[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 18 (Friday, January 27, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5278-5281]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-01465]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0015; Project Identifier AD-2022-01281-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott 
Aviation) Oxygen Cylinder and Valve Assemblies; and Oxygen Valve 
Assemblies

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2022-04-09, which applies to certain AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott 
Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies; and oxygen valve 
assemblies; installed on but not limited to various transport 
airplanes. AD 2022-04-09 requires an inspection of the oxygen valve 
assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the 
serial number; for certain assemblies and parts, a detailed inspection 
of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the 
valve body on the assemblies; and replacement of assemblies having 
unacceptable gaps. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-04-09, the agency 
determined additional assemblies and parts are affected by the unsafe 
condition. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the oxygen 
valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to 
determine the serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire 
assembly. For assemblies and parts with certain serial numbers, this 
proposed AD would require a detailed inspection for correct spacing of 
the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve 
body on the assemblies, and replacement of assemblies having 
unacceptable gaps. This proposed AD would also limit the installation 
of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 13, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0015; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
AVOX Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-
683-5100; internet safranaerosystems.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0015; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-01281-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each

[[Page 5279]]

substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and 
Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-04-09, Amendment 39-21951 (87 FR 10958, 
February 28, 2022) (AD 2022-04-09), for certain AVOX System Inc. 
(formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and 
oxygen valve assemblies, installed on but not limited to various 
transport airplanes. AD 2022-04-09 was prompted by reports of cylinder 
and valve assemblies having oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent 
hole, caused by the absence of a guide that maintains appropriate 
spacing between certain parts. AD 2022-04-09 requires an inspection of 
the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, 
to determine the serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire 
assembly. For assemblies and parts with certain serial numbers, AD 
2022-04-09 requires a detailed inspection for correct spacing of the 
gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve 
body on the assemblies, and replacement of assemblies having 
unacceptable gaps. The agency issued AD 2022-04-09 to address oxygen 
leakage from the cylinder, which could result in decreased or 
insufficient oxygen supply during a depressurization event; and heating 
or flow friction, which could cause an ignition event in the valve 
assembly.

Actions Since AD 2022-04-09 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-04-09, the agency determined 
additional assemblies and parts are affected by the unsafe condition. 
New service information has been issued that expands the population of 
discrepant parts, providing more serial numbers for which to inspect.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following service information, which describes 
procedures for an inspection to determine the serial numbers of the 
oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and the oxygen valve assemblies, 
a detailed inspection for correct spacing of the gap between the bottom 
of the packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies, 
parts marking, inspection report, and return of parts to the 
manufacturer. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different assembly part numbers.
     AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, 
Revision 03, dated June 7, 2021.
     AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 03, dated March 11, 2022.
     AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, 
Revision 03, dated June 18, 2021.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously. This proposed AD would 
limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions and 
require returning the affected parts and sending the inspection results 
to the manufacturer.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 3,034 oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and oxygen valve 
assemblies, installed on various transport category airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 
proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial number inspection.........  1 work-hour x $85     None...................             $85        $257,890
                                    per hour = $85.
Reporting........................  1 work-hour x $85     $0.....................              85         257,890
                                    per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary follow-on 
actions that would be required based on the results of the inspection. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 
need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection...........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85              $0             $85
Replacement...................................  1 work x hour $85 per hour = $85             * 0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts cost for the on-condition replacements.


