[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 308-311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-14]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-54-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes 
Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST01783AT-D

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 767-300 series 
airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST01783AT-D. This 
proposal would require modifying the in-flight entertainment (IFE) 
system and revising the airplane flight manual. This action is 
necessary to ensure that the flight crew is able to remove electrical 
power from the IFE system when necessary and is advised of appropriate 
procedures for such action. Inability to remove power from the IFE 
system during a non-normal or emergency situation could result in 
inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or 
cabin. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 18, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-54-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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-54-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from TIMCO Engineered Systems, Inc., 623 Radar Road, 
Greensboro, North Carolina 27410. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One 
Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Chupka, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6070; fax (770) 703-
6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such

[[Page 309]]

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:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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-54-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2002-NM-54-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently completed a 
review of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems certified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) and installed on transport category 
airplanes. The review focused on the interface between the IFE system 
and airplane electrical system, with the objective of determining if 
any unsafe conditions exist with regard to the interface. STCs issued 
between 1992 and 2000 were considered for the review.
    The type of IFE systems considered for review were those that 
contain video monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays; 
either hanging above the aisle or mounted on individual seat backs or 
seat trays), or complex circuitry (i.e., power supplies, electronic 
distribution boxes, extensive wire routing, relatively high power 
consumption, multiple layers of circuit protection, etc.). In addition, 
in-seat power supply systems that provide power to more than 20 percent 
of the total passenger seats were also considered for the review. The 
types of IFE systems not considered for review include systems that 
provide only audio signals to each passenger seat, ordinary in-flight 
telephone systems (e.g., one telephone handset per group of seats or 
bulkhead-mounted telephones), systems that only have a video monitor on 
the forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection system) to provide passengers 
with basic airplane and flight information, and in-seat power supply 
systems that provide power to less than 20 percent of the total 
passenger seats.
    Items considered during the review include the following:
    [sbull] Can the electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE 
system be deenergized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that may be required for continued safe flight and landing?
    [sbull] Can IFE system power be removed when required without 
pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., is there a switch (dedicated 
to the IFE system or a combination of loads) located in the flight deck 
or cabin that can be used to remove IFE power?)?
    [sbull] If the IFE system requires changes to flight crew 
procedures, has the airplane flight manual (AFM) been properly amended?
    [sbull] If the IFE system requires changes to cabin crew 
procedures, have they been properly amended?
    [sbull] Does the IFE system require periodic or special 
maintenance?
    In all, approximately 180 IFE systems approved by STC were reviewed 
by the FAA. The review results indicate that potential unsafe 
conditions exist on some IFE systems installed on various transport 
category airplanes. These conditions can be summarized as:
    [sbull] Electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE system cannot 
be deenergized when necessary without removing power from systems that 
may be required for continued safe flight and landing.
    [sbull] Power cannot be removed from the IFE system when required 
without pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., there is no switch 
dedicated to the IFE system or combination of systems for the purpose 
of removing power).
    [sbull] Installation of the IFE system has affected crew (flight 
crew and/or cabin crew) procedures, but the procedures have not been 
properly revised.

FAA's Determination

    As part of its review of IFE systems, the FAA has determined that 
an unsafe condition exists on all Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes 
modified by STC ST01783AT-D. The IFE system on these airplanes is 
connected to an electrical bus that cannot be deactivated without also 
removing power from airplane systems necessary for safe flight and 
landing. There is no other means to remove power from the IFE system. 
Additionally, the airplane manufacturer's published flight crew and 
cabin crew emergency procedures do not advise the flight crew and cabin 
crew that power cannot be removed from the IFE system. This condition, 
if not corrected, could result in inability to remove power from the 
IFE system during a non-normal or emergency situation, and consequent 
inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or 
cabin.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved TIMCO Service Bulletin TSB-767-
23-009, Revision IR, dated August 22, 2001. That service bulletin 
describes procedures for modifying the IFE system by installing two new 
relays to control power inputs to the IFE system, and a new circuit 
breaker to protect the wiring of the IFE system. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition.
    The FAA also has reviewed and approved TIMCO AFM Supplement TIM-
AFM-01035, dated March 13, 2002, which revises the procedures under the 
heading ``Electrical Smoke or Fire'' in the ``Emergency Procedures'' 
section of the AFM to provide instructions for the cabin crew to remove 
power from the various components of the IFE system in an emergency.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously. The proposed AD also would 
require revising procedures to be followed in the event of smoke or 
fire in the airplane by including the information in the AFM supplement

[[Page 310]]

described previously. Accomplishment of these actions is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
    In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the 
FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with 
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the amount of time 
necessary to accomplish the proposed actions, and the practical aspect 
of accomplishing the proposed actions within an interval of time that 
parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. In 
consideration of these factors, the FAA has determined that 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD represents an appropriate interval 
of time allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be 
maintained.

