01-17154. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 Series Airplanes Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST00054SE

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 series airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00054SE, that requires removal of the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system installed by that STC. This action is necessary to prevent inability of the flight crew to remove power from the IFE system when necessary. Inability to remove power from the IFE system during a non-normal or emergency situation could result in inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective August 15, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

The information referenced in this AD may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephen S. Oshiro, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

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 all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 series airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00054SE was published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2001 (66 FR 13189). That action proposed to require removal of the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system installed by that STC.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

As explained in the proposed rule, the STC holder has informed the FAA that the subject IFE system has been removed from all affected McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 series airplanes modified by STC ST00054SE. Therefore, the FAA expects that there will be no future cost impact on U.S. operators as a result of the adoption of this rule.

However, if an airplane subject to this AD is identified, the FAA estimates that removal of the IFE system will take approximately 12 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on an affected airplane is estimated to be $720 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on information that the subject IFE system has been removed from all affected airplanes. The cost impact figures discussed in most AD actions are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if the AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

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
• 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2001-14-03 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12313. Docket 2000-NM-231-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-10-30 series airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00054SE, 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 (c) 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 the inability of flight crew to remove power from the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system when necessary; which, during a non-normal or emergency situation, could result in inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin; accomplish the following:

Removal of IFE System

(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, remove the IFE system installed by STC ST00054SE by a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a removal method to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

Spares

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an IFE system by STC ST00054SE on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) 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 ACO. 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.

Special Flight Permits

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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.

Effective Date

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 15, 2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2001.

Vi L. Lipski,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.