Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61999-62001]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21152]



[[Page 61999]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8135; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-106-AD; 
Amendment 39-18636; AD 2016-18-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by multiple reports of uncommanded escape slide 
inflation. This AD requires modifying the escape slide regulator valves 
of the forward-entry door, forward-service door, aft-entry door, and 
aft-service door, and as applicable, modifying the escape slide 
regulator valves of the mid-entry door and mid-service door. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent out-of-tolerance trigger mechanism 
components (sector and sear) in the escape slide regulator valves, 
which can produce insufficient trigger engagement and reduced pull 
force values, possibly leading to uncommanded deployment of the slide 
during normal airplane maintenance or operation. This condition could 
result in injury to passengers and crew, damage to equipment, and the 
slide becoming unusable in an emergency evacuation.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone: 
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8135.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8135; 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 Docket 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: Caspar Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6414; fax: 425-917-
6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on January 4, 2016 (81 FR 24) (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM was prompted by multiple reports of uncommanded escape slide 
inflation. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the escape slide 
regulator valves of the forward-entry door, forward-service door, aft-
entry door, and aft-service door, and as applicable, modifying the 
escape slide regulator valves of the mid-entry door and mid-service 
door. We are issuing this AD to prevent out-of-tolerance trigger 
mechanism components (sector and sear) in the escape slide regulator 
valves, which can produce insufficient trigger engagement and reduced 
pull force values, possibly leading to uncommanded deployment of the 
slide during normal airplane maintenance or operation. This condition 
could result in injury to passengers and crew, damage to equipment, and 
the slide becoming unusable in an emergency evacuation.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment. Air Astana, Air Line Pilots 
Association International (ALPA), and United Airlines supported the 
NPRM.

Request To Clarify Reference to the Escape Slide Regulator Valve

    American Airlines (AAL) and Boeing requested that we clarify that 
the NPRM is applicable to the regulator valve associated with the 
escape slide assembly and not the slide door. The commenters pointed 
out that without clarification, the regulator valve could be 
misconstrued to be associated with the door system pressure cylinder 
assembly or the emergency power assist system (EPAS).
    We agree to clarify the references to the escape slide regulator 
valve. We have revised the preamble in this final rule and paragraphs 
(e) and (g) of this AD to refer to the escape slide regulator valve.

Request To Revise Paragraph (g) of the Proposed AD

    Air New Zealand (ANZ) requested that we revise paragraph (g) of the 
proposed AD or add an additional paragraph to clarify that operators 
are required only to modify escape slide regulator valves that have not 
been previously modified as specified in UTC Aerospace Systems Service 
Bulletin 130104-25-432 or 4A3939-25-434. ANZ stated that paragraph (g) 
of the proposed AD would require all escape slide regulator valves on 
affected airplanes to be removed and modified as specified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0548, Revision 1, dated April 
23, 2015. ANZ also pointed out that if before or during the 
accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 767-25-0548, Revision 1, dated April 23, 2015, a 
determination could be made (by reviewing records or checking the part 
markings on the girt bar) that some of the escape slide regulator 
valves are already modified, as specified in UTC Aerospace Systems 
Service Bulletin 130104-25-432; or Service Bulletin 4A3939-25-434, then 
no additional work should be required on the modified escape slide 
regulator valves.
    We agree that escape slide regulator valves that have already been 
modified do not need to be removed and modified again. Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-25-0548, dated November 5, 2014, included in paragraph (h) 
of this AD, references UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin 130104-
25-432; and Service Bulletin 4A3939-25-434 for the modification. As 
allowed by the phrase, ``unless already done,'' in paragraph (f) of 
this AD, if the requirements of this

[[Page 62000]]

AD have already been accomplished, this AD does not require that those 
actions be repeated. Therefore, paragraph (g) this AD has not been 
changed in this regard.

