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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38000-38004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15683]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0102; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-004-AD; 
Amendment 39-17072; AD 2012-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Various Transport Category Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain transport category airplanes. That AD currently requires 
either activating all chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories 
until the generator oxygen supply is expended, or removing the oxygen 
generator(s); and, for each chemical oxygen generator, after the 
generator is expended (or removed), removing or restowing the oxygen 
masks and closing the mask dispenser door. This new AD requires 
installing a supplemental oxygen system in affected lavatories, which 
terminates the requirements of the existing AD. This AD was prompted by 
reports that the current design of the oxygen generators presents a 
hazard that could jeopardize flight safety. We are issuing this AD to 
eliminate a hazard that could jeopardize flight safety, and to ensure 
that all lavatories have a supplemental oxygen supply.

DATES: This AD is effective August 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

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: Jeff Gardlin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-115, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-227-2136; fax: 425-227-1149; email: jeff.gardlin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, 
March 8, 2011). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on February 27, 2012 (77 FR 11418). 
That NPRM proposed to continue to require either activating all 
chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories until the generator oxygen 
supply is expended, or removing the oxygen generator(s); and, for each 
chemical oxygen generator, after the generator is expended (or 
removed), removing or restowing the oxygen masks and closing the mask 
dispenser door. That NPRM also proposed to require installing a 
supplemental oxygen system in affected lavatories, which would 
terminate the requirements of the existing AD.

Change to NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012)

    We have redesignated Note 1 of the NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 
2012) as new paragraph (h) of this AD, reidentified Note 2 as Note 1, 
and reidentified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, American Airlines (AA), Delta 
Air Lines, Southwest Airlines (SWA), United Airlines (UA), and All 
Nippon Airways (ANA) requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 11418, 
February 27, 2012) to extend the 24-month compliance time. Airbus, 
Embraer, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) International, AA, and 
Boeing noted that the Lavatory Oxygen Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC) chartered on this subject established some notional life-cycle 
times from the initiation of a design through a fleet retrofit. The 
requested compliance time ranged from 36 to 60 months. The ARC 
considered even a 4-year compliance time aggressive. Commenters also 
noted that there are no actual designs at present; any schedule is at 
risk until the design is proven and validated.
    We partially agree with the request. Because of the lack of a 
retrofit design and the magnitude of the retrofit, and new 
configuration(s), on such a large number of affected airplanes, we 
agree that the proposed compliance time of 24 months is insufficient. 
We also agree that the ARC's detailed assessment would not have 
supported a 24-month compliance time. We disagree, however, to extend 
the compliance time to 48 months, or longer. Some of the commenters' 
concerns, as identified by the ARC, have been alleviated in the AD (for 
example, streamlining the compliance process), and it is clear there 
are workable design approaches that can be implemented without taking 
airplanes out of service. Nonetheless, since no actual designs are yet 
approved, the retrofit process cannot begin until a design is approved. 
We have extended the compliance time in paragraph (l) of this final 
rule to 37 months after the effective date of the AD.

Request To Retain Proposed Compliance Times

    The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and ALPA encouraged the 
issuance of the final rule with the compliance times as proposed. AFA 
requested that we also incorporate interim measures. The commenters 
noted that the total time that lavatories will have been without oxygen 
would be about 3.5 years, even with a 24-month compliance time. AFA 
pointed out that the FAA's assessment of the safety risk was based on a 
finite time, and that we originally estimated a two- to four-year 
period to restore oxygen. Thus, retaining the proposed 24-month 
compliance time is appropriate.
    With respect to the compliance time, we disagree with the request. 
Based on the number of affected airplanes and the lack of a design 
solution yet approved for any of them, a 24-month compliance time is 
not feasible. On the other hand, we acknowledge that compliance will be 
due later than the original estimate

[[Page 38001]]

of a maximum of 4 years. But the adjusted compliance time is still 
within the confidence level of the risk assessment--which was 
conservative--conducted in support of AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 
(76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011). As explained previously, we have extended 
the compliance time to 37 months. With respect to interim measures, we 
understand the rationale for the request, and operators may, in fact, 
elect to employ some interim measures. However, any interim measures 
that would be required would take resources away from implementing the 
terminating action, and we believe available resources should be 
directed at restoring oxygen to the lavatories. We have therefore 
determined that interim measures should not be mandated, and that a 37-
month compliance time will provide an adequate level of safety.

