[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 91 (Thursday, May 12, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24994-24997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9469]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 91 / Thursday, May 12, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 24994]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21184; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-111-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes. This proposed AD would require 
modifying the inflation systems of the upper deck escape slides; 
single-piece off-wing escape ramps/slides; two-piece off-wing escape 
slides; and door 1, 2, 4, and 5 escape slides/rafts. This proposed AD 
is prompted by a report of 30- to 60-second delays in the inflation of 
escape slides/rafts. We are proposing this AD to prevent actuation 
delays in the inflation systems of the escape slides/rafts, which could 
result in delayed or failed deployment of escape slides/rafts during 
emergency evacuation of an airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 27, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket 
number is FAA-2005-21184; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-111-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Wren, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6451; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21184; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-111-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that, during testing, an 
operator observed 30- to 60-second delays in the inflation of escape 
slides/rafts on two Boeing Model 747-200B and -400 series airplanes. 
Insufficient margin between regulator internal friction and piston 
actuator force caused the actuation delays in the inflation systems of 
the escape slides/rafts. This condition, if not corrected, could result 
in delayed or failed deployment of escape slides/rafts during emergency 
evacuation of an airplane.
    The inflation systems of the upper deck escape slides; single-piece 
off-wing escape ramps/slides; two-piece off-wing escape slides; and 
door 1, 2, 4, and 5 escape slides/rafts; on certain Model 747-100, -
100B, -100B SUD, -200C, -200F, -300, -400D, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR 
series airplanes are identical to those on the affected Model 747-200B 
and -400 series airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be 
subject to the same unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the following service bulletins:
     For certain Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, 
-200F, -300, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR series airplanes, Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002; and
     For certain Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and -400D 
series airplanes, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232, dated July 6, 
2000.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 describes procedures for 
modifying the inflation systems of the upper deck escape slides; two-
piece off-wing escape

[[Page 24995]]

slides; and door 1, 2, 4, and 5 escape slides/rafts. Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-25-3232 describes procedures for modifying the inflation 
system of the single-piece off-wing escape ramps/slides. For both 
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-25-3279 and 747-25-3232, modification 
includes replacing the plug of the regulator assembly with a pneumatic 
booster assembly, and replacing the lobed cocking arm in the actuator 
assembly with a new cocking arm (not lobed).
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

Additional Sources of Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 refers to the following service 
bulletins as additional sources of service information:
     Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3037-25-327, dated November 
30, 2001, for modifying the inflation systems of the upper deck and 
two-piece off-wing escape slides.
     Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3056-25-331, dated December 
21, 2001; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-332, dated December 
21, 2001; for modifying the inflation systems of the door 1, 2, 4, and 
5 escape slides/rafts.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232 refers to Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 4A3416-25-305, Revision 2, dated October 15, 2001, as an 
additional source of service information for modifying the inflation 
system of the single-piece off-wing escape ramps/slides.

Concurrent Service Bulletins to Additional Sources of Service 
Information

    Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3037-25-327 specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3012/4A3047-
25-256, Revision 1, dated October 27, 1999, for regulator assemblies 
having part numbers (P/N) 4A3047-3 and -4.
    Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3056-25-331 also specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3012/4A3047-
25-256 for regulator assemblies with P/Ns 4A3047 and 4A3047-2.
    Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-332 specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-250, 
Revision 3, dated October 27, 1999, for regulator assemblies with P/Ns 
4A3194-1, -2, and -3.
    BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3012/4A3047-25-256 and BFGoodrich 
Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-250 both describe procedures for replacing 
the actuator assembly with a new actuator assembly; replacing the 
compression spring with a new compression spring; and replacing the 
existing lubricant in the regulator valve with new, improved lubricant 
during overhaul.
    Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3416-25-305 specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of the following service bulletins for a 
regulator assembly having P/N 4A3474-3:
     BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 25-292, Revision 1, dated 
December 19, 1997, which describes procedures for replacing the o-rings 
of the regulator assembly with new, improved o-rings;
     BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 4A3416-25-233, Revision 4, 
dated October 27, 1999, which describes procedures for modifying the 
regulator core; and replacing the existing lubricant in the regulator 
valve with new, improved lubricant during overhaul; and
     BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, Revision 2, 
April 15, 1994, which describes procedures for modifying the reservoir 
assembly of the regulator assembly; and modifying the inflatable 
assembly.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

    Although the Boeing service bulletins recommend accomplishing the 
modification at ``the next scheduled evacuation system overhaul,'' we 
have determined that this imprecise compliance time would not address 
the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, we considered not 
only the manufacturer's recommendation, but also the degree of urgency 
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the average 
utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform 
the modifications. In light of all of these factors, we find a 
compliance time of 36 months for completing the proposed actions to be 
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time for 
affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety. 
This compliance time has been coordinated with the manufacturer.

