Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich Evacuation Systems Approved Under Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b and Installed on Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 62 (Friday, March 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19069-19071]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7409]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0223; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-161-AD; 
Amendment 39-17006; AD 2012-06-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich Evacuation Systems Approved 
Under Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b and Installed on Airbus 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Goodrich Evacuation Systems approved under TSO TSO-C69b and 
installed on Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 
and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-500 and -600 series 
airplanes. That AD currently requires inspecting to determine the part 
number of the pressure relief valves on the affected Goodrich 
evacuation systems, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD 
requires inspecting to determine the part number of the pressure relief 
valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation systems and replacing 
certain pressure relief valves, and adds airplanes to the 
applicability. This AD was prompted by reports that during workshop 
testing, certain pressure relief valves, which were required by the 
existing AD, did not seal and allowed the pressure in certain slides/
rafts to fall below the minimum raft mode pressure for the unit. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of pressure in the escape slides/rafts 
after an emergency evacuation, which could result in inadequate 
buoyancy to support the raft's passenger capacity during ditching and 
increase the chance for injury to raft passengers.

DATES: This AD is effective May 4, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 4, 2012.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical 
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040; phone: 
602-243-2270; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Ton, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5352; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 19070]]

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247 (72 
FR 62568, November 6, 2007). That AD applies to the specified products. 
The SNPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2011 
(76 FR 81885). The original NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011) proposed 
to require inspecting to determine the part number of the pressure 
relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation systems and replacing 
certain pressure relief valves. The original NPRM also added Model 
A330-223F and -243F airplanes to the applicability. The SNPRM proposed 
to add Model A330-302 and -303 airplanes to the applicability.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM (76 FR 81885, December 
29, 2011) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 41 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine part numbers  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85           $3,485
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost           Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve replacement....................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $775   $860 per slide.
                                        hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 this AD:
    (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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247 (72 FR 62568, November 6, 2007), and 
adding the following new AD:

2012-06-25 Goodrich (Formerly BF Goodrich): Amendment 39-17006; 
Docket No. FAA-2011-0223; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-161-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 4, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247 (72 FR 
62568, November 6, 2007).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Goodrich evacuation systems approved under 
Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b, as installed on the Airbus 
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -223F, and -243F airplanes, as 
identified in Goodrich Service

[[Page 19071]]

Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated March 30, 2011.
    (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 
as identified in Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, 
Revision 3, dated March 30, 2011.
    (3) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, as identified in Goodrich 
Service Bulletins 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated March 
30, 2011; and 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, Revision 2, dated March 30, 
2011.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2560, Emergency Equipment.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that during workshop testing, 
certain pressure relief valves did not seal and allowed the pressure 
in certain slides/rafts to fall below the minimum raft mode pressure 
for the unit. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of pressure in 
the escape slides/rafts after an emergency evacuation, which could 
result in inadequate buoyancy to support the raft's passenger 
capacity during ditching and increase the chance for injury to raft 
passengers.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the evacuation systems to determine whether any pressure relief 
valve having part number (P/N) 4A3641-1, 4A3791-3, 4A3641-26, or 
4A3791-6 is installed. A review of airplane maintenance records or 
the system identification placard on the girt is acceptable in lieu 
of this inspection if the part number of the pressure relief valve 
can be conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Part Replacement

    If any valve having P/N 4A3641-1, 4A3791-3, 4A3641-26, or 
4A3791-6 is identified during the inspection or review specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, do the applicable 
actions required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Replace all pressure relief valves having P/Ns 4A3641-1 and 
4A3791-3 with pressure relief valves having P/N 115815-1, and mark 
the system identification placard on the girt, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/
09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated March 30, 2011.
    (2) Replace all pressure relief valves having P/Ns 4A3641-26 and 
4A3791-6 with pressure relief valves having P/N 115815-1 (for 
evacuation systems having P/N 4A3934 series units) or 115815-2 (for 
evacuation systems having P/N 4A3928 series units); and mark the 
system identification placard on the girt; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/
4A3934-25-374, Revision 2, dated March 30, 2011.

(i) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
pressure relief valve having P/N 4A3641-1, 4A3791-3, 4A3641-26, or 
4A3791-6 in the evacuation system on any airplane.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Goodrich Service Bulletin 
7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, dated March 31, 2008, Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 1, dated August 1, 2008, 
or Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 2, 
dated May 8, 2009; or Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-
374, dated July 18, 2008, or Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/
4A3934-25-374, Revision 1, dated May 8, 2009; as applicable.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

 (l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tracy Ton, Aerospace 
Engineer, Cabin Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5352; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
    (i) Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 
3, dated March 30, 2011.
    (ii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, Revision 2, 
dated March 30, 2011.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical 
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040; 
phone: 602-243-2270; email: [email protected]; Internet: 
http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
    (3) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-7409 Filed 3-29-12; 8:45 am]
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