Request To Delay AD Issuance Pending Service Information Issuance

    ANA and AA requested that we delay issuing the AD until service 
information is available. ANA stated that, considering lead time for 
parts and preparation for the modification, the compliance time should 
be determined after the service information is released. ANA suggested 
it would need at least 36 months for appropriate maintenance planning 
after the service information is released.
    We disagree with the request. Although there are no specific 
designs available for the affected airplanes, there are system types in 
service that will satisfy the requirements of the AD. Airframe 
manufacturers and aftermarket modifiers are working on acceptable 
designs, and we expect that there will be more than one solution 
available. The FAA's goal is to retrofit supplemental oxygen systems as 
quickly as practical. Waiting for service information would 
unnecessarily delay that retrofit. We therefore find it necessary to 
proceed with issuing this final rule.

Request To Mandate Development of Service Information and Parts

    Delta Air Lines requested that we require design approval holders 
to develop and make available the necessary modification instructions 
and hardware. Delta noted that other large-scale retrofit projects have 
been complicated by a lack of readily available modification hardware 
and service instructions.
    We disagree with the request. At this point, the FAA is confident 
that there will be several modification options available to operators. 
All affected airframe manufacturers, as well as oxygen system suppliers 
and airplane modifiers, have discussed their intended approaches with 
the FAA and appear to have viable solutions. In addition, Section 21.99 
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.99) already requires 
design approval holders to make design information available to correct 
an unsafe condition. Thus, the additional regulatory burden of tracking 
and enforcing a design approval holder requirement is not justified in 
this case. But if this situation changes, we may consider additional 
rulemaking to extend the time to comply with the requirements of the 
AD. We have not changed the final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Revise Applicability

    Boeing requested that we revise the applicability of the NPRM (77 
FR 11418, February 27, 2012). Specifically, Boeing requested removing 
airplanes that have systems without chemical oxygen generators (COGs) 
installed in the lavatory, and by limiting the applicability to 
airplanes modified in accordance with AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 
(76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011), those with COGs not installed per Special 
Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 111, Amendment Nos. 21-94, 25-133, 
121-354, and 129-50 (76 FR 12550, March 8, 2011), and those with COGs 
installed in the lavatory. Since AD 2011-04-09 already proposed to 
permit installation of non-COG systems using normally available 
approval means, Boeing considered the continued tracking of AD 
compliance for that type of system unwarranted. Further, Boeing stated 
there might be confusion as to whether AD 2011-04-09 would apply to any 
airplane with such a system installed.
    We partially agree with the request. We agree that continued 
tracking of the non-COG installation as an AD-related action is overly 
burdensome. Such systems were not the subject of AD 2011-04-09, 
Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011) (which required removal 
of the supplemental oxygen). We disagree, however, to change the 
applicability of this AD, because the AD already captures the intent of 
the request in terms of identifying affected airplanes based on whether 
they are in compliance with AD 2011-04-09 or have a chemical oxygen 
generator installed in any lavatory. An operator wishing to install a 
COG system at a later date will need to use the alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) process. But we agree that, with appropriate 
limitations, subsequent modifications to a non-COG system can be 
handled under part 43 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 
43). We have added a provision in paragraph (l)(2) in this final rule 
that permits alterations and repairs to an approved non-COG system in 
accordance with 14 CFR part 43, provided the operator's maintenance 
program contains an airworthiness limitation that prohibits the 
installation of COGs in lavatories.

