Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes, 1844-1846 [E8-271]
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1844
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 7 / Thursday, January 10, 2008 / Proposed Rules
flight hours after the identification required
by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace the
rudder control rod with a new rudder control
rod, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
27–3157 or A340–27–4156, both dated
August 8, 2007, as applicable.
(ii) For all rudder control rods not
identified in paragraph (f)(5)(i) of this AD:
Within 6 months after the identification
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD,
replace the rudder control rods with new
rudder control rods, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or A340–27–
4156, both dated August 8, 2007, as
applicable.
(6) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, any
rudder control rod unit having a P/N and
S/N identified in Batch 1, Batch 2a, or Batch
2b of Figure 3 of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–27–3157 or A340–27–4156, both dated
August 8, 2007.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
yshivers on PROD1PC62 with PROPOSALS
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2007–0246, dated September 5,
2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3157,
dated August 8, 2007; and Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–27–4156, dated August 8,
2007; for related information.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:28 Jan 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 21, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–250 Filed 1–9–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0393; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–183–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 777 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes.
This proposed AD would require an
inspection to determine the
manufacturer and manufacture date of
the oxygen masks in the center and
outboard passenger service units (PSUs),
crew rests, and lavatory and flight
attendant oxygen boxes, as applicable.
This proposed AD would also require
related investigative/corrective actions
if necessary. This proposed AD results
from a report that several passenger
masks with broken in-line flow
indicators were found following a mask
deployment. We are proposing this AD
to prevent the in-line flow indicators of
the passenger oxygen masks from
fracturing and separating, which could
inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and
consequently result in exposure of the
passengers and cabin attendants to
hypoxia following a depressurization
event.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 25, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
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 proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(telephone 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6474; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2007–0393; Directorate Identifier
2007–NM–183–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating
that several passenger masks with
broken in-line flow indicators were
found following a mask deployment on
a Boeing Model 777–200 series airplane.
Operators subsequently found several
more broken in-line flow indicators after
examining the oxygen mask assemblies
on other Model 777 series airplanes and
on Model 747–400 series airplanes.
E:\FR\FM\10JAP1.SGM
10JAP1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 7 / Thursday, January 10, 2008 / Proposed Rules
Investigation revealed that certain flow
indicators are weaker and can fracture
because of internal residual stresses
caused by the flow indicator joint
design and manufacturing processes.
Fractures cause the in-line flow
indicator to separate and consequently
prevent oxygen flow to the mask during
an emergency. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in exposure of
the passengers and cabin attendants to
hypoxia following a depressurization
event.
yshivers on PROD1PC62 with PROPOSALS
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777–35–
0019, dated March 9, 2006. The service
bulletin describes procedures for doing
a general visual inspection to determine
the manufacturer and manufacture date
of the oxygen masks in the center and
outboard passenger service units (PSUs),
crew rests, and lavatory and flight
attendant oxygen boxes, as applicable.
The service bulletin also describes
procedures for doing related
investigative and corrective actions. The
related investigative action is a general
visual inspection of the flow indicator
to determine the color of the flow
direction mark and the word ‘‘flow’’ on
the flow indicator, if the identification
(ID) label shows that the manufacturer
is B/E Aerospace and the manufacture
date is between January 1, 2002, and
March 1, 2006. The corrective action is
the installation of a new oxygen mask
assembly having an improved flow
indicator, if the existing oxygen mask is
found to be one of the discrepant masks.
Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777–35–0019 refers to B/E
Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080–35–
01, dated February 6, 2006; and
Revision 1, dated May 1, 2006; as
additional sources of service
information for getting a new oxygen
mask having an improved flow
indicator. B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 174080–35–01 describes
procedures for modifying the oxygen
mask assembly by replacing the flow
indicator, part number (P/N) 118023–02,
with an improved flow indicator, P/N
118023–12. B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 174080–35–01 also specifies
that, as an alternative to modifying the
oxygen mask, operators may replace the
oxygen mask with a new oxygen mask
having the improved flow indicator.
Accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:28 Jan 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. For this reason, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously.
Clarification Between the Proposed AD
and Service Bulletin
Although Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–35–0019 specifies
to install a new oxygen mask having an
improved flow indicator, the intent of
the service bulletin is to replace it with
either a new or modified oxygen mask
having an improved flow indicator.
Therefore, this proposed AD would
require replacing the oxygen mask
assembly with a new or modified
oxygen mask assembly having an
improved flow indicator.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 433 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about
123 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed actions would take about 70
work hours per airplane, with an
average of 480 oxygen masks per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80
per work hour. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the proposed AD
for U.S. operators is $688,800, or $5,600
per airplane.
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
proposed AD would not have federalism
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
1845
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 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 proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket. 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2007–0393;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–183–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by February 25, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777–
200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–35–0019, dated March
9, 2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that
several passenger masks with broken in-line
flow indicators were found following a mask
deployment. We are issuing this AD to
E:\FR\FM\10JAP1.SGM
10JAP1
1846
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 7 / Thursday, January 10, 2008 / Proposed Rules
prevent the in-line flow indicators of the
passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and
separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow
to the masks and consequently result in
exposure of the passengers and cabin
attendants to hypoxia following a
depressurization event.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Compliance
RIN 2120–AA64
(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.
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–300 and –400 Series
Airplanes
Inspection and Related Investigative/
Corrective Actions if Necessary
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
yshivers on PROD1PC62 with PROPOSALS
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
14:28 Jan 09, 2008
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0395; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–157–AD]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 737–300 and –400
series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require testing and inspecting a
certain web panel of the main wheel
well pressure deck to determine the
material type and thickness; and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD results
from several reports indicating that
cracks ranging from 0.8 to 8.0 inches
long were found on a certain web panel
of the main wheel well pressure deck.
