[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 125 (Thursday, June 28, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34377-34380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-16204]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 125 / Thursday, June 28, 2001 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 34377]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-239-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes 
Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SA7019NM-D

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 767-300 series 
airplanes modified by supplemental type certificate SA7019NM-D. This 
proposal would require modification of the in-flight entertainment 
(IFE) system to install a switch to remove power from the IFE system 
and revision of flight crew and cabin crew procedures. This action is 
necessary to ensure that the flight crew and cabin crew are able to 
remove electrical power from the IFE system when necessary and are 
advised of appropriate procedures for such action. Inability to remove 
power from the IFE system during a non-normal or emergency situation 
could result in inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane 
flight deck or cabin. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-239-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#10293d717e7d3d7e60627d737f7d7d757e64507671713e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dce5f1bdb2b1f1b2acaeb1bfb3b1b1b9b2a89cbabdbdf2bbb3aa">[email protected]</span></a>. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-239-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from BFGoodrich Aerospace, 3100 112th Street SW., Everett, 
Washington 98204-3500. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen S. Oshiro, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2793; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    <bullet> Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    <bullet> For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    <bullet> Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-239-AD.'' The postcard will be date-stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2000-NM-239-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently completed a 
review of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems certified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) and installed on transport category 
airplanes. The review focused on the interface between the IFE system 
and airplane electrical system, with the objective of determining if 
any unsafe conditions exist with regard to the interface. STC's issued 
between 1992 and 2000 were considered for the review.
    The type of IFE systems considered for review were those that 
contain video monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays; 
either hanging above the aisle or mounted on individual seat backs or 
seat trays), or complex circuitry (i.e., power supplies, electronic 
distribution boxes, extensive wire routing, relatively high power 
consumption, multiple layers of circuit protection, etc.). In addition, 
in-seat power supply systems that provide power to more than 20 percent 
of the total passenger seats were also considered for the review. The 
types of IFE systems not considered for review include systems that 
provide only audio signals to each passenger seat, ordinary in-flight 
telephone systems (e.g., one telephone handset per group of seats or 
bulkhead-mounted telephones), systems that only have a video monitor on 
the forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection system) to provide passengers 
with basic airplane and flight information, and in-seat power supply 
systems that

[[Page 34378]]

provide power to less than 20 percent of the total passenger seats.
    Items considered during the review include the following:
    <bullet> Can the electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE 
system be deenergized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that may be required for continued safe flight and landing?
    <bullet> Can IFE system power be removed when required without 
pulling IFE system circuit breakers? (i.e., is there a switch 
(dedicated to the IFE system or a combination of loads) located in the 
flight deck or cabin that can be used to remove IFE power?)
    <bullet> If the IFE system requires changes to flight crew 
procedures, has the airplane flight manual (AFM) been properly amended?
    <bullet> If the IFE system requires changes to cabin crew 
procedures, have they been properly amended?
    <bullet> Does the IFE system require periodic or special 
maintenance?
    In all, approximately 180 IFE systems approved by STC were reviewed 
by the FAA. The review results indicate that potential unsafe 
conditions exist on some IFE systems installed on various transport 
category airplanes. These conditions can be summarized as:
    <bullet> Electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE system 
cannot be deenergized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that may be required for continued safe flight and landing.
    <bullet> Power cannot be removed from the IFE system when required 
without pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., there is no switch 
dedicated to the IFE system or combination of systems for the purpose 
of removing power).
    <bullet> Installation of the IFE system has affected crew (flight 
crew and/or cabin crew) procedures, but the procedures have not been 
properly revised.

