[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4892-4897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2147]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-43-AD; Amendment 39-13039; AD 2003-03-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas 
Transport Category Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas transport category 
airplanes. This AD requires 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 incapacitation 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: Effective March 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this AD may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.
    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.

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 various Boeing and McDonnell 
Douglas transport category airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on June 26, 2002 (67 FR 43058). That action proposed to 
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.

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.

Support for the Proposed AD

    One commenter supports the proposed AD, and another commenter 
states that it has surveyed its fleet and is already in compliance with 
the proposed AD.

Request To Expand Applicability of Proposed AD

    One commenter notes an inconsistency in the proposed AD. In the 
preamble of the proposed AD, the FAA states that appropriate 
instructions for donning emergency oxygen masks are already contained 
in the AFM for Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and ``900 series 
airplanes. Thus, those airplanes are not included in the applicability 
of the proposed AD. The commenter points out, however, that the AFM for 
Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900 series airplanes contains 
wording similar to that in the AFM for Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and 
-500 series airplanes, which are included in the applicability of the 
proposed AD. The commenter also notes that the AFM for Boeing Model 
757-300 series airplanes does not address the donning of crew oxygen 
masks during rapid depressurization, although the proposed AD states 
that the AFMs for 757 series airplanes contain appropriate instructions 
for donning oxygen masks. The commenter asks that we review all AFMs 
again to ensure that the AFM contains appropriate instructions.
    We partially concur with the commenter's request. Where we state in 
the proposed AD that the AFMs for certain models already contain 
appropriate instructions for the donning of oxygen masks, we should 
have stated that either the AFM or the airplane operations manual (AOM) 
contains appropriate instructions for the donning of oxygen masks. For 
the models identified by the commenter, the AOM contains appropriate 
instructions for donning oxygen masks. For this reason, those airplanes 
were not included in the applicability of the proposed AD.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concerns. Thus, we have repeated the

[[Page 4893]]

review of AFMs of all airplanes that were not included in the proposed 
AD because correct instructions exist in the AOM. We are planning 
additional rulemaking to revise the AFMs for all airplane models that 
have inadequate instructions for donning oxygen masks.
    The FAA does not agree that it is necessary to repeat the review of 
the AFMs for all transport category airplanes to ensure that 
instructions for donning oxygen masks are adequate. As we stated 
previously, the models identified by the commenter are all airplanes 
for which adequate instructions for donning oxygen masks are included 
in the AOM. As this is a specific and finite group of airplanes, and we 
have repeated the review of AFMs for this group, we find that it is 
unnecessary to repeat the review of the AFMs for all transport category 
airplanes. No change to this final rule is necessary in this regard.

Revise Figure 5 of Proposed AD

    One commenter requests that we revise Figure 5 of the proposed AD, 
which contains revised AFM wording for McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, 
-20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes. The commenter requests that 
the wording ``If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds'' be changed to 
``If a cabin altitude warning occurs.'' The commenter's rationale is 
that not all DC-9 series airplanes have a cabin altitude warning horn. 
The commenter also requests that the words ``crew oxygen mask'' be 
revised to ``crew oxygen masks'' to match the wording of the original 
AFM.
    We concur and have revised Figure 5 of this final rule accordingly.

Request To Omit Certain Wording From Other Documents

    One commenter states that it finds the new AFM wording within the 
proposed AD acceptable and will revise its AFMs accordingly. However, 
in view of the deletion of the references to 14,000-feet altitude, the 
commenter requests that we not include references to 14,000 feet 
altitude in supplementary or separate AFM checklists or other 
documents. The commenter states no rationale for its request.
    We acknowledge the commenter's request and will take steps to 
ensure that supplemental or separate AFM revisions do not contain the 
wording specified by the commenter. No change to this final rule is 
needed in this regard.

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 with the changes previously 
described. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    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 will 
be affected by this AD. 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 
this 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 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, 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:

2003-03-15 Transport Category Airplanes: Amendment 39-13039. Docket 
2002-NM-43-AD.

