit has been 
reduced to 7,000 landings. Since some Model 208 airplanes have exceeded 
7,000 landings, we have determined that an AD is necessary to require 
replacement of the bellcrank in those airplanes.

What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected?

    If not detected and corrected, a cracked bellcrank could fail. Such 
failure could lead to damage to the flap system and surrounding 
structure and result in reduced or loss of control of the airplane.

Is there service information that applies to this subject?

    Cessna has issued Service Bulletin No. CAB02-1, dated February 11, 
2002.

What are the provisions of this service information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:

-Inspecting using eddy current methods, the inboard forward flap 
bellcrank for cracks; and
--Replacing bellcranks.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This 
Proposed AD

What has FAA decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, we have 
determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes of the same type 
design;
--The life limits of the bellcranks should be reduced from 9,000 
landings to 7,000 landings;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What would this proposed AD require?

    This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service bulletin.

Cost Impact

How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,300 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/operators 
of the affected airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Labor cost                  Parts cost       Total cost per airplane   Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $60 per hour=$60....  No cost for parts...                      $60  $60 x 1,300=$78,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the reduced life limits:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Labor cost                  Parts cost              Total cost  per airplane                      Total cost on  U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 workhours x $60 per hour=$180..........       $1,793  $180 + $1,973=$1,973...........................  $1,973 x 1,300=$2,564,900.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 43058]]

Regulatory Impact

Would this proposed AD impact various entities?

    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 proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) 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 has been placed 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, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY: Docket No. 2002-CE-23-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models 208 and 208B airplanes, all serial numbers, that are 
certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect, correct, and prevent cracks in the 
bellcrank, which could result in failure of this part. Such failure 
could lead to damage to the flap system and surrounding structure 
and result in reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect, using eddy current   Initially inspect   In accordance with
 inspection, the inboard forward   upon accumulation   the Inspection
 flap bellcrank for cracks.        of 4,000 landings   Instructions of
                                   on the bellcrank    Cessna Service
                                   or within the       Bulletin No.
                                   next 250 landings   CAB02-1, dated
                                   after the           February 11,
                                   effective date of   2002, and the
                                   this AD,            applicable
                                   whichever occurs    maintenance
                                   later.              manual.
                                   Repetitively
                                   inspect
                                   thereafter at
                                   every 500
                                   landings until
                                   7,000 landings
                                   are accumulated.
---------------------------------                      Inboard forward
 
 
   date of this AD.Note 2: The
 compliance times of this AD are
presented in landings instead of
hours. If the number of landings
  is unknown, hours TIS may be
 used by multiplying the number
      of hours TIS by 1.25.
 
(e) Can I comply with this AD in
  any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance
  or adjust the compliance time
               if:
 (1) Your alternative method of
     compliance provides an
 equivalent level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Wichita
 Aircraft Certification Office,
   approves your alternative.
 Submit your request through an
    FAA Principal Maintenance
 Inspector, who may add comments
and then send it to the Manager,
 Wichita Aircraft Certification
             Office.
 
 Note 3: This AD applies to each
airplane identified in paragraph
  (a) of this AD, 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 (e)
 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 you have not
eliminated the unsafe condition,
 specific actions you propose to
           address it.
 
 (f) Where can I get information
   about any already-approved
     alternative methods of
compliance? Contact Paul Nguyen,
    Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
 Aircraft Certification Office,
  1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
     Wichita, Kansas 67209;
    telephone: 316-946-4125;
    facsimile: 816-946-4407.
  (g) What if I need to fly the
 airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can
  issue a special flight permit
under sections 21.197 and 21.199
     of the Federal Aviation
 Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199) to operate your airplane
   to a location where you can
 accomplish the requirements of
            this AD.
 (h) How do I get copies of the
documents referenced in this AD?
    You may get copies of the
 documents referenced in this AD
  from Cessna Aircraft Company,
 Product Support, P.O. Box 7706,
     Wichita, Kansas 67277;
   telephone: (316) 517-5800;
 facsimile: (316) 942-9006. You
may view these documents at FAA,
  Central Region, Office of the
  Regional Counsel, 901 Locust,
 Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri
             64106.
 
