[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 175 (Wednesday, September 10, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53309-53311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22992]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-213-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747SP, 747SR, 747-100, -
100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 747SP, 747SR, 
747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require modification of the escape 
slide/raft pack assembly and cable release sliders. This action is 
necessary to prevent improper deployment of the escape slide/raft or 
blockage of the passenger/crew doors in the event of an emergency 
evacuation, which could result in injury to passengers or crewmembers. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 27, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-213-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. 2001-NM-213-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 Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Ladderud, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
917-6435; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    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:
    [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 2001-NM-213-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. 2001-NM-213-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of improper escape slide/raft 
deployment and passenger/crew door blockage during slide deployment 
tests on certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. Subsequent 
investigation revealed that the cause of this improper deployment or 
door blockage was damaged pins of the slide pack cover, which could not 
be extracted. If the pins are not extracted, either the door will not 
fully open or the slide will not deploy.
    We also received one report of high-deployment and non-deployment 
forces of the floor mounted escape slide of the upper deck during 
maintenance. Investigation revealed that the cable release slider did 
not travel enough to allow for easy extraction of the deployment 
cables, which can result in high-deployment forces. Further 
investigation revealed that the release pins can become snagged in the 
access hole of the outboard cover panel cone, preventing escape slide 
deployment.
    Improper deployment of the escape slide/raft or blockage of the 
passenger/crew doors in the event of an emergency evacuation could 
result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-25-3274, Revision 1, dated January 9, 2003, which 
describes procedures for modification of the escape slide/raft pack 
assembly. For Group 1 and 2 airplanes, the modification includes 
removing the slide packs and replacing the cover release pin cable 
assemblies with new assemblies containing high-strength pins, and 
removing the pulley guard bracket to prevent new pins from hanging on 
the pulley guard during slide pack release. For Group 3 through 15 
airplanes, the modification includes removing the slide packs and 
replacing the cover release pin cable assemblies with new assemblies 
containing high-strength pins. For Groups 4, 6, 8, and 10 airplanes, 
the modification includes removing the cable guard brackets from the 
door 3 ramp packs.

[[Page 53310]]

    We also have reviewed and approved Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-25-3307, dated November 21, 2002, which describes 
procedures for modification of the cable release sliders of the escape 
slide/raft pack assembly. The modification includes overhaul or 
replacement of the cable release sliders with new sliders and 
installation of washers on the outboard pack cover. This service 
bulletin is to be done prior to or concurrent with Service Bulletin 
747-25-3274.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

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 bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between Service Information and This Proposed AD

    Although the service bulletins recommend accomplishment of the 
modifications at the earliest time when manpower and parts are 
available, or at the next scheduled slide overhaul/maintenance, 
respectively, we have determined that a specific compliance time is 
needed to ensure that the identified unsafe condition is addressed in a 
timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this 
proposed AD, we considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, 
but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, and the average utilization of the affected fleet. 
Considering these factors, we find that a 36-month compliance time for 
completing the proposed actions is warranted, in that this represents 
an appropriate interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to 
continue to operate without compromising safety.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 592 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 187 airplanes of U.S. registry would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 2 work hours per escape slide to 
accomplish the proposed modification of the escape slide/raft pack 
assembly, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost between $13,980 and $48,940 per slide. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the modification of the escape slide/raft 
pack assembly proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
between $14,110 and $49,070 per slide.
    Should an operator be required to accomplish the overhaul of the 
cable release sliders, it would take approximately 2 work hours to 
accomplish the proposed overhaul, at an average labor rate of $65 per 
work hour. Required parts cost would be negligible. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the overhaul of the cable release sliders 
proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $130 per 
slider.
    Should an operator be required to accomplish the replacement of the 
cable release sliders, it would take approximately 1 work hour to 
accomplish the proposed replacement, at an average labor rate of $65 
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $2,940 per 
slider. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement of 
the cable release sliders proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $3,005 per slider.
    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:

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 2001-NM-213-AD.

    Applicability: All Model 747SP, 747SR, 747-100, -100B, -100BSUD, 
-200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) 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 prevent improper deployment of the escape slide/raft or 
blockage of the passenger/crew doors in the event of an emergency 
evacuation, which could result in injury to passengers or 
crewmembers, accomplish the following:

Modification

    (a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the escape slide/raft pack assembly (includes removing the slide 
packs, replacing the cover release pin cable assemblies with new 
assemblies, and removing the pulley guard bracket, as applicable), 
per Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3274, Revision 
1, dated January 9, 2003.
    (b) Prior to or concurrent with accomplishment of paragraph (a) 
of this AD:

[[Page 53311]]

Modify the cable release sliders of the escape slide/raft pack 
assembly (includes overhauling or replacing the cable release 
sliders and installing washers on the outboard pack cover, as 
applicable), per Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-
3307, dated November 21, 2002.

Part Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no one may install, on 
any airplane, a pin cable assembly with a part number listed in the 
``Existing Part Number'' column of the table in Appendix A of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3274, Revision 1, dated 
January 9, 2003.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

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

Special Flight Permit

    (e) 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 September 4, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-22992 Filed 9-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P