[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72576-72579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28883]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-0927; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-172-AD;
Amendment 39-18325; AD 2015-23-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Aerotechnics (Formerly
Intertechnique Aircraft Systems)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Zodiac Aerotechnics (formerly Intertechnique Aircraft Systems)
flightcrew oxygen mask regulators as installed on, but not limited to,
various transport and small airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report
that improper maintenance on oxygen mask regulators was found. This AD
requires the identification and replacement of all potentially affected
units. This AD also requires installation of a placard and revision of
the airplane flight manual to include an operational procedure for use
in case of depressurization. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct affected oxygen mask regulators, which could lead to inadequate
protection to the affected flightcrew against hypoxia.
[[Page 72577]]
Hypoxia can start from a headache and drowsiness and lead eventually to
unconsciousness with severe consequence in terms of airplane
controllability.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 28, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 28,
2015.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0927; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac
Services, Technical Publication Department, Zodiac Aerotechnics, Oxygen
Systems Europe, 61 Rue Pierre Curie--CS20001, 78373 Plaisir Cedex,
France; phone: (33) 01 61 24 23 23; fax: (33) 01 30 55 71 61; email:
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.zodiacaerospace.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2015-0927.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Lucas, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) ANE-150, FAA, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-
238-7170; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Zodiac Aerotechnics
(formerly Intertechnique Aircraft Systems) flightcrew oxygen mask
regulators as installed on, but not limited to, various transport and
small airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April
22, 2015 (80 FR 22438).
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0254R1, dated December 21, 2012 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Zodiac
Aerotechnics (formerly Intertechnique Aircraft Systems) flightcrew
oxygen mask regulators as installed on, but not limited to, various
transport and small airplanes. The MCAI states:
In a repair station, improper maintenance on [flightcrew] oxygen
mask regulators was reported to Intertechnique: during an inspection
of the oxygen test bench by its manufacturer, incorrect settings
were noticed. This test bench setting discrepancy on the oxygen mask
regulator could cause an improper mask dilution schedule.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead, in
case of a diversion above 10,000 feet after a depressurization
event, to the inhalation of air with improper content of oxygen, due
to the bad dilution settings, thereby providing inadequate
protection to the affected flightcrew member against hypoxia, which
can start from a headache and drowsiness and lead eventually to
unconsciousness with severe consequence in term of aeroplane
controllability.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
identification and replacement of all potentially affected units.
This [EASA] AD also requires installation of a placard and [a
revision to the airplane flight manual to include] * * * an
operational procedure [in case of depressurization] pending
replacement of the affected units.
* * * * *
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0927-0004.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (80
FR 22438, April 22, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Boeing concurred with the contents of the NPRM.
Request To Revise the Air Transport Association (ATA) Code
Horizon Air requested that we change the ATA code specified in
paragraph (d) of the proposed AD (80 FR 22438, April 22, 2015) to
``35.'' The commenter stated that the correct ATA code for oxygen is
ATA 35.
We agree with the commenter because this AD addresses an unsafe
condition for certain oxygen mask regulators. We have removed the ATA
code of ``28'' and instead we have referred to ATA code ``35'' in
paragraph (d) of this AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (80 FR 22438, April 22, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 22438, April 22, 2015).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Zodiac Services has issued Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-
SBU-35-001, Revision 1, dated December 3, 2012. The service information
describes procedures for the identification and replacement of all
potentially affected units. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $225 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $6,240, or $480 per product.
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.
[[Page 72578]]
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0927; 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 AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2015-23-09 Zodiac Aerotechnics (formerly Intertechnique Aircraft
Systems): Amendment 39-18325. FAA-2015-0927; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-172-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 28, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Zodiac Aerotechnics (formerly Intertechnique
Aircraft Systems) flightcrew oxygen mask regulators having part
number MC10, MF10, and MF20 series, with serial numbers listed in
Appendix 1 of Zodiac Services Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001,
Revision 1, dated December 3, 2012. These oxygen mask regulators are
installed on various transport and small airplanes, certificated in
any category, including, but not limited to, the airplanes of the
manufacturers specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3),
(c)(4), (c)(5), (c)(6), and (c)(7) of this AD. An oxygen mask
regulator having part number MC10-04-127 with serial number 48573 is
affected only if it is part of part number MSE101-27 with serial
number 7521.