 
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri,
        on June 14, 2002.
          Dorenda D. Baker,.....
      Acting Manager, Small
       Airplane Directorate,
       Aircraft Certification
       Service..

[[Page 43059]]

                                                 ).
                  SUMMARY: This
                   document
                   proposes the
                   adoption of a
                   new
                   airworthiness
                   directive
                   (AD) that is
                   applicable to
                   various
                   Boeing and
                   McDonnell
                   Douglas
                   transport
                   category
                   airplanes.
                   This proposal
                   would require
                   revising the
                   Airplane
                   Flight Manual
                   (AFM) to
                   advise the
                   flightcrew to
                   don oxygen
                   masks as a
                   first and
                   immediate
                   step when the
                   cabin
                   altitude
                   warning horn
                   sounds. This
                   action is
                   necessary to
                   prevent
                   incapacitatio
                   n of the
                   flightcrew
                   due to lack
                   of oxygen,
                   which could
                   result in
                   loss of
                   control of
                   the airplane.
                   This action
                   is intended
                   to address
                   the
                   identified
                   unsafe
                   condition..
 
                  DATES:
                   Comments must
                   be received
                   by August 12,
                   2002..
 
                  ADDRESSES:
                   Submit
                   comments in
                   triplicate to
                   the Federal
                   Aviation
                   Administratio
                   n (FAA),
                   Transport
                   Airplane
                   Directorate,
                   ANM-114,
                   Attention:
                   Rules Docket
                   No. 2002-NM-
                   43-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.
                   2002-NM-43-
                   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..
This information referenced in
 the proposed rule may be
 examined at the FAA, Transport
 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
 Avenue, SW., Renton,
 Washington; or at the FAA, Los
 Angeles Aircraft Certification
 Office, 3960 Paramount
 Boulevard, Lakewood,
 California.
 
                  FOR FURTHER
                   INFORMATION
                   CONTACT:
                   Technical
                   Information--
                   Boeing
                   Airplane
                   Models: Don
                   Eiford,
                   Aerospace
                   Engineer,
                   Systems and
                   Equipment
                   Branch, ANM-
                   130S, FAA,
                   Seattle
                   Aircraft
                   Certification
                   Office, 1601
                   Lind Avenue,
                   SW., Renton,
                   Washington
                   98055-4056;
                   telephone
                   (425) 227-
                   2788; fax
                   (425) 227-
                   1181..
Technical Information--McDonnell
 Douglas Airplane Models: Joe
 Hashemi, Aerospace Engineer,
 Flight Test Branch, ANM-160L,
 FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
 Certification Office, 3960
 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
 California 90712-4137;
 telephone (562) 627-5380; fax
 (562) 627-5210.
Other Information: Judy Golder,
 Airworthiness Directive
 Technical Editor/Writer;
 telephone (425) 687-4241, fax
 (425) 227-1232. Questions or
 comments may also be sent via
 the Internet using the
 following address:
 [email protected]. Questions
 or comments sent via the
 Internet as attached electronic
 files must be formatted in
 Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
 or ASCII text.
 