Cost of Compliance

    There are about 958 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 169 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per 
door, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Number of U.S.-
             Model                Work hours       Parts costs       Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                     airplane        airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -                12  $34,832 (2 each:         $35,612              53      $1,887,436
 200B, and -200C series                          doors 1, 2, 4,
 airplanes, identified as                        5, upper deck,
 Group 1 in Boeing Service                       and two-piece
 Bulletin 747-25-3279.                           off-wing).
747-200B and -300 series                     8  26,368 (2 each:           26,888               4         107,552
 airplanes, identified as                        doors 1, 2, 4,
 Group 2 in Boeing Service                       and 5).
 Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200B series airplanes,                  10  30,600 (2 each:           31,250               1          31,250
 identified as Group 3 in                        doors 1, 2, 4,
 Boeing Service Bulletin 747-                    5, and two-
 25-3279.                                        piece off-wing).

[[Page 24996]]

 
747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -                10  30,600 (2 each:           31,250              17         531,250
 200B, 747SP, and 747SR series                   doors 1, 2, 4,
 airplanes, identified as                        and 5, and
 Group 4 in Boeing Service                       upper deck).
 Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200F and -400F series                    2  4,232 (2 upper             4,362              32         139,584
 airplanes, identified as                        deck doors).
 Group 5 in Boeing Service
 Bulletin 747-25-3279.
747-200B series airplanes,                   2  4,232 (2 two-              4,362               0               0
 identified as Group 6 in                        piece off-wing
 Boeing Service Bulletin 747-                    doors).
 25-3279.
747-400 and -400D series                     2  8,250 (2 single-           8,380              59         494,420
 airplanes, identified in                        piece off-wing
 Boeing Service Bulletin 747-                    doors).
 25-3232.
747-200B series airplanes,                  10  30,600 (2 each:           31,250               3          93,750
 identified as Group 4 in                        doors 1, 2, 4,
 Boeing Service Bulletin 747-                    5, upper deck,
 25-3279 and also identified                     and single-
 in Boeing Service Bulletin                      piece off-wing).
 747-25-3232.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's 
authority.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-21184; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
111-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by June 27, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this 
AD, certificated in any category.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Boeing--                        As identified in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B,  Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
 -200C, -200F, -300, -400F, 747SP, and    3279, Revision 1, dated July
 747SR series airplanes.                  11, 2002.
Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and - Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
 400D series airplanes.                   3232, dated July 6, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of 30-to 60-second delays 
in the inflation of escape slides/rafts. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent actuation delays in the inflation systems of the escape 
slides/rafts, which could result in delayed or failed deployment of 
escape slides/rafts during emergency evacuation of an airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Modification for Upper Deck, Two-Piece Off-Wing, and Door 1, 2, 4, and 
5 Slides and Slide/Rafts

    (f) For Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -
300, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR series airplanes identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2002: 
Within 36

[[Page 24997]]

months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified 
in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, Revision 1, 
dated July 11, 2002.
    (1) Modify the inflation systems of the upper deck and two-piece 
off-wing escape slides.
    (2) Modify the inflation systems of the door 1, 2, 4, and 5 
escape slides/rafts, as applicable.


    Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279 refers to Goodrich 
Service Bulletin 4A3037-25-327, dated November 30, 2001; Goodrich 
Service Bulletin 4A3056-25-331, dated December 21, 2001; and 
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3221-25-332, dated December 21, 2001; as 
additional sources of service information for doing the 
modifications.

Modification for Single-Piece Off-Wing Ramp/Slides

    (g) For Model 747-200B, -200C, -300, -400, and -400D series 
airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232, dated 
July 6, 2000: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
modify the inflation system of the single-piece off-wing escape 
ramps/slides, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
3232, dated July 6, 2000.


    Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3232 refers to Goodrich 
Service Bulletin 4A3416-25-305, Revision 2, dated October 15, 2001, 
as an additional source of service information for doing the 
modification.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, unless the regulator 
assembly of the inflation system has been modified in accordance 
with paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD, as applicable, no person may 
install on any airplane a regulator assembly with any of the 
following part numbers (P/Ns): P/N 4A3047, -2, -3, -4, -5, -8, -9, 
or -10; P/N 4A3194-1, -2, -3, or -4; or P/N 4A3474-3.

Credit for Previous Service Bulletin

    (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3279, dated May 16, 
2002, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-9469 Filed 5-11-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P