Request To Reduce the Proposed Compliance Time

    ALPA indicated its full support for the intent of the NPRM, but 
requested that we reduce the proposed 42-month compliance time for the 
modification of the escape slide regulator valves. ALPA pointed out 
that the risk of an uncommanded deployment is high and believes that 
the compliance time should be reduced in the interest of safety. ALPA 
provided no specific new compliance time.
    We disagree with the request to reduce the 42-month compliance 
time. In developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the 
safety implications, parts availability, and normal maintenance 
schedules for timely accomplishment of modification of the escape slide 
regulator valves. Further, we arrived at the proposed compliance time 
with operator and manufacturer concurrence. Additionally, ALPA did not 
provide any additional data to support a shorter compliance time. In 
consideration of all of these factors, we determined that the 
compliance time, as proposed, represents an appropriate interval in 
which the escape slide regulator valves can be modified in a timely 
manner within the fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of 
safety. Most ADs, including this one, permit operators to accomplish 
the requirements of an AD at a time earlier than the specified 
compliance time; therefore, an operator may choose to modify the escape 
slide regulator valves before the 42-month compliance time. If 
additional data are presented that would justify a shorter compliance 
time, we may consider further rulemaking on this issue. We have not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise References in Certain Service Information

    AAL requested that we revise references included in UTC Aerospace 
Systems Service Bulletin 130104-25-432, dated August 11, 2014. AAL 
stated that UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin 130104-25-432, dated 
August 11, 2014, contains internal references to the UTC Aerospace 
Systems Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) that are incorrect and 
reference an old revision of the UTC Aerospace Systems CMM with 
different paragraph references.
    We agree that the references included in UTC Aerospace Systems 
Service Bulletin 130104-25-432, dated August 11, 2014, are incorrect. 
Since the specific references included in UTC Aerospace Systems Service 
Bulletin 130104-25-432, dated August 11, 2014, are not required for 
compliance with this AD, we have not changed the AD in this regard; 
however, we have identified this discrepancy to Boeing and UTC 
Aerospace Systems.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per STC ST01920SE does not affect the accomplishment of the 
manufacturer's service instructions.
    We agree with the commenter that STC ST01920SE does not affect the 
accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions. Therefore, 
the installation of STC ST01920SE does not affect the ability to 
accomplish the actions required by this AD. We have not changed this AD 
in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0548, 
Revision 1, dated April 23, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for modifying the escape slide regulator valves of the 
forward-entry door, forward-service door, aft-entry door, aft-service 
door, mid-entry door, and mid-service door. The modification includes 
replacing the existing trigger mechanism sector and sear of the escape 
slide regulator valve with new trigger mechanism sector and sear. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 302 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of trigger mechanism      15 work-hours x $85 per          $2,236          $3,511         $1,060,322
 components--forward and aft-entry/    hour = $1,275.
 service doors.
Replacement of trigger mechanism      8 work-hours x $85 per            1,118           1,798            542,996
 components--mid[dash]entry/           hour = $680.
 mid[dash]service doors.
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                                                                                                  Authority for 
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    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.

[[Page 62001]]

Regulatory Findings

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-18-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18636; Docket No. FAA-
2015-8135; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-106-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 13, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -
400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0548, Revision 
1, dated April 23, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by multiple reports of uncommanded escape 
slide inflation. We are issuing this AD to prevent out-of-tolerance 
trigger mechanism components (sector and sear) in the escape slide 
regulator valves, which can produce insufficient trigger engagement 
and reduced pull force values, possibly leading to uncommanded 
deployment of the slide during normal airplane maintenance or 
operation. This condition could result in injury to passengers and 
crew, damage to equipment, and the slide becoming unusable in an 
emergency evacuation.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement of the Trigger Mechanism Sector and Sear

    Within 42 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
escape slide regulator valves of the forward-entry door, forward-
service door, aft-entry door, and aft-service door, and as 
applicable, modify the escape slide regulator valves of the mid-
entry door and mid-service door, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 767-25-0548, Revision 1, dated April 23, 2015.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the modification required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if the modification was performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 767-25-0548, dated November 5, 2014.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Caspar Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 
425-917-6414; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0548, 
Revision 1, dated April 23, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone: 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this 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 August 24, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21152 Filed 9-7-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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