AirTran Airways

Document ID: FAA-2011-1222-0005
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Received Date: December 20 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Date Posted: December 21 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: November 8 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: December 23 2011, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80f8675f
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This is comment on Proposed Rule

Airworthiness Directives: Boeing Co. Airplanes Model 737 600, 700, 700C, 800, 900, and -900ER Series Airplanes

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FAA Docket No. FAA-2011-1222 proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive which requires action to prevent the failure of an escape slide to deploy, which could prevent a slide from being usable in an emergency. AirTran Airways has the following comments on the proposed rule. - In paragraph (c) of the NPRM, the applicability is for, among others, part number 5A3307-1, -3, -5, or -301 slides with serial numbers BNG0001 through BNG5707 inclusive. Goodrich SB 5A3307-25-389 which is required to be accomplished per paragraph (g) is applicable to slide serial numbers BNG0001 through BNG14499. It is AirTran Airways understanding serial numbers BNG0001 through BNG14499 are subject to the discrepant configuration. AirTran Airways request the FAA confirm applicability. - In paragraph (j) of the NPRM, the NPRM prevents the installation of a slide assembly falling under the effectivity of the proposed rule after the rule effective date. This would prevent the use of effected spare slide assemblies (un-modified) during modification of the units per the proposed rule as well as the removal and reinstallation of the same effected unit on an aircraft. This requirement could restrict an airline’s ability to return an aircraft to service due to part shortage. AirTran Airways request the FAA remove this provision from the final rule to allow operational flexibility up to the rule compliance due date.