[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 102 (Tuesday, May 29, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29452-29455]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10239]



[[Page 29452]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28299; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-139-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 
747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300 
Series Airplanes; Equipped with Certain Goodrich Evacuation Systems

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 
747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 
747SP series airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes 
equipped with certain Goodrich evacuation systems. For certain 
airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing the evacuation 
systems shear-pin restraints with new ones. For certain other 
airplanes, this proposed AD would require an inspection for 
manufacturing lot numbers; and a general visual inspection of the 
shear-pin restraints for discrepancies, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD results from several reports of corroded 
shear-pin restraints that prevented Goodrich evacuation systems from 
deploying properly. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the 
evacuation system, which could impede an emergency evacuation and 
increase the chance of injury to passengers and flightcrew during the 
evacuation.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 13, 2007.

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.
     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.
    Contact Goodrich, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical 
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040-1169, for the 
service information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Ton, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5352; fax (562) 
627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Include the docket number ``FAA-
2007-28299; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-139-AD'' at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    We have received several reports indicating that Goodrich 
evacuation systems have not deployed properly on certain Boeing Model 
747 and 767 airplanes due to corroded shear-pin restraints. The 
corrosion problem arose concurrently with a 1998 change in the anodize 
specification for restraint bodies. Corrosion of the shear-pin 
restraints, if not corrected, could lead to higher than designed 
release values, and in severe cases, could cause the two halves of the 
restraints to freeze up, which could lead to improper deployment and/or 
loss of use of the evacuation system. That loss could impede passengers 
during an emergency evacuation and increase the chance of injury to 
passengers and flightcrew during an evacuation.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    Although there have been no reported deployment difficulties of 
certain Goodrich evacuation systems installed as a technical standard 
order (TSO) appliance on certain Airbus and McDonnell Douglas transport 
category airplanes, and certain Boeing Model 737 and 777 airplanes, the 
Goodrich evacuation systems installed on those airplanes use the same 
shear-pin restraints as those affected evacuation systems installed on 
the Boeing Model 747 and 767 airplanes affected by this proposed AD. 
Therefore, all technical standard ordered and type certificated 
Goodrich evacuation systems are subject to the identified unsafe 
condition. We are planning to issue similar rulemaking (Directorate 
Identifier 2003-NM-239-AD) for certain Goodrich units installed as a 
TSO appliance on certain Airbus, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing Model 
737 and 777 transport category airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343, Revision 3, 
dated January 12, 2007. For certain evacuation systems, the service 
bulletin describes procedures for replacing the shear-pin restraints 
with new, improved restraints. For certain other evacuation systems, 
the service bulletin describes procedures for an inspection to verify 
the manufacturing lot number of the restraints; and a general visual 
inspection of the restraints for discrepancies (i.e., corrosion, 
security of pin retainer/label, overall condition, and lack of play), 
and corrective action if necessary. The corrective action is replacing 
the shear-pin restraints with

[[Page 29453]]

new shear-pin restraints. Accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe 
condition.

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. For this reason, 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 the Service Bulletin.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin

    Although the service bulletin recommends accomplishing the 
replacement or inspection ``at the next shop visit,'' we have 
determined that this imprecise compliance time would not address the 
identified unsafe condition soon enough to ensure an adequate level of 
safety for the affected fleet. In developing an appropriate compliance 
time for this AD, we considered the manufacturer's recommendation, the 
degree of urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the 
average utilization of the affected fleet. In light of all of these 
factors, we find that a compliance time of 36 months represents an 
appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to 
operate without compromising safety. We have coordinated this 
difference with the manufacturer.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,063 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 144 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                           Average
              Action               Work hours per slide   labor rate         Parts           Number of slide     Cost per airplane        Fleet cost
                                           unit            per hour                         units per airplane
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Replacement......................  Between 2 and 9.....          $80  Between $58 and      Between 1 and 12...  Between $218 and     Between $31,392 and
                                                                       $638, depending on                        $16,296.             $2,346,624.
                                                                       number of
                                                                       restraints.
Inspection.......................  Between 2 and 9.....          $80  None...............  Between 1 and 12...  Between $160 and     Between $23,040 and
                                                                                                                 $8,640.              $1,244,160.
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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 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2007-28299; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
139-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 13, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B 
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-
400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and Model 767-200 and -300 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with any 
Goodrich evacuation system listed in Table 1 of this AD.

[[Page 29454]]



