[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 53 (Tuesday, March 18, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14405-14408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5373]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0302; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-323-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER 
Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and 
-400ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an 
inspection to determine if the door-mounted escape slide/rafts have 
certain part numbers. For those door-mounted escape slide/rafts having 
certain part numbers, the existing AD also currently requires an 
inspection for excessive tension of the firing cable, and procedures 
for providing slack in the firing cable or rerouting the firing cable 
if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require a 
review of the airplane maintenance records to determine if a certain 
service bulletin has been incorporated, or an inspection to determine 
if certain door-mounted escape slide/rafts are installed. This proposed 
AD would also require modification of certain escape slide/rafts. This 
proposed AD results from reports of uncommanded inflation inside the 
airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in the passenger 
compartment. We are

[[Page 14406]]

proposing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance personnel, 
passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating conditions and 
to prevent interference with evacuation of the airplane during an 
emergency, due to uncommanded inflation of a door-mounted escape slide/
raft.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 2, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

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 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6435; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0302; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-323-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On June 7, 2005, we issued AD 2005-12-14, amendment 39-14130 (70 FR 
34638, June 15, 2005), for certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -
400ER series airplanes. That AD requires an inspection to determine if 
the door-mounted escape slide/rafts have certain part numbers. For 
those door-mounted escape slide/rafts having certain part numbers, that 
AD also requires an inspection for excessive tension of the firing 
cable, and procedures for providing slack in the firing cable or 
rerouting the firing cable if necessary. That AD resulted from reports 
of uncommanded inflation inside the airplane of a door-mounted escape 
slide/raft located in the passenger compartment. We issued that AD to 
prevent injury to maintenance personnel, passengers, and crew during 
otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent interference with 
evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due to uncommanded 
inflation of a door-mounted escape slide/raft.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2005-12-14 specified that we considered the 
requirements ``interim action'' and that the manufacturer was 
developing a modification to address the unsafe condition. That AD 
explained that we might consider further rulemaking if a modification 
is developed, approved, and available. The manufacturer now has 
developed such a modification, and we have determined that further 
rulemaking is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from that 
determination. Boeing has issued Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, 
Revision 1, dated January 25, 2007, to provide instructions for 
accomplishing the modification.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
25A0395. For Group 1 and 2 airplanes, the service bulletin describes 
procedures for doing either a records verification to determine if 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0266 has been incorporated, or a general 
visual inspection to determine if any door-mounted escape slide/raft 
having part number (P/N) 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is 
installed. For Group 1 and 2 airplanes, the service bulletin also 
describes procedures for doing the corrective action, which is to 
modify the escape slide/rafts, if Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0266 
has been incorporated or if P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 
5A3295-3 is installed. For Group 3, 4, 5 and 6 airplanes, the service 
bulletin describes procedures for modifying the door-mounted escape 
slide/rafts. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
    The service bulletin refers to Goodrich Service Bulletin 5A3294/
5A3295-25-362, dated July 25, 2006, as an additional source of service 
information for modifying a door-mounted escape slide/raft by replacing 
the firing cable with a longer cable and testing the regulator valve of 
the inflation trigger system for the door-mounted escape slide/raft.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other products of the 
same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which 
would supersede AD 2005-12-14 and would retain the requirements of the 
existing AD. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the 
actions specified in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,225 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 355 airplanes of 
U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2005-12-14 and retained in this 
proposed AD take up to about 6 work hours per airplane, at an average 
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated 
cost of the currently required actions for U.S. operators is $170,400, 
or is $480 per airplane.
    The new proposed actions would take up to about 6 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The parts 
manufacturer states that it will supply the required parts to operators 
at no cost. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the new

[[Page 14407]]

actions specified in this proposed AD for U.S. operators is $170,400, 
or $480 per airplane.

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 
removing amendment 39-14130 (70 FR 34638, June 15, 2005) and adding the 
following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2008-0302; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
323-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 2, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-12-14.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with door-
mounted escape slide/rafts.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of uncommanded inflation inside 
the airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in the 
passenger compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent injury to 
maintenance personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal 
operating conditions and to prevent interference with evacuation of 
the airplane during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation of a 
door-mounted escape slide/raft.

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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2005-12-14

Inspection for Part Numbers (P/Ns)

    (f) Within 30 days after June 30, 2005 (the effective date of AD 
2005-12-14), accomplish the actions in either paragraph (f)(1) or 
(f)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Perform a one-time inspection to determine if any Goodrich 
door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 
5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If no slide/raft having any of 
those part numbers is installed, no further action is required by 
this paragraph, except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this 
AD.
    (2) Perform a one-time check of the airplane maintenance records 
to determine if any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having 
P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If it 
can be conclusively determined from the airplane maintenance records 
that no slide/raft having any of those part numbers is installed, no 
further action is required by this AD, except for the requirements 
of paragraph (j) of this AD.

Inspection for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable

    (g) If any door-mounted escape slide/raft with any part number 
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD is installed: Within 30 days 
after June 30, 2005, perform a tension check on the firing cable of 
the slide/raft, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. If no excessive tension is 
detected, no further action is required by this AD, except for the 
requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.

    Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 
2005, references Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 5A3294/5A3295-
25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an additional source of service 
information.

Corrective Action for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable

    (h) If any excessive tension of the firing cable is detected, 
before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions in 
accordance with the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated 
May 13, 2005.

Previous Accomplishment

    (i) Inspections of the firing cables for excessive tension in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 
13, 2005, that were accomplished before June 30, 2005, are 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD, provided that any applicable corrective action was 
completed.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of June 30, 2005, no person may install on any airplane 
any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 
5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3, unless the tension of the firing 
cable has been checked and the applicable corrective action 
completed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, or the escape slide/raft has been 
repacked in accordance with Goodrich Packing Instructions, 
Evacuation Slide/Raft, Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 
2005; Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, 
Document 501637, Revision E, dated May 16, 2005; or Goodrich Packing 
Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision 
D, dated May 16, 2005; as applicable.

New Requirements of This AD

Modification

    (k) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-25A0395, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2007: Within 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD, do the applicable actions 
specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, by accomplishing 
all of the applicable actions specified in the service bulletin.
    (1) For Group 1 and 2 airplanes as identified in the service 
bulletin: Review the airplane maintenance records to determine if 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0266 has been incorporated, or do a 
general visual inspection to determine if any door-mounted escape 
slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is 
installed, and before further flight do all the

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applicable corrective actions. Doing the inspection before the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD is acceptable for compliance with the inspection specified 
in this paragraph.
    (2) For Group 3, 4, 5, and 6 airplanes as identified in the 
service bulletin: Modify the escape slide/rafts.

    Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, Revision 1, 
refers to Goodrich Service Bulletin 5A3294/5A3295-25-362, dated July 
25, 2006, as an additional source of service information for 
modifying a door-mounted escape slide/raft.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) 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.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-12-14, 
amendment 39-14130, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-5373 Filed 3-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P