We are proposing this AD to prevent
fatigue cracking in the web panel of the
main wheel well pressure deck, which
could result in venting and consequent
rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 25, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14 CFR Part 39
AGENCY:
(f) Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD, do a general visual
inspection to determine the manufacturer
and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in
the center and outboard passenger service
units (PSUs), crew rests, and lavatory and
flight attendant oxygen boxes, as applicable,
and do the applicable related investigative
and corrective actions, by accomplishing all
of the applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–35–
0019, dated March 9, 2006; except where the
service bulletin specifies installing a new
oxygen mask, replace the oxygen mask with
a new or modified oxygen mask having an
improved flow indicator. The related
investigative and corrective actions must be
done before further flight.
Note 1: The service bulletin refers to B/E
Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080–35–01,
dated February 6, 2006; and Revision 1,
dated May 1, 2006; as additional sources of
service information for modifying the oxygen
mask assembly by replacing the flow
indicator with an improved flow indicator.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 26, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–271 Filed 1–9–08; 8:45 am]
Federal Aviation Administration
Jkt 214001
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(telephone 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6447; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2007–0395; Directorate Identifier
2007–NM–157–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received several reports
indicating that cracks ranging from 0.8
to 8.0 inches long were found on a
certain web panel of the main wheel
well pressure deck. These cracks were
found on certain Boeing Model 737–300
and –400 series airplanes. Boeing
analyzed pieces of the cracked web
sections on three airplanes and found
that in each case, the webs were made
of the wrong material type and
thickness. According to design, the web
should be 0.050 inch thick 2024–T42
bare sheet. The webs were found to be
7075 Clad material, with thicknesses of
0.040 inches nominal. (Webs made from
this material and thickness are more
likely to crack.) The flight cycles on the
airplanes when the cracking was found
ranged from 13,332 to 22,849 total flight
cycles. Cracking in the web panel, if not
corrected, could result in venting and
consequent rapid decompression of the
airplane.
E:\FR\FM\10JAP1.SGM
10JAP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 7 (Thursday, January 10, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1844-1846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-271]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0393; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-183-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD would require
an inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the
oxygen masks in the center and outboard passenger service units (PSUs),
crew rests, and lavatory and flight attendant oxygen boxes, as
applicable. This proposed AD would also require related investigative/
corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report
that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were
found following a mask deployment. We are proposing this AD to prevent
the in-line flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from
fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks
and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin
attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 25,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6474; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0393;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-183-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that several passenger masks
with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask
deployment on a Boeing Model 777-200 series airplane. Operators
subsequently found several more broken in-line flow indicators after
examining the oxygen mask assemblies on other Model 777 series
airplanes and on Model 747-400 series airplanes.
[[Page 1845]]
Investigation revealed that certain flow indicators are weaker and can
fracture because of internal residual stresses caused by the flow
indicator joint design and manufacturing processes. Fractures cause the
in-line flow indicator to separate and consequently prevent oxygen flow
to the mask during an emergency. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants to
hypoxia following a depressurization event.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-35-
0019, dated March 9, 2006. The service bulletin describes procedures
for doing a general visual inspection to determine the manufacturer and
manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the center and outboard
passenger service units (PSUs), crew rests, and lavatory and flight
attendant oxygen boxes, as applicable. The service bulletin also
describes procedures for doing related investigative and corrective
actions. The related investigative action is a general visual
inspection of the flow indicator to determine the color of the flow
direction mark and the word ``flow'' on the flow indicator, if the
identification (ID) label shows that the manufacturer is B/E Aerospace
and the manufacture date is between January 1, 2002, and March 1, 2006.
The corrective action is the installation of a new oxygen mask assembly
having an improved flow indicator, if the existing oxygen mask is found
to be one of the discrepant masks.
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-35-0019 refers to B/E
Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080-35-01, dated February 6, 2006; and
Revision 1, dated May 1, 2006; as additional sources of service
information for getting a new oxygen mask having an improved flow
indicator. B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080-35-01 describes
procedures for modifying the oxygen mask assembly by replacing the flow
indicator, part number (P/N) 118023-02, with an improved flow
indicator, P/N 118023-12. B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080-35-01
also specifies that, as an alternative to modifying the oxygen mask,
operators may replace the oxygen mask with a new oxygen mask having the
improved flow indicator.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Clarification Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin
Although Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-35-0019
specifies to install a new oxygen mask having an improved flow
indicator, the intent of the service bulletin is to replace it with
either a new or modified oxygen mask having an improved flow indicator.
Therefore, this proposed AD would require replacing the oxygen mask
assembly with a new or modified oxygen mask assembly having an improved
flow indicator.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 433 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 123 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 70 work hours per
airplane, with an average of 480 oxygen masks per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $688,800, or
$5,600 per airplane.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2007-0393; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
183-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February
25, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -
300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-35-0019, dated
March 9, 2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that several passenger masks
with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask
deployment. We are issuing this AD to
[[Page 1846]]
prevent the in-line flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks
from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to
the masks and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and
cabin attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event.
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 and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions if Necessary
(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection to determine the manufacturer and
manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the center and outboard
passenger service units (PSUs), crew rests, and lavatory and flight
attendant oxygen boxes, as applicable, and do the applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all of the
applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-35-0019, dated March
9, 2006; except where the service bulletin specifies installing a
new oxygen mask, replace the oxygen mask with a new or modified
oxygen mask having an improved flow indicator. The related
investigative and corrective actions must be done before further
flight.
Note 1: The service bulletin refers to B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 174080-35-01, dated February 6, 2006; and Revision 1, dated
May 1, 2006; as additional sources of service information for
modifying the oxygen mask assembly by replacing the flow indicator
with an improved flow indicator.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 26, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-271 Filed 1-9-08; 8:45 am]
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