                  SUPPLEMENTARY
                   INFORMATION:.
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 2002-NM-43-
 AD.'' The postcard will be date
 stamped and returned to the
 commenter.
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.
 2002-NM-43-AD, 1601 Lind
 Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
 98055-4056.
On October 25, 1999, a Learjet
 Model 35 airplane operating
 under part 135 of the Federal
 Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
 135) departed Orlando
 International Airport en route
 to Dallas, Texas. Air traffic
 control lost communication with
 the airplane near Gainesville,
 Florida. Air Force and National
 Guard airplanes intercepted the
 airplane, but the flightcrews
 of the chase airplanes
 indicated that the windows of
 the Model 35 airplane were
 apparently frosted over, which
 prevented the flightcrews of
 the chase airplanes from
 observing the interior of the
 Model 35 airplane. The
 flightcrews of the chase
 airplanes reported that they
 did not observe any damage to
 the airplane. Subsequently, the
 Model 35 airplane ran out of
 fuel and crashed in South
 Dakota. To date, causal factors
 of the accident have not been
 determined. However, lack of
 the Learjet flightcrew's
 response to air traffic control
 poses the possibility of
 flightcrew incapacitation and
 raises concerns with the
 pressurization and oxygen
 systems.
Recognizing these concerns, the
 FAA initiated a special
 certification review (SCR) to
 determine if pressurization and
 oxygen systems on Model 35
 airplanes were certificated
 properly, and to determine if
 any unsafe design features
 exist in the pressurization and
 oxygen systems.
The SCR team found that there
 have been several accidents and
 incidents that may have
 involved incapacitation of the
 flightcrews during flight. In
 one case, the airplane
 flightcrew did not activate the
 pressurization system or don
 their oxygen masks and the
 airplane flew in excess of
 35,000 feet altitude. In
 another case, the airplane
 flightcrews did not don their
 oxygen masks when the cabin
 aural warning was activated.
 Further review by the SCR team
 indicates that the Airplane
 Flight Manual (AFM) of Learjet
 Model 35 and 36 airplanes does
 not have an emergency procedure
 that requires donning the
 flightcrew oxygen masks when
 the cabin altitude aural
 warning is activated.
 Additional review has found
 that the AFMs of Learjet Model
 35A and 36A airplanes also do
 not contain appropriate
 flightcrew actions when the
 cabin altitude aural warning is
 activated. However, the AFMs do
 contain an abnormal procedure
 that allows the flightcrew to
 troubleshoot the pressurization
 system prior to donning the
 oxygen masks after the cabin
 altitude warning sounds.
 Troubleshooting may delay
 donning of the oxygen masks to
 the point that

[[Page 43060]]

 
flightcrews may become incapable
  he SCR findings indicated that
 the most likely cause for
 incapacitation was hypoxia
 (lack of oxygen). The only
 other plausible cause of
 incapacitation is exposure to
 toxic substances. However, no
 evidence was found to support
 the existence of toxic
 substances.
Delayed response of the
 flightcrew in donning oxygen
 masks as a first and immediate
 action upon the activation of
 the cabin altitude warning horn
 could lead to incapacitation of
 the flightcrew and loss of
 control of the airplane.
A review of the emergency
 procedures in the AFMs for
 various Boeing and McDonnell
 Douglas transport category
 airplanes revealed that those
 AFMs do not contain the
 requirement for the flightcrew
 to immediately don emergency
 oxygen masks. Therefore,
 various Boeing and McDonnell
 Douglas transport category
 airplanes may be subject to the
 same unsafe condition as
 described above.
The FAA has determined that the
 AFMs for Boeing Model 737-600,
 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 747-
 400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 757,
 767, and 777 series airplanes,
 and McDonnell Douglas Model 717-
 200 airplanes, already contain
 appropriate instructions for
 the donning of emergency oxygen
 masks. Therefore, these
 airplanes would not be subject
 to this proposed AD.
We have previously issued AD
 2000-23-10, amendment 39-11980
 (65 FR 70294, November 22,
 2000), which applies to all
 Lockheed Model 188A and 188C
 series airplanes. That AD
 requires a revision of the AFM
 to add procedures for donning
 the flightcrew oxygen masks
 when the cabin altitude warning
 horn is activated. The
 requirements of that AD are
 intended to prevent
 incapacitation of the
 flightcrew as a result of lack
 of oxygen and consequent loss
 of control of the airplane.
We have also previously issued
 AD 2001-22-10, amendment 39-
 12489 (66 FR 54425, October 29,
 2001), which applies to all
 Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon
 50, Mystere-Falcon 900, and
 Falcon 900EX series airplanes.
 That AD requires revising the
 Emergency Procedures and
 Abnormal Procedures sections of
 the AFM to advise the
 flightcrew to immediately don
 oxygen masks in the event of
 significant pressurization or
 oxygen level changes. The
 requirements of that AD are
 intended to prevent
 incapacitation of the
 flightcrew due to lack of
 oxygen, which could result in
 their inability to continue to
 control the airplane.
We are continuing to review
 emergency procedures in the
 AFMs for other airplane models
 to ensure that the AFMs contain
 appropriate instructions for
 donning the flightcrew oxygen
 masks. We may consider further
 rulemaking based on the results
 of these reviews.
Since an unsafe condition has
 been identified that is likely
 to exist or develop on other
 products of these same type
 designs, the proposed AD would
 require revising the Emergency
 Procedures Section of the AFM
 to advise the flightcrew to don
 oxygen masks as a first and
 immediate step when the cabin
 altitude warning horn sounds.
There are approximately 7,077
 airplanes (5,178 Boeing
 airplanes and 1,899 McDonnell
 Douglas airplanes) of the
 affected designs in the
 worldwide fleet. The FAA
 estimates that 3,479 airplanes
 (2,392 Boeing airplanes and
 1,087 McDonnell Douglas
 airplanes) of U.S. registry
 would be affected by this
 proposed AD. It would take
 approximately 1 work hour per
 airplane to accomplish the
 proposed AFM revision, at an
 average labor rate of $60 per
 work hour. Based on these
 figures, the cost impact of the
 proposed AD on U.S. operators
 is estimated to be $208,740, or
 $60 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.
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft,
 Aviation safety, Safety.
Accordingly, pursuant to the                          PART 39--
 authority delegated to me by                          AIRWORTHINESS
 the Administrator, the Federal                        DIRECTIVES
 Aviation Administration
 proposes to amend part 39 of
 the Federal Aviation
 Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
 follows:
1. The authority citation for
 part 39 continues to read as
 follows:
 