FAA's Determination

    As part of its review of IFE systems, the FAA has determined that 
an unsafe condition exists on Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes 
modified by STC SA7019NM-D, dated July 14, 1995. The IFE system on 
these airplanes is connected to an electrical bus that cannot be 
deactivated without also removing power from airplane systems necessary 
for continued safe flight and landing. There is no means available to 
the flight or cabin crew to remove power from the IFE system without 
pulling circuit breakers for the system. Also, the AFM and cabin crew 
manual do not provide clear instructions on how to remove power from 
the IFE system when responding to an emergency. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in inability to remove power from the IFE 
system during a non-normal or emergency situation, and consequent 
inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or 
cabin.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved BFGoodrich Engineering Order 23-
32-767-031, dated August 16, 2000, which describes procedures for 
modification of the IFE system. The modification involves installation 
of a master power control switch for the video system on the video 
control center in the cabin and installation of associated wiring.
    The FAA has also reviewed and approved BFGoodrich Flight Attendant 
Manual Supplement D2000-160, dated August 16, 2000, which advises the 
cabin crew on the use of the master power switch for the video system.
    The FAA has also reviewed and approved BFGoodrich AFM Supplement 
D2001-025, dated February 26, 2001, which revises the Emergency 
Procedures section of the AFM to advise the flight crew on procedures 
for removing power from the IFE system during an emergency situation 
related to electrical smoke or fire.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the engineering order, 
and revision of the flight attendant manual and AFM by insertion of the 
manual supplements, is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the engineering order described previously, revision of the flight 
attendant manual to ensure that the cabin crew is advised of proper 
procedures for use of the master power switch for the video system, and 
revision of the AFM to ensure that the flight crew is advised of 
appropriate procedures for removing power from the IFE system during an 
emergency situation related to electrical smoke or fire.

Calculation of Compliance Time

    In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the 
FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with 
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the amount of time 
necessary to accomplish the proposed actions, and the practical aspect 
of accomplishing the proposed actions within an interval of time that 
parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. In 
consideration of these factors, the FAA has determined that 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD represents an appropriate interval 
of time allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be 
maintained.

Other Relevant Proposed Rulemaking

    This proposed action is one of a number of proposed AD's on 
airplanes modified by STC's that have been determined to be subject to 
similar unsafe conditions. Other currently proposed AD's include the 
following airplanes and STC's:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model/Series                              STC No.                           Docket No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing 757-200...........................  SA1727GL                            2000-NM-228-AD
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 and DC-9-83....  SA8026NM                            2000-NM-229-AD
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30...............  ST00054SE                           2000-NM-231-AD
Boeing 767-300 and 767-300ER.............  SA5765NM                            2000-NM-232-AD
                                           SA5978NM
Boeing 767-300...........................  ST00157SE                           2000-NM-233-AD
Boeing 747-100 and -200..................  ST00196SE                           2000-NM-234-AD
Boeing 767-200...........................  SA5134NM                            2000-NM-235-AD
Boeing 767-300...........................  ST00118SE                           2000-NM-236-AD
Boeing 737-300...........................  ST00171SE                           2000-NM-237-AD
Boeing 767-200...........................  SA4998NM                            2000-NM-238-AD
Boeing 747-100 and -200..................  SA8622SW                            2000-NM-240-AD
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30...............  SA8452SW                            2000-NM-241-AD
Boeing 737-700...........................  ST09100AC-D                         ST09104AC-D
                                           ST09105AC-D                         2000-NM-242-AD

[[Page 34379]]

 
                                           ST09106AC-D
Boeing 767-200...........................  ST09022AC-D                         2000-NM-243-AD
Boeing 747SP.............................  ST09097AC-D                         2000-NM-244-AD
Boeing 747-400...........................  SA8843SW                            2000-NM-245-AD
Airbus A340-211..........................  ST0902AC-D                          2000-NM-246-AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost Impact

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule 
currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; 
therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, 
the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes 
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would take approximately 40 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately 
$2,740 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed modification would be $5,140 per airplane.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed manual revisions, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed manual revisions would be $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Boeing: Docket 2000-NM-239-AD.

    Applicability: Model 767-300 series airplanes modified by 
supplemental type certificate (STC) SA7019NM-D, dated July 14, 1995; 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure that the flight crew and cabin crew are able to remove 
electrical power from the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system when 
necessary and are advised of appropriate procedures for such action, 
accomplish the following:

Modification and Manual Revisions

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install a master power control switch for the video system 
and associated wiring, in accordance with BFGoodrich Engineering 
Order 23-32-767-031, dated August 16, 2000.
    (2) Following installation of the master power control switch in 
accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, prior to further 
flight, insert BFGoodrich Flight Attendant Manual Supplement D2000-
160, dated August 16, 2000, into the Flight Attendant Manual, and 
insert BFGoodrich Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Supplement D2001-025, 
dated February 26, 2001, into the Emergency Procedures section of 
the AFM.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an IFE system in accordance with STC SA7019NM-D, dated July 14, 
1995, on any airplane, unless it is modified, and the Flight 
Attendant Manual and AFM are revised, in accordance with this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.


[[Page 34380]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21, 2001.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-16204 Filed 6-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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