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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 81885-81889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33359]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0223; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-161-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Goodrich Evacuation Systems approved under Technical Standard 
Order (TSO) TSO-C69b and installed on Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to supersede an 
existing AD. That NPRM proposed inspecting to determine the part number 
of the pressure relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation 
systems, replacing certain pressure relief valves, and adding airplanes 
to the applicability. That NPRM was prompted by reports that during 
workshop testing, certain pressure relief valves, which were required 
by the existing AD, did not seal

[[Page 81886]]

and allowed the pressure in certain slides/rafts to fall below the 
minimum raft mode pressure for the unit. This action revises that NPRM 
by adding certain airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this 
supplemental NPRM to correct the unsafe condition on these products. 
Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in 
the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the 
chance to comment on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by February 
13, 2012.

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

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this 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: Tracy Ton, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; phone: (562) 627-5352; fax: (562) 627-
5210; email: Tracy.Ton@faa.gov.

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-2011-0223; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-161-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 issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that 
would apply to Goodrich evacuation systems approved under TSO-C69b and 
installed on certain Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and -642 
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 21, 
2011 (76 FR 15229). That NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2007-23-01, 
Amendment 39-15247 (72 FR 62568, November 6, 2007). That NPRM proposed 
to require inspecting to determine the part number of the pressure 
relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation systems, replacing 
certain pressure relief valves with new improved valves, and marking 
the system identification placard on the girt of the replaced part. 
That NPRM also proposed to add Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes to 
the applicability.

Actions Since AD 2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247 (72 FR 62568, November 
6, 2007) Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247 (72 FR 62568, 
November 6, 2007, Model A330-302 and -303 have been added to the United 
States Type Certificate Data Sheet A46NM and we have determined they 
are affected by the identified unsafe condition.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous NPRM 
(76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011)

    Hawaiian Airlines concurred with the NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 
2011).

Request To Use Later Revisions of Goodrich Service Information

    Airbus stated that there are later revisions of the service 
information that should be referenced in the NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 
21, 2011). Airbus stated that these revisions are Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated March 30, 2011; and 
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, Revision 2, dated March 
30, 2011. Airbus did not provided justification for the request.
    We agree, because Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, 
Revision 3, dated March 30, 2011; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/
4A3934-25-374, Revision 2, dated March 30, 2011; are the latest 
revisions and do not change the actions proposed in this supplemental 
NPRM. We have revised the supplemental NPRM to refer to these 
revisions. We have also revised paragraph (j) of the supplemental NPRM 
to give credit for doing the applicable actions specified in this 
supplemental NPRM before the effective date of the AD in accordance 
with Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 2, 
dated May 8, 2009; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, 
Revision 1, dated May 8, 2009.

Request To Include Changing the Firing Pin Cable of Right Hand 
Configurations in This NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011)

    Airbus and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requested 
that the NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011) be revised to include 
replacing certain firing pin cables. Airbus stated that they want the 
NPRM to include changing of the firing pin cable of right hand 
configurations of part number (P/N) 4A3928 series escape slides. Airbus 
stated that the NPRM preamble section ``Differences Between the 
Proposed AD and the Service Information'' makes a statement that 
changes to certain firing pin cables are not included in the AD. Airbus 
stated that the change to the firing pin cables improves the 
reliability of the automatic inflation as required by part 25 of the

[[Page 81887]]