(1) Airbus.
(2) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional.
(3) The Boeing Company.
(4) Bombardier, Inc.
(5) Cessna Aircraft Company.
(6) Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.
(7) Gulfstream Aerospace LP.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that improper maintenance on
oxygen mask regulators was found. During an inspection of the oxygen
test bench, incorrect settings were noticed. This test bench setting
discrepancy on the oxygen mask regulator could cause an improper
mask dilution schedule. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
affected oxygen mask regulators, which could lead, in case of mask
usage at or above 10,000 feet after a depressurization event, to the
inhalation of air with improper content of oxygen, due to the bad
dilution settings, thereby providing inadequate protection to the
affected flightcrew against hypoxia. Hypoxia can start from a
headache and drowsiness and lead eventually to unconsciousness with
severe consequence in terms of airplane controllability.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect each
flightcrew oxygen mask regulator to identify the part number and
serial number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1, dated
December 3, 2012. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable to make the determination as specified in this paragraph,
provided those records can be relied upon for that purpose, and each
flightcrew oxygen mask regulator can be conclusively identified from
that review.
(h) Action for Affected Regulators
If the part number and serial number, identified as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, are listed in Appendix 1 of Zodiac
Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1, dated
December 3, 2012, within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2)
of this AD.
(1) Replace each affected flightcrew oxygen mask regulator with
a part identified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (h)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) A serviceable part, not having a part number and serial
number listed in Appendix 1 of Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin
MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1, dated December 3, 2012.
(ii) A part that has been tested and passed the test in
accordance with paragraph 3.A.(4) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1,
dated December 3, 2012.
(2) Do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and
(h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Revise the Emergency Procedures section of the airplane
flight manual (AFM) by inserting the statement provided in figure 1
to paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a
copy of figure 1 to paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD into the AFM.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (h)(2)(i) of This AD
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In case of depressurization, both pilots must use the mask regulator on
100% demand or Emergency mode only.
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Note 1 to paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD: For oxygen over-
consumption, refer to applicable airplane type certificate holder
limitations, if existing, depending on the airplane configuration
and/or flight plan.
Note 2 to paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD: It is the operators'
responsibility to assess the operational consequences of the oxygen
over-consumption and ensure that the operational requirements with
regard to supplemental oxygen and crew protective breathing
equipment are still done. Operators are expected to amend, as
applicable, their operations manual(s) accordingly.
(ii) Fabricate and install a placard on the flightcrew oxygen
mask container that states: ``USE SELECTOR on ``100%'' OR
``EMERGENCY'' ONLY.''
[[Page 72579]]
(i) Regulator Replacement
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already accomplished as specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD,
replace each affected flightcrew oxygen mask regulator identified in
paragraph (h) of this AD with a part identified in paragraph (i)(1)
or (i)(2) of this AD. After replacement of all affected flightcrew
oxygen mask regulators on an airplane, the actions specified in
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD are no longer required, the AFM revision
specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD may be removed from the
AFM, and the placard identified in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this AD
may be removed from the airplane.
(1) A serviceable part, not having a part number and serial
number listed in Appendix 1 of Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin
MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1, dated December 3, 2012.
(2) A part that has been tested and passed the test in
accordance with paragraph 3.A.(4) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1,
dated December 3, 2012.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h)(1)(ii), and (i)(2) of this AD, if those actions
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Zodiac
Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, dated October 25, 2012,
which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(k) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
flightcrew oxygen mask regulator with a part number and serial
number listed in Appendix 1 of Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin
MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1, dated December 3, 2012, on any airplane,
unless the regulator has been tested and passed the test, in
accordance with paragraph 3.A.(4) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision 1,
dated December 3, 2012.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-
150, 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Ian Lucas,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-150,
FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7170; email: [email protected]. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this
AD.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0254R1, dated December 21,
2012, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0927-0004.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin MCF-SBU-35-001, Revision
1, dated December 3, 2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Zodiac Services, Technical Publication Department, Zodiac
Aerotechnics, Oxygen Systems Europe, 61 Rue Pierre Curie--CS20001,
78373 Plaisir Cedex, France; phone: (33) 01 61 24 23 23; fax: (33)
01 30 55 71 61; email: [email protected]; Internet:
http://www.zodiacaerospace.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 3, 2015.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28883 Filed 11-19-15; 8:45 am]
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