                  Table 1.--Goodrich Evacuation Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Goodrich evacuation systems                            Component/part
           part No.                Serial No. (S/N)           name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 101651-303................  PA2475 through PA2955   Slide/Raft,
                                 inclusive.              forward/aft
                                                         doors.
(2) 7A1412-3 through 7A1412-8   GU0154 through GU0325   Slide, upper
 inclusive.                      inclusive.              deck.
(3) 101651-109 through 101651-  All S/Ns with a B51     Slide/Raft,
 303 inclusive.                  prefix, and S/Ns        forward/aft
                                 PA0001 through PA2474   doors.
                                 inclusive.
(4) 7A1101-20 through 7A1101-   All S/Ns with a single  Slide, doors 1
 24 inclusive.                   letter G prefix, and    and 2.
                                 S/Ns GL0001 through
                                 GL0099 inclusive.
(5) 7A1102-20 through 7A1102-   All S/Ns with a single  Slide, door 4.
 24 inclusive.                   letter G prefix, and
                                 S/Ns GN001 through
                                 GN121 inclusive.
(6) Even dash numbers 7A1103-   All even S/Ns with a    Slide, door 5,
 46 through 7A1103-52.           single letter G         right-hand (RH)
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns   side.
                                 GC0002 through GC0128.
(7) Odd dash numbers 7A1103-45  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide, door 5,
 through 7A1103-51.              single letter G         left-hand (LH)
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns    side.
                                 GC0001 through GC0127.
(8) 7A1104-14 through 7A1104-   All S/Ns with a single  Slide, crew
 24 inclusive.                   letter G prefix, and    door.
                                 S/Ns GM0001 through
                                 GM0138 inclusive.
(9) Odd dash numbers 7A1105-35  All...................  Slide, off-wing,
 through 7A1105-43.                                      LH side.
(10) Even dash numbers 7A1105-  All...................  Slide, off-wing,
 36 through 7A1105-44.                                   RH side.
(11) Odd dash numbers 7A1238-3  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide/Raft,
 through 7A1238-69.              single letter G         doors 1, 2, and
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns    4, LH side.
                                 GE0001 through GE2091.
(12) Even dash numbers 7A1238-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide/Raft,
 4 through 7A1238-70.            single letter G         doors 1, 2, and
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns   4, RH side.
                                 GE0002 through GE2076.
(13) Odd dash numbers 7A1239-3  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide/Raft, door
 through 7A1239-33.              single letter G         5, LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 GF0001 through GF0649.
(14) Even dash numbers 7A1239-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide/Raft, door
 4 through 7A1239-34.            single letter G         5, RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 GF0002 through GF0650.
(15) Odd dash numbers 7A1248-1  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide, upper
 through 7A1248-35.              single letter G         deck, LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 GU001 through GU321.
(16) Even dash numbers 7A1248-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide, upper
 2 through 7A1248-36.            single letter G         deck, RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 GU002 through GU662.
(17) Odd dash numbers 7A1252-1  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide, off-wing,
 through 7A1252-9.               single letter G         LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 GO001 through GO505.
(18) Even dash numbers 7A1252-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide, off-wing,
 2 through 7A1252-10.            single letter G         RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 GO002 through GO506.
(19) Odd dash numbers 7A1255-1  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide/Raft, door
 through 7A1255-29.              single letter G         2, LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 WH0001 through WH0139.
(20) Even dash numbers 7A1255-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide/Raft, door
 2 through 7A1255-30.            single letter G         2, RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 WH0002 through WH0136.
(21) Odd dash numbers 7A1256-1  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide/Raft, door
 through 7A1256-29.              single letter G         3, LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 with WI0001 through
                                 WI0143.
(22) Even dash numbers 7A1256-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide/Raft, door
 2 through 7A1256-30.            single letter G         3, RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 WI0002 through WI0144.
(23) Odd dash numbers 7A1257-1  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide/Raft, door
 through 7A1257-29.              single letter G         4, LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 WJ0001 through WJ0167.
(24) Even dash numbers 7A1257-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide/Raft, door
 2 through 7A1257-30.            single letter G         4, RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 WJ0002 through WJ0160.
(25) Odd dash numbers 7A1261-1  All odd S/Ns with a     Slide/Raft, door
 through 7A1261-33.              single letter G         1, LH side.
                                 prefix, and odd S/Ns
                                 WG0001 through WG0165.
(26) Even dash numbers 7A1261-  All even S/Ns with a    Slide/Raft, door
 2 through 7A1261-34.            single letter G         1, RH side.
                                 prefix, and even S/Ns
                                 WG0002 through WG0162.
(27) 7A1412-1 through 7A1412-8  All S/Ns with a single  Slide, upper
 inclusive.                      letter G prefix, and    deck.
                                 S/Ns GU001 through
                                 GU153.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from several reports of corroded shear-pin 
restraints that prevented Goodrich evacuation systems from deploying 
properly. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
evacuation system, which could impede an emergency evacuation and 
increase the chance of injury to passengers and flightcrew during 
the evacuation.

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.

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343, 
Revision 3, dated January 12, 2007.

Replacement, or Inspections and Corrective Action

    (g) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (1) For airplanes equipped with any Goodrich evacuation system 
identified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD: Replace the 
shear-pin restraints with new restraints.
    (2) For airplanes equipped with any Goodrich evacuation system 
identified in paragraphs (c)(3) through (c)(27) of this AD: Do an 
inspection to verify the manufacturing lot number of the shear-pin 
restraint. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this inspection if the manufacturing lot number of the 
shear-pin restraint can be conclusively determined from that review.

[[Page 29455]]

    (i) If a manufacturing lot number from 3375 through 5551 
inclusive is found, before further flight, replace the shear-pin 
restraint with a new restraint.
    (ii) If a manufacturing lot number from 3375 through 5551 
inclusive is not found, do a general visual inspection of the shear-
pin restraints for discrepancies (i.e., corrosion, security of pin 
retainer/label, overall condition, and lack of play). If any 
discrepancy is found, before further flight, replace the shear-pin 
restraint with a new restraint.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no Goodrich evacuation 
system with a part number and serial number identified in paragraph 
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD may be installed on any airplane, unless 
the shear-pin restraints have been replaced with new restraints in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no Goodrich evacuation 
system with a part number and serial number identified in paragraphs 
(c)(3) through (c)(27) of this AD may be installed on any airplane, 
unless the shear-pin restraints have been inspected and found 
acceptable in accordance with paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information

    (j) Replacements and inspections done before the effective date 
of this AD in accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-343, 
dated October 15, 2003; Revision 1, dated January 31, 2005; or 
Revision 2, dated October 11, 2006; are acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 21, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-10239 Filed 5-25-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P