Federal Aviation Regulations (25.810(a)(1)(i)). EASA stated that 
marking the modified slide unit without accomplishing this action would 
be impossible.
    We do not agree. This supplemental NPRM proposes to supersede AD 
2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247, (72 FR 62568, November 6, 2007), to 
correct certain pressure relief valves that did not seal and allowed 
the pressure in slides/rafts to fall below the minimum raft mode 
pressure for the unit and add airplanes to the applicability. This 
supplemental NPRM is necessary to prevent loss of pressure in the 
escape slides/rafts after an emergency evacuation, which could result 
in inadequate buoyancy to support the raft's passenger capacity during 
ditching and increase the chance for injury to raft passengers. The 
purpose of an AD is to correct an identified unsafe condition in 
airplanes. We consider the firing pin cable replacement a design 
improvement and not an action that addresses the identified unsafe 
condition. Additionally, Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-
374, Revision 1, dated May 8, 2009, included the replacement of firing 
pin cable P/N 4A3622-3 for only Model A340-500 Door 3 right hand slides 
(P/N 4A3928-4 and -6) as an improvement of the automatic inflation 
reliability. Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, Revision 
1, dated May 8, 2009, did not specify replacement of firing pin cable 
for other airplanes in the applicability of this supplemental NPRM. We 
have not changed the supplemental NPRM in this regard.

Request To Use Generic Term Model A330-200 and -300, and Model A340-200 
and -300 Airplanes

    Airbus requested that the generic term Model A330-200 and -300 
airplanes be used in lieu of Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -
243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 airplanes be used in lieu of 
Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; in 
paragraph (c) of the NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011).
    We agree. We have revised paragraph (c) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Use Generic Term Model A340-500 and -600 Airplanes

    Airbus requested that generic term Model A340-500 and -600 
airplanes be used in lieu of Model A340-541 and -642 in applicability 
paragraph (c) of the NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011). As 
justification for its request, Airbus stated that evacuation slides and 
included equipment (pressure reducing valve) may be removed from Model 
A340-542 airplanes and be installed on Model A340-541 and -642 
airplanes.
    We agree. We have revised paragraph (c) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Include Model A340-542 and A340-643 Airplanes

    EASA requested that Model A340-542 and A340-643 airplanes be 
included in the AD applicability. EASA requested the change to allow it 
to adopt future FAA ADs without changes.
    We agree to revise the applicability of the AD. As stated 
previously, we have revised paragraph (c) of this AD to include the 
generic term Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this supplemental NPRM 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. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the 
NPRM (76 FR 15229, March 21, 2011). As a result, we have determined 
that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional 
opportunity for the public to comment on this supplemental NPRM.

Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM

    This supplemental NPRM would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously. The 
supplemental NPRM also adds Model A330-302 and -303 airplanes to the 
applicability.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Cost per
            Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost        product       Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine part   1 work-hour x $85 per              $0              $85   Up to $3,485.
 numbers.                       hour = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements.

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

    According to the manufacturer, some 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

[[Page 81888]]

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

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive
    (AD) 2007-23-01, Amendment 39-15247 (72 FR 62568, November 6, 
2007), and adding the following new AD:

Goodrich (Formerly BF Goodrich): Docket No. FAA-2011-0223; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-161-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 13, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

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

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Goodrich evacuation systems approved under 
Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b, as installed on the Airbus 
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A330-200 
freighter series airplanes, as identified in Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated March 30, 2011.
    (2) Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, as identified in 
Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated 
March 30, 2011.
    (3) Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes, as identified in 
Goodrich Service Bulletins 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 3, dated 
March 30, 2011; and 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, Revision 2, dated March 
30, 2011.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

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

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

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

(h) Part Replacement

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

(i) Parts Installation

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

(j) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, 
dated March 31, 2008, Goodrich Service Bulletin 7A1508/09/10/39-25-
373, Revision 1, dated August 1, 2008, or Goodrich Service Bulletin 
7A1508/09/10/39-25-373, Revision 2, dated May 8, 2009; or Goodrich 
Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, dated July 18, 2008, or 
Goodrich Service Bulletin 4A3928/4A3934-25-374, Revision 1, dated 
May 8, 2009; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding requirements of this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Tracy Ton, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety/Mechanical and Environmental 
Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
phone: (562) 627-5352; fax: (562) 627-5210; email:
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical 
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street Phoenix, Arizona 85040; phone: 
(602) 243-2270; email: http:george.yribarren@goodrich.com">//www.george.yribarren@goodrich.com; 
Internet: http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. You may review copies of 
the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For

[[Page 81889]]

information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(425) 227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 16, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-33359 Filed 12-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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