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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9346-9349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02896]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0090; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-149-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain

[[Page 9347]]

The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 
747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SP series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of worn or incorrectly assembled 
latches on main deck escape slides installed on airplane doors. This 
proposed AD would require determining if the latches are correctly 
assembled; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also 
would require, for certain airplanes, modifications to the escape 
slide/rafts and escape slides. We are proposing this AD to prevent a 
latch hook moving from closed to open in an escape slide/raft or escape 
slide, which could result in the escape slide/raft or escape slide not 
deploying correctly in an emergency, or releasing/inflating into the 
passenger cabin and causing injury to passengers and crew.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 25, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Boeing service information identified in this proposed 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. For Goodrich service information identified in 
this proposed AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft Interior 
Products, ATTN: Technical Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, 
Phoenix, AZ 85040-1169; telephone 602-243-2200; 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, WA. 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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Piccola, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6483; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
sarah.piccola@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0090; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-149-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 http://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 received reports that, in service, latches in the main deck 
escape slide/rafts and escape slides installed on airplane doors were 
not fully closed. The current latch design uses friction to keep the 
latch hook closed. Corrosion and worn parts reduce friction between the 
parts of the latch that keep it closed. The new latch design has a 
retention feature to make sure the latch stays closed. A latch hook 
moving from the closed to the open position in an escape slide/raft or 
escape slide, if not corrected, could result in an escape slide/raft or 
escape slide not deploying correctly in an emergency, or releasing/
inflating into the passenger cabin and causing injury to passengers and 
crew.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3428, 
Revision 3, dated June 14, 2012. For information on the procedures and 
compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0090.

Concurrent Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3428, Revision 3, 
dated June 14, 2012, specifies concurrent or prior accomplishment of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-2425, Revision 1, dated September 7, 
1979. For information on the procedures, see this service information 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA 2013 
0090.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that (1) are related to the primary action, and (2) are actions that 
further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related 
investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in 
this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or 
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, 
for example, repairs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 121 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 9348]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Determine if latches are         1 work-hour x $85   $0................  $85...............  $10,285.
 correctly assembled.             per hour = $85.
Option to rework/replace         Between 3 and 24    $286 per latch....  Between $541 and    Between $65,461 and
 latches instead of determining   work-hours x $85                        $2,326.             $281,446.
 if latches are correctly         per hour =
 assembled.                       Between $255 and
                                  $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed latch 
assembly determination. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per  product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corrective action...................  Between 3 and 24 work-   $286 per latch.........  Between $541 and $2,326.
                                       hours x $85 per hour =
                                       Between $255 and $
                                       2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed 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 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 this 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),
    (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.

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

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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0090; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-149-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 25, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 
747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 
747SP series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3428, Revision 
3, dated June 14, 2012; except for Groups 3-4, Configuration 2, and 
Group 9, Configuration 2, airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of worn or incorrectly assembled 
latches on main deck escape slides installed on airplane doors. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent a latch hook moving from closed to 
open in an escape slide/raft or escape slide, which could result in 
the escape slide/raft or escape slide not deploying correctly in an 
emergency, or releasing/inflating into the passenger cabin and 
causing injury to passengers and crew.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement or Rework of Escape Slide Latch Assembly

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD: Determine 
if the latches in the main deck escape slide/rafts and the escape 
slides installed on the airplane doors are correctly assembled, and 
do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the

[[Page 9349]]

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-25-3428, Revision 3, dated June 14, 2012. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight. Options 
provided in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3428, 
Revision 3, dated June 14, 2012, for determining the correct 
assembly of the latches are acceptable for the corresponding 
requirement of this paragraph.

(h) Concurrent Requirements

    For Groups 1, 5, 10, and 13 airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-25-3428, Revision 3, dated 
June 14, 2012: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the packboard 
cap nuts with flush-type inserts, reinforce the lower packboard 
support bracket attachments, install hooks, modify the lower liner 
of the main entry door and packboard, and remove the ``Press to 
Test'' circuit panel and associated circuitry, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-
2425, Revision 1, dated September 7, 1979.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the applicable concurrent 
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-25-2425, dated August 25, 1978, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) 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 the Related Information 
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Sarah Piccola, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6483; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: sarah.piccola@faa.gov.
    (2) 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. For Goodrich service information 
identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft 
Interior Products, ATTN: Technical Publications, 3414 South Fifth 
Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040-1169; telephone 602-243-2200; Internet 
http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. You may also review copies of the 
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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 1, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02896 Filed 2-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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