  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g),
          40113, 44701.
2. Section 39.13 is amended by
 adding the following new
 airworthiness directive:
 
Transport Category Airplanes:
 Docket 2002-NM-43-AD.
 
  Applicability: The airplanes
  listed in Table 1 of this AD,
  certificated in any category:

[[Page 43061]]

 
Boeing..........................  707 series
                                   airplanes, 720
                                   series airplanes,
                                   727 series
                                   airplanes, 737-
                                   100 series
                                   airplanes, 737-
                                   200 series
                                   airplanes, 737-
                                   200C series
                                   airplanes, 737-
                                   300 series
                                   airplanes, 737-
                                   400 series
                                   airplanes, 737-
                                   500 series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   100 series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   100B series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   100B UD series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   200B series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   200F series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   200C series
                                   airplanes, 747-
                                   300 series
                                   airplanes, 747
                                   series airplanes,
                                   747 series
                                   airplanes..
cDonnell Douglas...............  DC-8-11 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-12
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   21 airplanes, DC-
                                   8-31 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-32
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   33 airplanes, DC-
                                   8-41 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-42
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   43 airplanes, DC-
                                   8-51 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-52
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   53 airplanes, DC-
                                   8F-54 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-55
                                   airplanes, DC-8F-
                                   55 airplanes, DC-
                                   8-61 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-61F
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   62 airplanes, DC-
                                   8-62F airplanes,
                                   DC-8-63
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   63F airplanes, DC-
                                   8-71 airplanes,
                                   DC-8-71F
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   72 airplanes, DC-
                                   8-72F airplanes,
                                   DC-8-73
                                   airplanes, DC-8-
                                   73F airplanes, DC-
                                   9-11 airplanes,
                                   DC-9-12
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   13 airplanes, DC-
                                   9-14 airplanes,
                                   DC-9-15
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   15F airplanes, DC-
                                   9-21 airplanes,
                                   DC-9-31
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   32 airplanes, DC-
                                   9-32 (VC-9C)
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   32F airplanes, DC-
                                   9-32F airplanes
                                   (C-9A, C-9B), DC-
                                   9-33F airplanes,
                                   DC-9-34
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   34F airplanes, DC-
                                   9-41 airplanes,
                                   DC-9-51
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   81 (D-81)
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   82 (D-82)
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   83 (D-83)
                                   airplanes, DC-9-
                                   87 (D-87)
                                   airplanes, D-88
                                   airplanes, D-90-
                                   30 airplanes, DC-
                                   10-10 airplanes,
                                   DC-10-10F
                                   airplanes, DC-10-
                                   15 airplanes, DC-
                                   10-30 airplanes,
                                   DC-10-30F
                                   airplanes, DC-10-
                                   30F (C-10A, DC-
                                   10) airplanes, DC-
                                   10-40 airplanes,
                                   DC-10-40F
                                   airplanes, D-10-
                                   10F airplanes, D-
                                   10-30F airplanes,
                                   D-11 airplanes,
                                   D-11F airplanes..
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Compliance: equired as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    o prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of 
oxygen, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:

