[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 43 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11156-11158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1983]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-213-AD; Amendment 39-14479; AD 2006-03-15]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Boeing Model 747SP, 747SR, 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, 
-200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series airplanes, that requires 
modification of the escape slide/raft pack assembly and cable release 
sliders, as applicable. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
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: Effective April 10, 2006.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 10, 2006.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Ladderud, 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) 917-6435; fax (425) 917-6590.

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 all Boeing Model 747SP, 747SR, 
747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series 
airplanes, was published as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on August 23, 2005 (70 FR 
49207). That action proposed to require modification of the escape 
slide/raft pack assembly and cable release sliders, as applicable.

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 Change Paragraph (a)(1)

    One commenter, the manufacturer, disagrees with the language 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) of the supplemental NPRM as written. The 
commenter reiterates that paragraph and states that it disagrees with 
the content. The commenter states that, if Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
25-2666, Revision 2, dated April 24, 2003; and Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 25-238, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2003; have been 
incorporated, the Door 3 ramp slide pack (two-piece slide) will have 
been replaced with a one-piece slide pack, which does not have the 
cable assemblies addressed by Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3274, 
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2004 (referenced in the supplemental 
NPRM for accomplishing certain actions). The one-piece slides installed 
by Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-238 are specified in that service 
bulletin.
    We agree with the commenter and have revised paragraph (a)(1) (re-
identified as paragraph (a)(2) of the final rule) as follows: ``For 
airplanes on which the modification of Door 3, as specified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-2666, Revision 2; and 
Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-238, Revision 1; has been accomplished: No 
further action is required for Door 3 only.''

Request To Exclude Certain Airplanes From the Applicability

    One commenter asks that we change the applicability section 
specified in the supplemental NPRM. The commenter states that not all 
the airplanes listed in the applicability section are equipped with the 
affected escape slide/raft pack assembly components. The commenter 
notes that it operates several Model 747-100 series airplanes that do 
not have the affected equipment installed. The commenter adds that 
those airplanes were originally designed and manufactured with the cool 
gas generator escape slide inflation system, which does not include the 
affected escape slide/raft pack assembly components. Additionally, 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3274 does not include 
those airplanes in the effectivity, nor does it include procedures for 
those airplanes. The commenter asks that the applicability section be 
changed to be similar to that in AD 2004-03-17, amendment 39-13461 (69 
FR 6536, February 11, 2004), which includes both the affected airplane 
models and those equipped with affected components.
    We agree with the commenter and have changed the applicability 
section in this AD to exclude those airplanes that do not have the 
affected equipment installed, as follows: ``Model 747SP, 747SR, 747-
100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category; equipped with an escape slide/raft pack 
assembly; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
747-25-3274, Revision 3, dated December 16, 2004.''
    Another commenter asks that the final rule include a statement to 
the effect that Model 747 airplanes converted to the all-cargo 
configuration by any FAA-approved modification are excluded from 
accomplishing the modification of the slide required by the AD on any 
main door that has had the slide removed. The commenter suggests that 
this would reduce the number of requests submitted to the FAA for 
alternative methods of compliance (AMOC), thus reducing the use of FAA 
resources. The commenter also states that airplanes on which the escape 
slides for the upper deck crew door have been removed, in accordance 
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01539SE, should be excluded 
from the applicability section of the AD.
    We agree with the commenter that airplanes with an FAA-approved 
modification of the main doors that have the slides removed are not 
affected by the unsafe condition and should not be subject to this AD. 
Therefore, we have changed the applicability section in this AD to 
specify airplanes ``equipped with an escape slide raft/pack assembly'; 
which, in turn, excludes airplanes on which the escape slides for the 
upper deck crew door have been removed in accordance with STC 
ST01539SE.

[[Page 11157]]

Revised Service Information

    After the supplemental NPRM was issued, Boeing released Service 
Bulletin 747-25-3274, Revision 4, dated February 23, 2006. We have 
reviewed the service bulletin and it is substantially similar to 
Revision 3, which was referred to in the supplemental NPRM as the 
acceptable source of service information for accomplishing the actions 
specified in paragraph (a)(1). We have revised paragraph (a)(1) of this 
AD to refer to Revision 4 of the service bulletin as the acceptable 
source of service information for accomplishing the actions, and to 
give credit for accomplishing the actions specified in Revision 3 
before the effective date of this AD.

Clarification of AMOC Paragraph

    We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure 
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

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. These changes will neither increase the economic burden on 
any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 592 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 187 airplanes of U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 2 work hours per escape slide to 
accomplish the new modification of the escape slide/raft pack assembly, 
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
between $8,354 and $30,688 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the modification of the escape slide/raft pack assembly 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be between 
$1,586,508 and $5,762,966, or between $8,484 and $30,818 per airplane.
    Should an operator be required to accomplish the overhaul of the 
cable release sliders, it will take approximately 2 work hours to 
accomplish the overhaul, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Required parts cost will be negligible. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the overhaul of the cable release sliders in this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $130 per escape slide and $260 per 
airplane.
    Should an operator be required to accomplish the replacement of the 
cable release sliders, it will take approximately 1 work hour to 
accomplish the replacement, at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,940 per escape slide. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement of the cable 
release sliders in this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,005 
per escape slide or $6,010 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. 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.
    We are issuing this rulemaking 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 
rulemaking action.

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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2006-03-15 Boeing: Amendment 39-14479. Docket 2001-NM-213-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747SP, 747SR, 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -
200B, -200C, -200F, and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any 
category; equipped with an escape slide/raft pack assembly; as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3274, Revision 4, dated 
February 23, 2006.
    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: 
Accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (1) 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 cable guard 
bracket, as applicable). Do the modification in accordance with 
Boeing Service Bulletin

[[Page 11158]]

747-25-3274, Revision 4, dated February 23, 2006. Previously 
accomplishing the modification in accordance with Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3274, Revision 1, dated January 9, 
2003; Revision 2, dated August 26, 2004; or Revision 3, dated 
December 16, 2004; is acceptable for compliance with this paragraph, 
except as specified in paragraph 1.D, ``Description'', of Revision 4 
of the service bulletin.
    (2) For airplanes on which the modification of Door 3, as 
specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-2666, 
Revision 2; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-238, Revision 1; has 
been accomplished: No further action is required for Door 3 only.

Concurrent Modification

    (b) For Groups 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 airplanes: 
Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph (a) of 
this AD, modify the outboard cover panel of the cable release 
sliders of the floor-mounted upper deck slide pack assembly, as 
specified in Figure 2 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3307, 
Revision 2, dated July 8, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be 
done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3274, 
Revision 4, dated February 23, 2006; and Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-25-3307, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2004; as applicable. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. To get copies of this service information, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. 
To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or to the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 10, 2006.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 24, 2006.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1983 Filed 3-3-06; 8:45 am]
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