[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 221 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64802-64805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28494]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-91-AD; Amendment 39-13366; AD 2003-03-15 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas 
Transport Category Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas transport 
category airplanes, that currently 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. 
The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent incapacitation 
of the flightcrew due to lack of oxygen, which could result in loss of 
control of the airplane. This amendment removes certain requirements 
for certain airplanes and revises the direction to the flightcrew to 
don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step when the cabin altitude 
warning occurs, rather than ``when the cabin altitude warning horn 
sounds.'' This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective December 22, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this admendment 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) 917-6465; fax (425) 917-6590.
    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) by revising AD 2003-03-15, 
amendment 39-13039 (68 FR 4892, January 31, 2003), which is applicable 
to various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes, 
was published in the Federal Register on July 9, 2003 (68 FR 40823). 
That action proposed to revise the wording of the existing AD to remove 
reference to the word ``Emergency'' when specifying ``Crew Oxygen 
Mask--ON/100%.'' That action also proposed to revise the existing AD to 
specify that the words ``If the cabin altitude warning occurs'' be used 
rather than the words, ``If 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.

Request To Revise the Applicability of the Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM)

    One commenter notes that the existing AD requires flightcrew action 
to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step, ``when the cabin 
altitude warning horn sounds,'' and that the NPRM proposes to revise 
the wording to ``when the cabin altitude warning occurs.'' The 
commenter suggests that, since the NPRM addresses those airplanes that 
may not have a warning horn, it should exclude those airplanes that do 
not have warning horns.
    The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. For those 
airplanes that are equipped with warning horns, we are not changing the 
AFM revision required by AD 2003-13-15. While no further action is 
required by this revised AD for those airplanes, it is still necessary 
for this AD to apply to them to continue to require the appropriate AFM 
revision.

Request To Clarify Table 2

    One commenter notes that Table 2 of the NPRM does not address 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 series airplanes, as currently specified 
in AD 2003-03-15. The commenter assumes that the information for Model 
DC-8 series airplanes should also be included in Table 2 of the NPRM.
    We agree with the commenter. Although those airplanes were included 
in the applicability of the NPRM, we inadvertently did not include 
Model DC-8 series airplanes in Table 2 of the NPRM. We have revised 
Table 2 of the AD to include those airplanes in this AD.

Editorial Changes

    In Table 2 of paragraph (a) of the NPRM, we noted several instances 
where the word ``mask'' should have been plural. We have revised the AD 
to reflect the word ``masks.''

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. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Changes to Labor Rate

    After the NPRM was issued, we reviewed the figures we use to 
calculate the labor rate to do the required actions. To account for 
various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it 
appropriate to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from 
$60 per work hour to $65 per work hour. The economic impact 
information, below, has been revised to reflect this increase in the 
specified hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 6,956 airplanes (5,179 Boeing airplanes and 
1,777 McDonnell Douglas airplanes) of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 3,601 airplanes (2,392 Boeing 
airplanes and 1,209 McDonnell Douglas airplanes) of U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $234,065, or $65 per 
airplane.

[[Page 64803]]

    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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-13039 (68 FR 4892, 
January 31, 2003), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
amendment 39-13366, to read as follows:

2003-03-15 R1 Transport Category Airplanes: Amendment 39-13366. 
Docket 2003-NM-91-AD. Revises AD 2003-03-15, Amendment 39-13039.

    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.
                                   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 (C-9A, C-9B) airplanes.
                                   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:

[[Page 64804]]



                                             Table 2.--AFM Revisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For--                               Replace--               With the information 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  Figure 2 of this AD.
 airplanes.                                       (With airplane altitude
                                                  above 14,000 feet
                                                  M.S.L.).
                                                 PRIMARY.................
                                                 Oxygen Masks &
                                                  Regulators--ON, 100%''.
------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 747-     ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION  Figure 3 of this AD.
 100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-      (With airplane altitude
 200F, 747-200C, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP        above 14,000 feet
 series airplanes.                                M.S.L.).
                                                 RECALL..................
                                                 Oxygen Masks &
                                                  Regulators--ON, 100%''.
------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-  ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION  Figure 4 of this AD.
 21, DC-8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-   Phase I and II..........
 42, DC-8-43, DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-8F-  Crew oxygen masks--ON''.
 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.
------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-  ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/    Figure 5 of this AD.
 13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9- 21, DC-9-  EMERGENCY DESCENT.
 31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-   Phase I and II..........
 32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F,  Manual Pressurization
 DC-9-41, and DC-9-51 airplanes.                  Control.
                                                 FULL FORWARD AND
                                                  MANUALLY LOCKED.
                                                 Note: Manual
                                                  Pressurization control
                                                  forces may be high,
                                                  apply forces as
                                                  required.
                                                 Crew Oxygen Masks--ON''.
------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-   ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/    Figure 6 of this AD.
 82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87),    EMERGENCY DESCENT.
 and MD-88 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 DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-    ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/ Figure 8 of this AD.
 15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A,      EMERGENCY DESCENT.
 KDC-10), 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 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.

[[Page 64805]]

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%''
 

    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/RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION

Phase I and II
If the cabin altitude warning occurs:

Crew oxygen masks                           ON/100%''
 

    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/RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY DESCENT

Phase I and II
If a cabin altitude warning occurs:

Crew Oxygen Masks                           ON/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 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/RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY DESCENT

Phase I and II

If the cabin altitude warning occurs:

Crew Oxygen Masks                           ON/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 DEPRESSURIZATION

If the cabin altitude warning occurs:

OXY MASKS.................................  ON/100%''
 

    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.

``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY DESCENT

Recall

If the cabin altitude warning occurs:

Oxygen Masks..............................  ON/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 occurs:

                               Memory Item
 
 
 
Oxygen Masks..............................  ON/100%
Outflow Valve.............................  Verify Closed''
 

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

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, or the Manager, Los Angles 
ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance 
(AMOCs) for this AD.

Effective Date

    (c) This amendment becomes effective on December 22, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 7, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-28494 Filed 11-14-03; 8:45 am]
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