[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13541-13543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5724]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0219; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-228-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -
200CB, and -300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD would require modifying the 
door latch fittings and witness mark placards of the off-wing escape 
slide systems; and for certain airplanes, replacing the bearings and 
lockbase retainer in the door latch assembly, relocating and adjusting 
of the sensor target and the sensor proximity switch, and testing to 
ensure positive door locking and corrective action if necessary. For 
certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require installing a 
bumper assembly and placards. This proposed AD was prompted by reports 
of in-flight loss of the off-wing escape slide. We are proposing this 
AD to prevent in-flight loss of the off-wing escape slide, which could 
result in the unavailability of the escape slide during a time-critical 
evacuation. Additionally, the departed slide could cause damage to the 
fuselage, wing, flaps, or stabilizer, which could degrade flight 
control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 28, 2011.

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: Deliver to Mail address above 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. 
O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; phone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; e-mail: [email protected]; 
Internet: ttps:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly DeVoe, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6495; fax: 425-917-6590; 
e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0219; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-228-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

    Since May 2005, four operators have reported seven events of in-
flight loss of the off-wing escape slides. The off-wing escape slides 
did not inflate in flight. Due to latching failures of the compartment 
doors for the off-wing escape slides, in-flight maneuvering resulted in 
the departure of the slides from the airplane. The loss of the off-wing 
escape slide could result in the unavailability of the escape slide 
during a time-critical evacuation. Additionally, the departed slide 
could cause damage to the fuselage, wing, flaps, or stabilizer, which 
could degrade flight control.

Related Rulemaking

    To address the in-flight loss of the off-wing escape slide we 
issued AD 99-17-20, Amendment 39-11266 (64 FR 45436, August 20, 1999), 
which was based on Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 1, 
dated June 12, 1997; and Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, dated 
January 21, 1999. AD 99-17-20 requires modification of the door latch 
system on the off-wing escape slide compartment and installation of a 
bumper assembly on the bottom of the off-wing escape slide carriers on 
certain Model 757-200 and -300 series airplanes. However, it has been 
shown through service history that more corrective actions, in addition 
to AD 99-17-20, are needed to correct the unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, 
dated October 16, 2008. This service bulletin describes procedures for 
modifying the forward and aft door latch fittings for the left and 
right off-wing escape slide systems and modifying the witness mark 
placards on the maintenance access door frames for the left and right 
off-wing escape slide systems. Additionally, this service bulletin 
specifies that the following

[[Page 13542]]

three service bulletins should be done before or at the same time as 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, dated October 
16, 2008.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 
2001, specifies, for airplanes that have not been retrofitted using 
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, dated October 10, 1996; or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 1, dated June 12, 1997; 
procedures to modify the door latch system of the left and right off-
wing emergency evacuation slide systems. The modification includes 
replacing the bearings and lockbase retainer in the compartment door 
latch assembly with new bearings and a new lockbase retainer, and 
relocating and adjusting the sensor target and the sensor proximity 
switch to forward locations on the evacuation slide compartment doors. 
For airplanes that have been retrofitted, Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001, specifies testing to 
determine that the compartment door sensor, as retrofitted, provides an 
accurate indication of the door lock condition. For airplanes on which 
the test indicates that the compartment door is not locking positively, 
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 
2001, specifies that the installed target is replaced with a new target 
and the switch is remounted on the new bracket.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, Revision 1, dated August 3, 
2000 (for Model 757-200 and -200CB series airplanes); and Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0219, dated August 3, 2000 
(for Model 757-300 series airplanes); specify installing a bumper 
assembly on the left and right off-wing slide carriers, and installing 
new witness mark and instruction placards in the area of the 
maintenance access door.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 451 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                         Cost per
              Action                     Labor cost        Parts cost    product       Cost on U.S. operators
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Modification of fittings and        7 work-hours x $85         $1,365       $1,960  $883,960.
 placards: Service Bulletin (SB)     per hour = $595.
 757-25-0298.
Modification: Service Bulletin 757- 40 work-hours x $85        $2,786       $6,186  $1,880,544
 25-0182.                            per hour = $3,400.                             (304 airplanes).
Test: Service Bulletin 757-25-0182  2 work-hours x $85             $0         $170  $76,670.
                                     per hour = $170.
Bumper assembly and placards        4 work-hours x $85           $457         $797  $272,574
 installation: Service Bulletin      per hour = $340.                               (342 airplanes).
 757-25-0200.
Bumper assembly and placards        4 work-hours x $85           $457         $797  $0
 installation: Service Bulletin      per hour = $340.                               (0 airplanes).
 757-25-0219.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed test. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements.

                           On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
            Action                Labor cost     Parts cost    product
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Replacement and remount; SB    4 work-hours x        $2,786       $3,126
 757-25-0182.                   $85 per hour =
                                $340.
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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 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 this 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

[[Page 13543]]

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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0219; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-228-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by April 28, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) Certain requirements of this AD affect certain requirements 
of AD 99-17-20, Amendment 39-11266.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, 
and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0298, 
dated October 16, 2008; with off-wing escape slide systems 
installed.

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment and Furnishings.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight loss of the 
off-wing escape slide. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight 
loss of the off-wing escape slide, which could result in the 
unavailability of the escape slide during a time-critical 
evacuation. Additionally, the departed slide could cause damage to 
the fuselage, wing, flaps, or stabilizer, which could degrade flight 
control.

Compliance

    (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Modification

    (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the door latch fittings and witness mark placards of the left and 
right off-wing escape slide systems, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-25-0298, dated October 16, 2008.

Concurrent Actions

    (h) Concurrently with or before accomplishing the actions 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, do the applicable actions 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have not been modified by Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-25-0182, dated October 10, 1996; or Revision 1, dated 
June 12, 1997; as of the effective date of this AD: Modify the door 
latch system of the left and right off-wing emergency evacuation 
slide systems, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 
2001.
    (2) For airplanes that have been modified by Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-25-0182, dated October 10, 1996; or Revision 1, dated 
June 12, 1997; as of the effective date of this AD: Do a test to 
verify that the modified compartment door sensor provides an 
accurate indication of the door lock condition, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-
0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001. If the test indicates that 
the compartment door is not locking positively, concurrently with or 
before accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD, replace the target and remount the switch on the new bracket, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-25-0182, Revision 2, dated January 11, 2001.
    (i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-
0200, Revision 1, dated August 3, 2000: Concurrently with or before 
accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
install a bumper assembly on the left and right off-wing escape 
slide carriers, and install new placards in the area of the 
maintenance access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, Revision 1, 
dated August 3, 2000.
    (j) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-25-0219, dated August 3, 2000: Concurrently with or 
before accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, install a bumper assembly on the left and right off-wing escape 
slide carriers, and install new placards in the area of the 
maintenance access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-
0219, dated August 3, 2000.

Terminating Action for Paragraph (a)(1) of AD 99-17-20

    (k) Actions done in accordance with paragraph (h)(1) of this AD 
terminate the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of AD 99-17-20.

Terminating Action for Paragraph (a)(2) of AD 99-17-20

    (l) Actions done in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD 
terminate the corresponding requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of AD 
99-17-20.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance with Previous Service 
Information

    (m) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0200, dated January 
21, 1999, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (n)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

Related Information

    (o) For more information about this AD, contact Kimberly DeVoe, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6495; 
fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].
    (p) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; phone: 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; e-mail: 
[email protected]; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-5724 Filed 3-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P