evision to the Airplane Flight anual

    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: For the 
applicable airplane models listed in the ``For--'' column of able 2 
of this AD, revise the procedures regarding donning oxygen masks in 
the event of rapid depressurization, as contained in the Emergency 
rocedures section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight anual (AF), 
by replacing the text in the ``eplace--'' column of able 2 of this 
AD with the information in the applicable figure referenced in the 
``With the Information In--'' column of able 2 of this AD. his may 
be accomplished by recording the AD number of this AD on the 
applicable figure and inserting it into the AF. able 2 and Figures 
1 through 9 follow:

                                             able 2.--AF evisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               For--                                    eplace--                      With the Information in--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing odel 707, 720, and 727       ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION.......................  Figure 1 of this AD.
 series airplanes.
                                     xygen asks & egulators , 100% A''         ..........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing odel 737-100, -200, and -    ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (With airplane          Figure 2 of this AD.
 200C series airplanes.               altitude above 14,000 feet ...).
                                     IAY                                          ..........................
                                     xygen asks & egulators--, 100%''            ..........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing odel 737-300, 737-400, 737-  ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (With airplane          Figure 3 of this AD.
 500, 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B     altitude above 14,000 feet ...).
 UD, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-200C,
 747-300, 747, and 747 series
 airplanes.
                                     ECA                                           ..........................
                                     xygen asks & egulators--, 100%''            ..........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cDonnell Douglas odel DC-8-11, DC- ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION.......................  Figure 4 of this AD.
 8-12, DC-8-21, DC-8-31, DC-8-32,    Phase I and II.................................
 DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-    Crew oxygen mask--''.........................
 43, DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-
 8F-54, DC-8-55, DC-8F-55, DC-8-61,
 DC-8-61F, DC-8-62, DC-8-62F, DC-8-
 63, DC-8-63F, DC-8-71, DC-8-71F,
 DC-8-72, DC-8-72F, DC-8-73, and DC-
 8-73F airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 43062]]

 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC- ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY DESCENT........  Figure 5 of this AD.
 9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15,    Phase I and II.................................
 DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-   Manual Pressurization Control--FULL FORWARD AND
 32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-932F, DC-9-  MANUALLY LOCKED.
 32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-   Note: Manual Pressurization control forces may
 34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and DC-9-51   be high, apply forces as required.
 airplanes.                          Crew Oxygen Masks--ON''........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD- ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY DESCENT........  Figure 6 of this AD.
 81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-  Phase I and II.................................
 83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88     Manual Pressurization Control--FULL FORWARD AND
 airplanes.                           MANUALLY LOCKED.
                                     Note: Manual Pressurization control forces may
                                      be high, apply forces as required.
                                     Crew Oxygen Masks--ON/EMERGENCY/100%''.........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30     ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION..........................  Figure 7 of this AD.
 airplanes.
                                     OXY MASKS--ON/100%/EMERGENCY''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, DC-10-   ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY DESCENT.....  Figure 8 of this AD.
 10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-     Recall.........................................
 30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A, KDC-10),    Cabin OUTFLOW VALVE--VERIFY CLOSED (CLOSE
 DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes.   ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY IF NOT CLOSED).
                                     Oxygen Masks--100% (if required)''.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas MD-10-10F, MD-10-  ``CABIN ALTITUDE...............................  Figure 9 of this AD.
 30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes.   Memory Item....................................
                                     Outflow Valve--Verify Closed''.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 43063]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26JN02.007


[[Page 43064]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26JN02.008


[[Page 43065]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26JN02.009


[[Page 43066]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26JN02.010


[[Page 43067]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26JN02.011


[[Page 43068]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26JN02.012

BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

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; or the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA; as 
applicable. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments 
and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO, or Los Angeles ACO, as 
applicable.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO or the Los Angeles ACO, as applicable.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-15661 Filed 6-25-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P