Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER Series Airplanes Equipped With Door-Mounted Escape Slides

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34638-34641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11696]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21240; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-104-AD; 
Amendment 39-14130; AD 2005-12-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER 
Series Airplanes Equipped With Door-Mounted Escape Slides

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. This 
AD requires an inspection to determine if the door-mounted escape 
slide/rafts have certain part numbers. For those door-mounted escape 
slide/rafts having certain part numbers, this AD requires an inspection 
for excessive tension of the firing cable, and procedures for providing 
slack in the firing cable or rerouting the firing cable if necessary. 
This AD is prompted by reports of uncommanded inflation inside the 
airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in the passenger 
compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance 
personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating 
conditions and to prevent interference with evacuation of the airplane 
during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation of a door-mounted 
escape slide/raft.

DATES: Effective June 30, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is

[[Page 34639]]

approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 30, 2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; or 
Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products, 3414 South 5th Street, Phoenix, 
Arizona 85040, as applicable.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket 
number is FAA-2005-21240; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2005-NM-104-AD.

Examining the Dockets

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
(DMS) receives them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Rosanske, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6448; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating that 
three cases of uncommanded inflation of door-mounted escape slide/rafts 
occurred on Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes. In one case, the 
uncommanded inflation of the door-mounted escape slide/raft resulted in 
injury to a member of the cabin crew. In the other two incidents, 
damage occurred to the lavatory, ceiling panels, door bustles, and the 
sidewalls. Inspections by the airplane manufacturer and the escape 
slide/raft supplier of the factory packs and overhauled packs revealed 
variability in the slack/tension condition of the firing cable of the 
slide/rafts. The slide/rafts are designed with slack in the firing 
cable. Investigation revealed that a ``tight'' (excessive tension) 
firing cable, in combination with changes that occur in the pack as the 
result of the in-service environment, could result in the tension on 
the firing cable increasing and activating the regulator valve. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in injury to maintenance 
personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating 
conditions and could result in interference with evacuation of the 
airplane during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation inside the 
airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-25A0390, 
dated May 13, 2005. The ASB describes procedures for removing the cover 
(bustle) of the door-mounted escape slides/rafts, and performing a 
tension check to determine if there is excessive tension of the firing 
cable of the escape slides/rafts. Additionally, the ASB describes 
procedures for removing excessive tension of the firing cable by 
providing necessary slack in the firing cable, or removing the slide 
and rerouting the firing cable if necessary. The ASB also specifies 
that a general visual inspection or a records check may be accomplished 
to determine if certain Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/rafts are 
installed.
    The ASB refers to Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 5A3294/5A3295-
25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an additional source of service 
information.
    Goodrich has also issued the following packing instructions for the 
slide/rafts: Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, 
Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 2005; Goodrich Packing 
Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, Document 501637, Revision E, 
dated May 16, 2005; and Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation 
Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision D, dated May 16, 2005.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance personnel, passengers, 
and crew during otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent 
interference with evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due 
to uncommanded inflation of a door-mounted escape slide/raft. This AD 
requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will 
address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this 
modification is developed, approved, and available, we may consider 
additional rulemaking.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21240; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-104-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
web site, anyone can find and read the comments

[[Page 34640]]

in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent 
the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy 
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 
FR 19477-78), or you can visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to 
examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-12-14 Boeing: Amendment 39-14130. Docket No. FAA-2005-21240; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-104-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective June 30, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with door-
mounted escape slide/rafts.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded inflation 
inside the airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in 
the passenger compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
injury to maintenance personnel, passengers, and crew during 
otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent interference 
with evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due to 
uncommanded inflation of the airplane of a door-mounted escape 
slide/raft.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection for Part Numbers (P/Ns)

    (f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions in either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Perform a one-time inspection to determine if any Goodrich 
door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 
5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If no slide/raft having any of 
those P/Ns is installed, no further action is required by this 
paragraph, except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) Perform a one-time check of the airplane maintenance records 
to determine if any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having 
P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If it 
can be conclusively determined from the airplane maintenance records 
that no slide/raft having any of those P/Ns is installed, no further 
action is required by this AD, except for the requirements of 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

Inspection for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable

    (g) If any door-mounted escape slide/raft with any P/N specified 
in paragraph (f) of this AD is installed: Within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD, perform a tension check on the firing 
cable of the slide/raft, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. If no excessive 
tension is detected, no further action is required by this AD, 
except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.

    Note 1: Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, references 
Goodrich ASB 5A3294/5A3295-25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an 
additional source of service information.

Corrective Action for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable

    (h) If any excessive tension of the firing cable is detected, 
before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions; in 
accordance with the Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005.

Previous Accomplishment

    (i) Inspections of the firing cables for excessive tension in 
accordance with Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, that 
were accomplished before the effective date of this AD are 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD, provided that any applicable corrective was completed.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having 
P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3, unless the tension of 
the firing cable has been checked and the applicable corrective 
action completed in accordance with Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated 
May 13, 2005, or the escape slide/raft has been repacked in 
accordance with Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/
Raft, Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 2005; Goodrich 
Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, Document 501637, 
Revision E, dated May 16, 2005; or Goodrich Packing Instructions, 
Evacuation Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision D, dated May 
16, 2005; as applicable.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, to 
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves 
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 
5 U.S.C.

[[Page 34641]]

552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service information, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207; or Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products, 3414 
South 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, as applicable. To view the 
AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service 
information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2005.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11696 Filed 6-14-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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