    Applicability: The airplanes listed in Table 1 of this AD, 
certificated in any category:

                   Table 1.--Affected Airplane Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Airplane  manufacturer                   Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 SUD series airplanes
                                    747-200B series airplanes
                                    747-200F series airplanes
                                    747-200C series airplanes
                                    747-300 series airplanes
                                    747SR series airplanes
                                    747SP series airplanes
-----------------------------------
McDonnell 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

[[Page 4894]]

 
                                    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-9-41airplanes
                                    DC-9-51 airplanes
                                    DC-9-81 (MD-81) airplanes
                                    DC-9-82 (MD-82) airplanes
                                    DC-9-83 (MD-83) airplanes
                                    DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes
                                    MD-88 airplanes
                                    MD-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 (KC-10A, KDC-10) airplanes
                                    DC-10-40 airplanes
                                    DC-10-40F airplanes
                                    MD-10-10F airplanes
                                    MD-10-30F airplanes
                                    MD-11 airplanes
                                    MD-11F airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Revision to the Airplane Flight Manual

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

                                             Table 2.--AFM Revisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            With the information
                        For--                                       Replace--                       in--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 707, 720, and 727 series airplanes        ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION             Figure 1 of this AD.
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%
                                                        ALL''
------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series           ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (With       Figure 2 of this AD.
 airplanes                                              airplane altitude above 14,000
                                                        feet M.S.L.)
                                                       ...................................
                                                       PRIMARY
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON,
                                                        100%''
------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 747-100, 747-  ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (With       Figure 3 of this AD.
 100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-200C,      airplane altitude above 14,000
 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes             feet M.S.L.)
                                                       ...................................
                                                       RECALL
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON,
                                                        100%''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC- ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION             Figure 4 of this AD.
 8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-43,    Phase I and II
 DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-8F-54 DC-8-55, DC-8F-   Crew oxygen mask--ON''
 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
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC- ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY      Figure 5 of this AD.
 9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32,    DESCENT
 DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC- ...................................
 9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and DC-9-51        Phase I and II
 airplanes                                             ...................................
                                                       Manual Pressurization Control--
                                                       FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Note: Manual Pressurization control
                                                        forces may be high, apply forces
                                                        as required
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Crew Oxygen Masks--ON''
------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 4895]]

 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-  ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY      Figure 6 of this AD.
 82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88       DESCENT
 airplanes                                             ...................................
                                                       Phase I and II
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Manual Pressurization Control --
                                                        FULL FORWARD AND 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 airplanes             ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION                Figure 7 of this AD.
                                                       ...................................
                                                       OXY MASKS--ON/100%/EMERGENCY''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-    ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY   Figure 8 of this AD.
 15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A, KDC-10),   DESCENT
 DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes                     Recall
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Cabin
                                                       OUTFLOW VALVE--VERIFY CLOSED (CLOSE
                                                        ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY IF NOT
                                                        CLOSED)
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Oxygen Masks -- 100% (if
                                                        required)''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11,   ``CABIN ALTITUDE                     Figure 9 of this AD.
 and MD-11F airplanes                                  ...................................
                                                       Memory Item
                                                       ...................................
                                                       Outflow Valve--Verify Closed''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 1.--For Boeing Model 707, 720, and 727 Series Airplanes

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%, ALL''
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 2.--For Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C Series Airplanes

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
PRIMARY
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 3.--For Boeing Model 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-300, 747SR, and 
747SP Series Airplanes

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
RECALL
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%''

[[Page 4896]]

 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 4.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC-8-
31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-43, 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

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
Phase I and II
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Crew oxygen mask--ON''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 5.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-
14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-
9-32F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and 
DC-9-51 Airplanes

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY DESCENT
Phase I and II
If a cabin altitude warning occurs:
Crew Oxygen Masks--ON
Manual Pressurization Control--FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
Note: Manual Pressurization control forces may be high, apply forces as
 required.''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 6.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-
82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY DESCENT
Phase I and II
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Crew Oxygen Mask--ON/EMERGENCY/100%
Manual Pressurization Control--FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
Note: Manual Pressurization control forces may be high, apply forces as
 required.''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 7.--For McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 Airplanes

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DECOMPRESSION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
[sbull] OXY MASKS--ON/100%/EMERGENCY''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 8.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, 
DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A, KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-
40F Airplanes:

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

[[Page 4897]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY DESCENT
Recall
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Oxygen Masks--100%
Cabin
OUTFLOW VALVE--VERIFY CLOSED (CLOSE ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY IF NOT
 CLOSED)''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

Figure 9.--For McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and 
MD-11F Airplanes:

    Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency 
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR CABIN ALTITUDE
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Memory Item
Oxygen Masks--ON/100%/EMERGENCY
Outflow Valve--Verify Closed''
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are 
unchanged.

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.

Effective Date

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-2147 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P