[[Page 5280]]

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of 
information. All responses to this collection of information are 
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other 
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for 
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 
76177-1524.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

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

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-04-09, Amendment 39-21951 
(87 FR 10958, February 28, 2022), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation): Docket No. FAA-2023-
0015; Project Identifier AD-2022-01281-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by March 13, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-04-09, Amendment 39-21951 (87 FR 10958, 
February 28, 2022) (AD 2022-04-09).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) 
oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies having part number (P/N) 
89794077, 89794015, 891511-14, 806835-01, 807982-01, 808433-01, or 
891311-14; and oxygen valve assemblies (body and gage assemblies) 
having P/N 807206-01. These assemblies might be installed on, but 
not limited to, the aircraft identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through 
(12) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, 
B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (3) Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes.
    (4) Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (5) Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -
132, -133, and -151N airplanes.
    (6) Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -
233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (7) Airbus SAS Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -
253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes.
    (8) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, and -941 airplanes.
    (9) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes.
    (10) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-
200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes.
    (11) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-
101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes.
    (12) The Boeing Company Model 747-8 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cylinder and valve assemblies 
having oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent hole, caused by 
the absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between 
certain parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address oxygen leakage 
from cylinder and valve assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in decreased or insufficient oxygen supply 
during a depressurization event; and heating or flow friction, which 
could cause an ignition event in the valve assembly.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Detailed Inspection

    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity.
    Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source 
of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids 
such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface 
cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.

(h) Identification of Affected Cylinder and Valve Assemblies

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, 
to

[[Page 5281]]

determine if the serial numbers of the valve, cylinder, and entire 
assembly, are listed in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, ``Affected 
Shipments,'' of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
serial numbers can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, 
Revision 03, dated June 7, 2021.
    (2) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 03, dated March 11, 2022.
    (3) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, 
Revision 03, dated June 18, 2021.

(i) Inspection of the Gap, Parts Marking Actions, and Replacement, With 
No Changes

    If, during any inspection or records review required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, any oxygen valve assembly, valve or 
cylinder of an oxygen cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen 
cylinder and valve assembly having an affected serial number is 
found: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection for correct 
spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and 
top of the valve body, in accordance with paragraph 3.C. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) If the gap is found to be acceptable, as defined in the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD, before further flight, do the parts marking 
actions in accordance with paragraph 3.D.(1) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (2) If the gap is found to be unacceptable, as defined in the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the affected 
assembly, in accordance with paragraphs 3.D.(2) or 3.D.(3), as 
applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of 
this AD; and replace with a serviceable assembly.

(j) Reporting and Return of Parts

    (1) Report the results of the inspection required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD within the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(j)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD. Report the results in accordance with 
paragraph 3.D.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this 
AD, any gap is found to be unacceptable, within the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD, return the 
assembly to the manufacturer in accordance with paragraph 3.D.(2) or 
3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD, except you are not required to contact AVOX 
for shipping instructions.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Return the assembly within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Return the assembly within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no AVOX Systems Inc. oxygen 
valve assembly, or valve or cylinder that is part of an oxygen 
cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen cylinder and valve assembly 
having an affected serial number identified in Appendix 1, 
``Affected Shipments,'' or Appendix 2, ``Affected Shipments,'' of 
any AVOX Systems Inc. service information identified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) through (3) of this AD may be installed on any airplane 
unless the requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD have been 
accomplished on that affected assembly.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (h) or (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD. This 
service information is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) AVOX Systems Inc. Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, dated 
March 6, 2019; and AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 
10015804-35-01, Revision 01, dated July 9, 2019.
    (2) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 1, dated September 4, 2019.
    (3) AVOX Systems Inc. Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, dated 
April 11, 2019; and AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 
10015804-35-03, Revision 01, dated May 21, 2019.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (h) or (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD, which 
was incorporated by reference in AD 2022-04-09.
    (1) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, 
Revision 02, dated October 16, 2019.
    (2) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 2, dated October 31, 2019.
    (3) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, 
Revision 02, dated October 15, 2019.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, New York ACO Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, 
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of 
the certification office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, 
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7300; fax 516-794-5531.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Elizabeth 
Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative 
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, 
Revision 03, dated June 7, 2021.
    (ii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 03, dated March 11, 2022.
    (iii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, 
Revision 03, dated June 18, 2021.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact AVOX 
Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-
683-5100; internet safranaerosystems.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (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, [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 10, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-01465 Filed 1-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P