Clarification of Airplane Model Designation

    While TIMCO Service Bulletin TSB-767-23-009, Revision IR, and TIMCO 
AFM Supplement TIM-AFM-01035 specify that they are effective for 
``Boeing Model 767-300ER'' series airplanes, this proposed AD would 
apply to Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes. The model designation 
in this proposed AD is consistent with the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected model.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    The FAA has previously issued several ADs that address unsafe 
conditions and require corrective actions similar to those that would 
be required by the proposed AD. These other ADs, and the airplane 
models and STCs to which they apply, are as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Model/Series--                           STC Number--                       AD Reference--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus A340-211.........................  ST0902AC-D..........................  AD 2001-18-01, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12427 (66 FR 46939, September
                                                                                 10, 2001).
Boeing 737-300..........................  ST00171SE...........................  AD 2001-14-10, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12321 (66 FR 36455, July 12,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 737-700..........................  ST09100AC-D.........................  AD 2001-14-12, amendment 39-
                                          ST09104AC-D.........................   12323 (66 FR 36452, July 12,
                                          ST09105AC-D.........................   2001).
                                          ST09106AC-D.........................
Boeing 747-100 and -200.................  SA8622SW............................  AD 2001-14-11, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12322 (66 FR 36453, July 12,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 747-100 and -200.................  ST00196SE...........................  AD 2001-16-19, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12388 and (66 FR 43068, August
                                                                                 17, 2001)
Boeing 747-400..........................  SA8843SW............................  AD 2001-14-15, amendment 12326
                                                                                 (66 FR 36447, July 12, 2001).
Boeing 747SP............................  ST09097AC-D.........................  AD 2001-14-14, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12325 (66 FR 36449, July 12,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 757-200..........................  SA1727GL............................  AD 2001-14-01, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12311 (66 FR 36149, July 11,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 767-200..........................  SA4998NM............................  AD 2001-16-21, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12390 (66 FR 43072, August 17,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 767-200..........................  SA5134NM............................  AD 2001-16-20, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12389 (66 FR 43066, August 17,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 767-200..........................  ST09022AC-D.........................  AD 2001-14-13, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12324 (66 FR 36450, July 12,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 767-300..........................  SA5765NM............................  AD 2001-16-17, amendment 39-
                                          SA5978NM............................   12386 (66 FR 42937, August 16,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 767-300..........................  SA7019NM-D..........................  AD 2001-18-08, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12434 (66 FR 46517, September
                                                                                 6, 2001).
Boeing 767-300..........................  ST00118SE...........................  AD 2001-14-04, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12314 (66 FR 36699, July 13,
                                                                                 2001).
Boeing 767-300..........................  ST00157SE...........................  AD 2001-16-18, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12387 (66 FR 43070, August 17,
                                                                                 2001).
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 and DC-9-83...  SA8026NM............................  AD 2001-14-02, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12312 (66 FR 36456, July 12,
                                                                                 2001).
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30..............  SA8452SW............................  AD 2001-16-22, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12391 (66 FR 43074, August 17,
                                                                                 2001).
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30..............  ST00054SE...........................  AD 2001-13-03, amendment 39-
                                                                                 12313 (66 FR 36150, July 11,
                                                                                 2001).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 37 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 37 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 66 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $146,520, or $3,960 
per airplane.
    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 AFM 
revision on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,220, or $60 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, 
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

[[Page 311]]

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Boeing: Docket 2002-NM-54-AD.

    Applicability: Model 767-300 series airplanes modified by 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01783AT-D, 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 and Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (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 installed on the airplane by 
installing two new relays and a new circuit breaker, according to 
TIMCO Service Bulletin TSB-767-23-009, Revision IR, dated August 22, 
2001.
    (2) Revise the procedures under ``Electrical Smoke or Fire'' in 
the ``Emergency Procedures'' section of the airplane flight manual 
(AFM) to include TIMCO AFM Supplement TIM-AFM-01035, dated March 13, 
2002. When the information in that AFM supplement has been 
incorporated into the FAA-approved general revisions of the AFM, the 
general revisions may be incorporated into the AFM, and the AFM 
supplement may be removed from the AFM.

Part Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an IFE system according to STC ST01783AT-D on any airplane, unless 
the IFE system is modified and the AFM is revised according to 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, Atlanta 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, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 December 26, 2002.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-14 Filed 1-2-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P