[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 79 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19946-19948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10565]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-270-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series
Airplanes Equipped With Heath Tecna Aerospace Extended Spacial Concept
Interior III Installed in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate
SA4744NM
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas DC-9-80
series airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to detect
discrepancies of electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall
lighting system in the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of
all pins and sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into
place. The proposed AD also would require replacement of any discrepant
part with a new part, and modification of the electrical wiring and
connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger cabin. This
proposal is prompted by reports of failures of the electrical
connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting, which resulted in
smoke or lighting interruption in the passenger cabin. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failures of the
electrical connectors, which could result in poor socket/pin contact,
excessive heat, electrical arcing, and consequently, connector burn
through and smoke in the passenger cabin.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 2, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-270-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Hexcel Interiors (formerly Heath Tecna Aerospace), 3225
Woburn Street, Bellingham, Washington 98226. This information may be
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Oshiro, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;
telephone (206) 227-2793; fax (206) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this
[[Page 19947]]
proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-NM-270-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 96-NM-270-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of failures of the electrical
connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting on Model DC-9-80 series
airplanes, which resulted in smoke or lighting interruption in the
passenger cabin. [These airplanes were delivered with Heath Tecna
Aerospace extended spacial concept interior (ESCI) III as part of the
original equipment.] Investigation revealed that these connectors
became internally overheated. The cause of this internal overheating
has been attributed to physically damaged or improperly connected
connectors. This condition, if not corrected, could result in poor
socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and
consequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin.
There have been no reports of such occurrences on McDonnell Douglas
Model DC-9-80 series airplanes equipped with Heath Tecna Aerospace ESCI
III installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate
SA4744NM. However, the sidewall lighting configuration of these
airplanes is similar in design to that of the affected Model DC-9-80
series airplanes (delivered with ESCI III as part of the original
equipment). Therefore, both of these airplanes may be subject to the
same unsafe condition. The FAA has previously issued AD 95-08-04,
amendment 39-9193 (60 FR 19348, April 18, 1995), which addresses the
identified unsafe condition on certain Model DC-9-80 series airplanes
equipped with Heath Tecna Aerospace ESCI III as part of the original
equipment.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Heath Tecna Service Bulletin
H0655-33-01, dated March 28, 1996, which describes procedures for
performing a visual inspection to:
Detect discrepancies (i.e., damage, burn marks, and black
or brown discoloration) of the electrical plugs having part number (P/
N) MS3126F15P, and receptacles having P/N MS3124E15S of the sidewall
lighting system in the passenger cabin; and
Verify that the ends of all pins and sockets are even and
that they are seated properly and locked into place.
The service bulletin also describes procedures for replacement of
any discrepant part with a new part, and modification of the electrical
wiring and connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger
cabin. This modification involves:
Removal of two 230 volt alternating current (VAC), 400
hertz (Hz) power wires from pins B and K of the existing connectors of
the sidewall lighting;
Installation of two separate single contact connectors on
two 230 VAC, 400 Hz wires external to each of the applicable
connectors;
Installation or reinstallation of wire protection J-
channel with applicable disconnect placard at the connector locations
on the stowage compartments.
Accomplishment of the modification will minimize the possibility of
connector failure.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require a visual inspection to detect discrepancies
of certain electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall lighting
system in the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of all pins
and sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into place.
The proposed AD also would require replacement of any discrepant part
with a new part, and modification of the electrical wiring and
connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger cabin. The
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the
service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 28 McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series
airplanes equipped with Heath Tecna Aerospace ESCI III installed in
accordance with STC SA4744NM of the affected design in the worldwide
fleet. The FAA estimates that 28 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 75 work
hours per airplane (which includes access and funcional check) to
accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $1,700 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $173,600, or $6,200 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in
the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
[[Page 19948]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
McDonnell Douglas: Docket 96-NM-270-AD.
Applicability: Model DC-9-80 series airplanes, equipped with
Heath Tecna Aerospace Extended Spacial Concept Interior III
Installed in Accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA4744NM,
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failures of the electrical connectors, which could
result in poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical
arcing, and consequently, connector burn through and smoke in the
passenger cabin, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraph (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance
with Heath Tecna Service Bulletin H0655-33-01, dated March 28, 1996.
(1) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e.,
damage, burn marks, and black or brown discoloration) of the
electrical plugs having part number (P/N) MS3126F15P, and
receptacles having P/N MS3124E15S of the sidewall lighting system in
the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of all pins and
sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into place, in
accordance with the service bulletin. If any discrepancy is
detected, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant part with
a new part in accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) Modify the electrical wiring and connectors of the sidewall
lighting system in the passenger cabin in accordance with paragraph
H. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Seattle ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 17, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-10565 Filed 4-23-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