Request To Utilize Alternative Oxygen Dosage Measurement

    AVOX Systems (AVOX) requested that we build in a streamlined 
process for oxygen systems using the blood oxygen saturation level 
(SaO2) as the means of determining adequate oxygen dosage. 
This method will likely result in somewhat smaller oxygen supplies, 
which will in turn allow the systems to more easily fit into the 
existing spaces, with little or no modification.
    The regulations characterize oxygen dosage in terms of tracheal 
partial pressure, an indirect method of determining adequate oxygen 
supply. We infer that AVOX requested this because the FAA has approved 
SaO2 via equivalent level of safety findings in accordance 
with Section 21.21(b)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.21(b)(1)), but this has required extensive testing on the part of 
the applicants to show that the approach meets the intent of the 
requirements. It appears that AVOX would like the FAA to use the 
knowledge gained from those actions to allow approval of future 
projects in an expedited manner, without the same level of testing. We 
agree that, in this case, use of the SaO2 method can be 
useful; this method is specifically discussed in FAA Policy Statement 
PS ANM-25-04--which was mentioned in the NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 
27, 2012) as a possible method of compliance with the requirements of 
this AD. FAA Policy Statement PS-ANM-25-04, issued December 21, 2011 
(http://rgl.faa.gov/RegulatoryandGuidanceLibrary/rgPolicy.nsf/0/06EE1CEFE9804A2F8625796E005C017F?OpenDocument&Highlight=ps-anm-25-04), 
is based on the recommendations of an Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC) and provides guidance to applicants that want to begin restoring 
oxygen to lavatories in advance of rulemaking. This policy will be used 
in making approvals of COG installations that will be used to comply 
with this AD. The FAA may also propose new airworthiness standards for 
the safe installations of COGs using the ARC recommendations. It is not 
necessary to change the AD because the information that we can provide 
is already available

[[Page 38002]]

in the policy statement. We have not changed the final rule regarding 
this issue.

Request To Clarify Certain References

    Boeing noted that not all regulations affecting a supplemental 
oxygen system are identified in paragraph (k) of the NPRM (77 FR 11418, 
February 27, 2012), and could lead operators to conclude that only the 
identified paragraphs need to be complied with. Boeing requested that 
we revise paragraph (k)(2) of the NPRM to refer to all of part 25 and 
part 121 (14 CFR part 25 and 14 CFR part 121), rather than specific 
sections.
    We partially agree with the request. We agree that the current 
listing of rules could be misinterpreted, because there is already 
regulatory relief provided, and the listing is not complete. The 
listing matches the regulations for which relief was granted, both in 
AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011), and 
Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 111, Amendment Nos. 21-94, 25-
133, 121-354, and 129-50 (76 FR 12550, March 8, 2011), and so in that 
sense this list is consistent. But to avoid any confusion, we have 
revised paragraph (l) in this final rule (which was paragraph (k) in 
the NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012)) to refer to ``all 
applicable'' regulations. In actual practice, this will not change the 
compliance requirements, so there is no additional burden on any 
operator to comply with the requirements of this AD.

Request To Include Training Requirements

    AFA requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 
2012) to include additional requirements that mandate communication and 
training for crewmembers on the proper procedures to follow in the 
event of a rapid decompression before the AD-mandated actions have been 
accomplished on the airplane. AFA also recommended that crew members be 
notified of the progress of operators toward showing compliance; many 
operators have already done something similar, but a number have not.
    We disagree with the request. As previously determined, the risks 
are very low for the time periods involved. The resources needed to 
implement AFA's recommended interim steps could be better used in 
rapidly incorporating a final design solution. We have not changed the 
final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Revise Cost Estimate

    Delta Air Lines requested that we revise the cost analysis to be 
more specific to different airplane types and system options, and to 
characterize the costs per lavatory. The current cost estimate is an 
average over the entire fleet, and so by definition is not accurate for 
each affected airplane.
    We disagree with the request. The variation in cost per airplane 
over the fleet is typical of any cost assessment. While the costs could 
be presented on a per-lavatory basis, this would also be an average, 
and not necessarily correct for any given lavatory. In addition, the 
cost estimates are based on the forecasted most cost-effective 
approach. An operator can use a more expensive approach, but the cost 
estimate would not account for that increased cost. We have not changed 
the final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Clarify Configuration

    ANA noted that paragraph (k) of the NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 
2012) would allow operators to choose between two methods of 
compliance: with or without chemical oxygen generators. ANA requested 
that we clarify what configuration will be selected on production 
airplanes.
    We disagree with the request. The decision on which configuration 
to use is up to the operators and their suppliers. The FAA has criteria 
for either approach, and either is acceptable. We have not changed the 
final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Clarify Certain AMOC Provisions

