[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 2 (Thursday, January 3, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 265-267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-148]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
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Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 2 / Thursday, January 3, 2002 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 265]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-311-AD; Amendment 39-12585; AD 2001-26-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. This action
requires a one-time inspection for missing, damaged, or incorrectly
installed parts in the separation link assembly on the deployment bar
of the emergency escape system on the entry or service door, and
installation of new parts, if necessary. This action is necessary to
prevent failure of an entry or service door to open fully in the event
of an emergency evacuation, which could impede exit from the airplane.
This condition could result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective January 18, 2002.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 18, 2002.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 4, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-311-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-311-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Piccola, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1509; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports that entry and
service doors did not open fully during deployment of emergency escape
slides on several Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. Most reported
incidents occurred during testing; however, one incident occurred
during an actual emergency evacuation. Investigation has revealed that
this condition is due to failure of the separation link assembly to
release the deployment cable from the deployment bar of the emergency
escape system on the entry or service door. Such failure to release may
occur when the snap ring or washer which hold the separation link in
place, or the internal spring, is missing or installed incorrectly.
Failure of an entry or service door to open fully during an emergency
evacuation could impede exit from the airplane. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.
Explanation of Related Service Information
Boeing has issued Service Letter 767-SL-25-101, dated August 30,
2001. That service letter describes the background of the unsafe
condition related to the separation link assembly on the deployment bar
of the emergency escape slide system and provides a ``Suggested
Operator Action'' for correcting the condition. The service letter
suggests performing an inspection to determine whether snap rings are
present and properly installed on the separation link assembly, and
replacing any damaged snap ring or installing a new snap ring if one is
missing or installed incorrectly. The service letter specifies that
maintenance information for the separation link assembly is available
in the Boeing 767 Component Maintenance Manual.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is
being issued to prevent failure of an entry or service door to open
fully during an emergency evacuation. Failure of a door to open fully
could impede exit from the airplane, which could result in injury to
passengers or crewmembers. This AD requires a one-time detailed visual
inspection for missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed parts in the
separation link assembly on the deployment bar of the emergency escape
system on the entry or service door, and installation of new parts, if
necessary. These actions are required to be accomplished according to
the procedures and the applicable sections of the Boeing 767 Airplane
Maintenance Manual (AMM) and Component Maintenance Manual (CMM)
specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
This AD also requires that, if any missing, damaged, or incorrectly
installed part is found in the separation link assembly on the
deployment bar of the emergency escape system on any entry or service
door, operators must report the results of the inspection to the FAA
Certificate Management Office--Boeing. The intent of this reporting
requirement is to enable the FAA to determine the number of missing or
damaged parts in the affected fleet.
[[Page 266]]
Differences Between This AD and Service Letter
As stated above, Boeing Service Letter 767-SL-25-101 describes the
background of the unsafe condition related to the separation link
assembly on the deployment bar of the emergency escape slide system.
However, this AD requires accomplishment of necessary actions according
to certain sections of the AMM and CMM, not according to the
``Suggested Operator Action'' in the service letter. Because the
actions required by this AD differ in key ways from those described in
the service letter, the FAA finds it necessary to describe specifically
how this AD differs from the service letter. The differences are as
follows:
This AD requires a detailed visual inspection for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed snap rings, washers, or internal
springs in the separation link assembly on the deployment bar of the
emergency escape system on the entry or service door. The service
letter suggests an inspection for missing, damaged, or incorrectly
installed snap rings only. The FAA's decision to require an inspection
for missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed washers and internal
springs, as well as snap rings, is based on inspections of in-service
airplanes which have revealed missing washers and missing or
incorrectly installed internal springs.
Although the service letter recommends accomplishing the
inspection during any scheduled or unscheduled maintenance on the
service door escape slide, the FAA has determined that a specific
compliance time is necessary to ensure that the identified unsafe
condition is addressed in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered not only the
manufacturer's recommendation (developed with affected operators
through the ``lead airline'' process), but the degree of urgency
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, and the time
necessary to perform the inspection. In light of all of these factors,
the FAA finds a 60-day compliance time for completing the required
actions to be warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval
of time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Submit comments using the following format:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is
being requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2001-NM-311-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped
and returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2001-26-19 Boeing: Amendment 39-12585. Docket 2001-NM-311-AD.
Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes, line numbers 1
through 854 inclusive, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
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.
[[Page 267]]
Note 2: Boeing Service Letter 767-SL-25-101, dated August 30,
2001, provides information related to this AD; however, the actions
required by this AD are not identical to those in the ``Suggested
Operator Action'' section of that service letter. Where this AD
differs from the service letter, this AD prevails.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of an entry or service door to open fully in
the event of an emergency evacuation, which could impede exit from
the airplane and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers,
accomplish the following:
One-Time Inspection and Corrective Actions
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
one-time detailed visual inspection for missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed parts in the separation link assembly on the
deployment bar of the emergency escape system on the entry or
service door, according to the procedures specified in paragraphs
(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (a)(6) of this AD.
(1) Remove the escape slide pack bustle according to Section 25-
66-00 of the Boeing 767 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM).
(2) Position the deployment bar of the escape slide to expose
the forward and aft separation links, according to Section 25-66-00
of the Boeing 767 AMM and Section 25-66-30 of the Boeing 767
Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), Revision 2, dated November 1,
2000.
(3) Do a detailed visual inspection to determine whether the
snap ring, washer, and internal spring of the separation link
assembly are installed correctly on both the forward and aft
separation links, and to detect any damage of the snap ring, washer,
and spring, according to Items 65 and 70 of Section 25-66-30 of the
CMM, Revision 2, dated November 1, 2000.
(4) If any snap ring, washer, or internal spring is missing or
found damaged or installed incorrectly during the inspection
required by paragraph (a)(3) of this AD, before further flight,
install a new snap ring, washer, and internal spring according to
Section 25-66-30 of the CMM, Revision 2, dated November 1, 2000.
(5) Ensure that the separation links and deployment cables are
installed as depicted on placard BAC27TPPS5141 or BAC27TPPS5142, as
applicable. Placards are adjacent to each link on the deployment
bar. If any separation link or deployment cable is installed
incorrectly, before further flight, correct the installation as
shown on the applicable placard.
(6) Reinstall the escape slide pack bustle according to Section
25-66-00 of the Boeing 767 AMM.
Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
Reporting Requirement
(b) If there is any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed
part in the separation link assembly on the deployment bar of the
emergency escape system on any entry or service door: Submit a
report of inspection findings to the FAA Certification Management
Office--Boeing, ANM-108B, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or
(b)(2) of this AD. The report must include: the serial number of the
affected airplane, the total number of doors inspected, the number
of deployment bars with missing or damaged parts, an identification
of what parts are missing or damaged, and the calendar date of the
last inspection or test of any emergency escape system with missing
or damaged parts. Information collection requirements contained in
this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number
2120-0056.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished
before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10
days after the effective date of this AD.
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 Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA. 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 4: 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
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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The exposure of the forward and aft separation links;
inspection for snap ring, washer, and internal spring; and
installation of new snap ring, washer, and internal spring; shall be
done in accordance with Section 25-66-30 of the Boeing 767 Component
Maintenance Manual, Revision 2, dated November 1, 2000, which
contains the following effective pages:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision
level
Page number shown on Date shown on page
page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Effective Pages; Page 1..... 2 Nov. 1, 2000.
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(Only the ``Highlights'' page of Section 25-66-30 shows the
appropriate revision level; no other page of this document contains
the revision level.) 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 Boeing
Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on January 18, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2001.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-148 Filed 1-2-02; 8:45 am]
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