[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 161 (Monday, August 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20157]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 22, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 93-NM-106-AD; Amendment 39-9004; AD 94-17-09]
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, and -
400 Series Airplanes Equipped with BFGoodrich Evacuation Ramp/Slides
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 series
airplanes, that requires various modifications of certain evacuation
ramp/slides. This amendment is prompted by reports of several
evacuation ramp/slide malfunctions. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent delayed inflation of evacuation ramp/slides,
which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an
emergency.
DATES: Effective September 21, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 21, 1994.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from the BFGoodrich Company, Aircraft Evacuation Systems,
Sustaining Engineering, D/7916, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. This
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street,
Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Gfrerer, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-131L, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East
Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425; telephone (310) 988-
5338; fax (310) 988-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100, -
200, -300, and -400 series airplanes was published as a supplemental
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on March
15, 1994 (59 FR 11940). That action proposed to require various
modifications of certain evacuation ramp/slides. -
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received. -
One commenter supports the proposed rule. -
Another commenter requests that the proposed 24-month compliance
time for modification of the ramp/slides be extended to 36 months so
that it will coincide with affected operators' scheduled overhauls. The
commenter points out that the manufacturer of the subject ramp/slides
recommends a compliance time of 36 months. The commenter believes that
safety will not be compromised if an extension is allowed. The FAA does
not concur with the commenter's request. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this action, the FAA considered not only the degree
of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but
the availability of required parts, the average utilization of the
affected fleet, and normal maintenance schedules for timely
accomplishment of the modification. The FAA finds that the proposed 24-
month compliance time represents the maximum interval of time allowable
wherein the modifications can reasonably be accomplished and an
acceptable level of safety can be maintained. Further, the FAA took
into account the 36-month compliance time recommended by the
manufacturer, as well as the number of days required for the rulemaking
process; in consideration of these factors, the FAA finds that 24
months after the effective date of this final rule will fall
approximately at the same time for compliance as recommended by the
manufacturer. -
Another commenter requests that the proposed 24-month compliance
time for modification be shortened to 6 months. This commenter believes
that a shorter compliance time is necessary for continued safe
operation of airplanes equipped with the affected ramp/slides. The FAA
does not concur with the commenter's request. As explained above, the
FAA considered many factors, including the safety implications, when
developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD. After
consideration of all the available information, the FAA cannot conclude
that a reduction of the proposed compliance time, without prior notice
and opportunity for public comment, is warranted. To reduce the
compliance time of the AD would necessitate (under the provisions of
the Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing the notice, reopening the
period for public comment, considering additional comments received,
and eventually issuing a final rule; the time required for that process
may be as long as four additional months. In comparing the actual
compliance date of the final rule after completing such a process to
the compliance date of this final rule as issued, the increment in time
is minimal. In light of this, and in consideration of the amount of
time that has already elapsed since issuance of the original proposal,
the FAA has determined that further delay of this final rule action is
not appropriate. -
Two commenters request that paragraph (a) of the proposed rule be
revised to require accomplishment of the modifications specified only
in paragraphs 2.C., 2.D.(2), 2.E., and 2.F. of the BFGoodrich service
bulletin cited in the AD. The commenters believe that accomplishment of
paragraph 2.G. of the service bulletin should be optional, since the
modifications included in that paragraph are considered to be product
improvements that are not associated with the addressed unsafe
condition. One of these commenters, BFGoodrich, states that
approximately 40 percent of the slide modification kits were shipped to
operators prior to the issuance of the supplemental NPRM, and some
operators may not have accomplished the modifications specified in
paragraph 2.G. of the service bulletin. The commenter expresses a
concern that a requirement to accomplish that paragraph would result in
additional costs and unscheduled removal and maintenance actions for
operators. -
The FAA concurs with the commenters' request, and has revised
paragraph (a) of the final rule to specify that accomplishment of the
product improvement modifications specified in paragraph 2.G. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin is not required by
this AD. -
Two commenters request that the proposal be revised to cite the
latest revision to the BFGoodrich service bulletin specified in the AD
and to reference Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3028. The FAA concurs.
Since the issuance of the supplemental NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and
approved Revision 2 of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, dated
April 15, 1994, which corrects certain typographical errors that
appeared in Revision 1 of that service bulletin and references the
Boeing service bulletin. The Boeing service bulletin describes
procedures for an alternative method of modifying of the packboard and
girt. Paragraph (a) of the final rule has been revised to cite the
latest revision of the service bulletin as an additional source of
service information. Further, ``NOTE 2'' has been added to paragraph
(a) of the final rule to reference Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3028
as an additional source of service information for modifying the
packboard and girt. -
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
There are approximately 1,100 BFGoodrich ramp/slides of the
affected design installed on Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, and -400
series airplanes in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 300 of
these subject ramp/slides are installed on Boeing Model 747-100, -200,
-300, and -400 series airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected
by this AD. It will take approximately 22 work hours per ramp/slide to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $55 per
work hour. Required parts will be provided by the ramp/slide
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the total
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $363,000, or
$1,210 per airplane.
The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
However, the FAA has been advised that 40 percent of the required
modification kits have been delivered to airlines having airplanes
affected by this AD. From this information, the FAA can assume that 40
percent of the affected fleet already have been modified in accordance
with the requirements of this AD. Therefore, the future economic cost
impact of this rule on U.S. operators is expected to be 40 percent less
than the ``total cost impact'' figure indicated above.
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
94-17-09 Boeing: Amendment 39-9004. Docket 93-NM-106-AD.
Applicability: Model 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 series
airplanes equipped with BFGoodrich evacuation ramp/slides; as listed
in BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, dated April 28, 1993,
or Revision 2, dated April 15, 1994; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent delayed inflation of evacuation ramp/slides, which
could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an
emergency, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the door 3 offwing evacuation ramp/slide, part number 7A1418-( ),
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BFGoodrich
Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, dated April 28, 1993; or Revision 2,
dated April 15, 1994; as applicable. Accomplishment of the product
improvement modifications specified in paragraph 2.G. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin is not required
by this AD.
Note 1: Modification of the reservoir assembly (part number
4A3416-1) to the part number 4A3416-3 configuration, as specified in
paragraph 2.D.(1) of the service bulletin, is required currently by
AD 91-25-02, Amendment 39-8103 (56 FR 63629, December 5, 1991).
Note 2: BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, Revision 2,
dated April 15, 1994, references Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
3028, dated August 26, 1993, as an additional source of service
information for modification of the packboard and girt.
(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, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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.
(d) The modification shall be done in accordance with BFGoodrich
Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, dated April 28, 1993; or BFGoodrich
Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, Revision 2, dated April 15, 1994.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from the BFGoodrich Company, Aircraft
Evacuation Systems, Sustaining Engineering, D/7916, Phoenix, Arizona
85040. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach,
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 21, 1994.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-20157 Filed 8-19-94; 8:45 am]
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