    AA requested that paragraph (k)(2)(i) of the NPRM (77 FR 11418, 
February 27, 2012) be revised to include a provision relieving the need 
for AMOC approval for non-COG installations. AA interprets the existing 
provisions as meaning that an AMOC is not required and wants this 
stated explicitly.
    We disagree with the request. Information regarding AMOCs related 
to non-COG installations was provided in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of the 
NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012) and is retained in this final 
rule (in redesignated paragraph (l)(2)(ii)). There is therefore no need 
to change the final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Standardize Application of Certain Provision

    AA supports the provision specified in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of the 
NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012) (redesignated as paragraph 
(l)(2)(ii) in this final rule), but is concerned that, because the 
provision is unusual, it may not be uniformly applied in the field.
    We agree that this is an unusual provision. To that end, we have 
prepared an Information for Operators (InFO) bulletin 12LAV to help 
explain this provision, as well as other outreach measures to help 
ensure standardization. We find it is not necessary to change the final 
rule to provide further explanation.

Approval Process for Compliance With AD, Using Chemical Oxygen 
Generators

    Because of the issues addressed by AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-
16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011), COG installations will require new 
considerations in order to be found acceptable as methods of compliance 
with this AD. The approval for COG installations will therefore be in a 
manner approved by the FAA as discussed below.

Approval Process for Compliance With AD, Using Other Systems

    Chemical oxygen generators are one type of system used to provide 
supplemental oxygen. While the majority of transport category airplanes 
use this system in lavatories, there are other systems as well. If 
another system type is used to meet this AD, the original unsafe 
condition is not a concern. In that case, the means of compliance is 
straightforward, and we have determined that the approval method could 
be more flexible than is usually the case for an AD. For example, 
delegated organizations cannot normally make compliance findings for 
ADs; service information associated with ADs must be adhered to 
exactly, or else an AMOC must be approved. For this AD, if the type of 
system is other than a COG, then we have determined that these 
restrictions could be relaxed. Therefore, paragraph (l)(2) of this AD 
contains provisions to permit existing approval processes to be used, 
as long as the means of compliance is other than a COG. This provision 
takes precedence over current limitations in operators' authority to 
use their organizational delegations when showing compliance with an 
AD. In addition, if an operator uses service information that is 
approved for such installations, deviations from the service 
information can be addressed using the operator's normal procedures 
without requiring an AMOC.

Oversight Office

    Paragraph (l) of this AD refers to the FAA oversight office 
responsible for approval of modifications used to show compliance. This 
will typically be the

[[Page 38003]]

aircraft certification office having geographic oversight of the 
applicant. In the case of service instructions from design approval 
holders of other countries, this would be the Transport Standards 
Staff. We anticipate that modifications to meet this AD will require 
either supplemental type certificate or amended type certificate 
approval.

Minimum Equipment List (MEL)

    Although there were no comments on this issue, the FAA has 
identified a potential conflict with the minimum equipment list 
provisions of Sections 121.628 and 129.14 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 121.628 and 14 CFR 129.14). Since any equipment 
mandated to be operative by airworthiness directive is excluded from 
the MEL unless the airworthiness directive specifically provides such 
allowance, we have revised this final rule to add a new paragraph (m) 
to allow the use of the MEL, as applicable. We have re-identified 
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously--and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 11418, February 27, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 5,500 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
We estimate the following costs to comply with the actions specified in 
this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost         Parts cost   Cost per product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activate COG/expend oxygen       Up to 2 work-hours x              $0  Up to $170.......  Up to $935,000.
 supply [actions retained from    $85 per hour = up to
 AD 2011[dash]04[dash]09,         $170.
 Amendment 39[dash]16630 (76 FR
 12556, March 8, 2011)].
Oxygen system installation (new  24 work-hours x $85 per        6,000  $8,040...........  $44,220,000.
 action).                         hour = $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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) 
2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011, and adding 
the following new AD:

2012-11-09 Transport category airplanes: Amendment 39-17072; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0102; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-004-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 10, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 
12556, March 8, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to transport category airplanes, in passenger-
carrying operations, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airplanes that are in compliance with the requirements of AD 
2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011).
    (2) Airplanes equipped with any chemical oxygen generator 
installed in any lavatory and are:
    (i) Operating under 14 CFR part 121; or
    (ii) U.S.-registered and operating under 14 CFR part 129, with a 
maximum passenger capacity of 20 or greater.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination that the current 
design of chemical oxygen generators presents a hazard that could 
jeopardize flight safety. We are issuing this AD to eliminate this 
hazard and ensure that all lavatories have a supplemental oxygen 
supply.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 38004]]

(g) Retained Oxygen Generator

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011). Within 
21 days after March 14, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-04-09, 
Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011)), do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Activate all chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories 
until the generator oxygen supply is expended. An operator may also 
remove the oxygen generator(s), in accordance with existing 
maintenance practice, in lieu of activating it.
    (2) For each chemical oxygen generator, after the generator is 
expended (or removed), remove or re-stow the oxygen masks and close 
the mask dispenser door.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Design approval holders are 
not expected to release service instructions for the action 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(h) Retained Information About Hazardous Material

    This paragraph restates the information in Note 1 of AD 2011-04-
09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011). Chemical oxygen 
generators are considered a hazardous material and subject to 
specific requirements under Title 49 CFR for shipping. Oxygen 
generators must be expended prior to disposal but are considered a 
hazardous waste; therefore, disposal must be in accordance with all 
Federal, State, and local regulations. Expended oxygen generators 
are forbidden in air transportation as cargo. For more information, 
contact 1-800-HMR-4922.

(i) Retained Compliance With Federal Aviation Regulations of AD 2011-
04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011)

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011). 
Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 25.1447, 121.329, 
121.333, and 129.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13), operators complying with 
this AD are authorized to operate affected airplanes until 
accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(j) Retained Parts Installation of AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 
(76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011)

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011). After 
March 14, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-04-09), and until 
accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, 
no person may install a chemical oxygen generator in any lavatory on 
any affected airplane.

(k) Retained Special Flight Permit of AD 2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 
(76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011)

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2011-04-09, Amendment 39-16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011). Special 
flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not 
allowed for the accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph 
(g) of this AD.

(l) New Requirements of This AD: Oxygen System Restoration

    Within 37 months after the effective date of this AD, install a 
supplemental oxygen system that meets all applicable sections of 
parts 25 and 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 25 
and 14 CFR part 121) in each lavatory, as specified in paragraph 
(l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If compliance with paragraph (l) of this AD is achieved 
using a chemical oxygen generator, the actions specified in 
paragraph (l) of this AD must be done in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager of the responsible FAA oversight office 
having responsibility over the modification. For a method to be 
approved, it must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and 
the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
    (2) If compliance with paragraph (l) of this AD is achieved 
without a chemical oxygen generator, the specifications of 
paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (l)(2)(ii) of this AD apply. Any repairs or 
alterations to a system installed and approved in accordance with 
this paragraph may be accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR part 
43, provided the operator's maintenance program contains an 
airworthiness limitation that prohibits the installation of chemical 
oxygen generators in lavatories.
    (i) The modification must receive FAA approval in accordance 
with 14 CFR part 21 as a major design change. Notwithstanding 
operations specification restrictions to the contrary, 
organizational approval holders may exercise their full authority in 
approving installations that meet the installation requirements of 
this AD.
    (ii) Deviation from approved service instructions and subsequent 
modifications may be handled by normal operator procedures without 
requiring approval of an alternative method of compliance.

(m) Minimum Equipment List (MEL)

    Notwithstanding the requirements of 14 CFR 121.628(b)(2) and 14 
CFR 129.14, the equipment required by paragraph (l) of this AD may 
be included in the Minimum Equipment List, as applicable.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Transport Standards Staff, ANM-110, 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 Transport Standards Staff, 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.

(o) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jeff Gardlin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-115, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-227-2136; fax: 425-227-1149; 
email: jeff.gardlin@faa.gov.

(p) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-15683 Filed 6-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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