33050 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 26, 1996 / Proposed Rules

the proposed requirements of this AD

action, and that no operator would

accomplish those actions in the future if

this AD were not adopted.

Should an operator elect to replace

the elevator centering unit rather than

continue the repetitive inspections, it

would take approximately 10 work

hours per airplane to accomplish the

replacement, at an average labor rate of

$60 per work hour. Required parts

would cost approximately $640 per

airplane. Based on these figures, the cost

impact of the replacement is estimated

to be $1,240 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein

would not have substantial direct effects

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,

in accordance with Executive Order

12612, it is determined that this

proposal would not have sufficient

federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

Boeing: Docket 96–NM–23–AD.

Applicability: Model 737–300, –400 and

–500 series airplanes through line position

2764 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

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 (f) 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 prevent restriction of elevator control

during takeoff, climbout, and landing, due to

higher than normal elevator control forces

caused by damaged tie links in the elevator

centering unit, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date

of this AD: Perform a visual inspection to

detect any bent or damaged tie links of the

elevator feel and centering unit, in

accordance with Boeing Alert Service

Bulletin 737–27A1194, dated February 1,

1996.

(b) If no tie link is found to be broken, bent,

or damaged during the inspection required

by paragraph (a) of this AD: Accomplish

either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in

accordance with Boeing Alert Service

Bulletin 737–27A1194, dated February 1,

1996:

(1) Prior to further flight, install supports

and a stop-bolt on the elevator centering unit.

Once this installation is accomplished, no

further action is required by this AD. Or

(2) Repeat the inspection required by

paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at

intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles.

Installation of supports and a stop-bolt in

accordance with the alert service bulletin,

constitutes terminating action for the

repetitive inspections required by this AD,

provided that no damage is detected during

any inspection required by paragraph (a) of

this AD.

(c) If any tie link is found to be bent or

damaged during the inspection required by

paragraph (a) of this AD, and damage is

within the limits specified in Figure 1 of

Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1194,

dated February 1, 1996: Accomplish

paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD in

accordance with the alert service bulletin:

(1) Repeat the inspection required by

paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at

intervals not to exceed those specified in

Figure 1 of the alert service bulletin. And

(2) Within 6 months after the effective date

of this AD, install supports and a stop-bolt

on the elevator centering unit. This

installation does not terminate the repetitive

inspection requirements of this paragraph.

(d) If any tie link is found to be bent or

damaged during any inspection required by

this AD, and the damage is beyond the limits

specified in Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Service

Bulletin 737–27A1194, dated February 1,

1996: Prior to further flight, replace the

elevator centering unit with a new or

serviceable unit and accomplish either

paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD in

accordance with the alert service bulletin:

(1) Install supports and a stop-bolt on the

elevator centering unit; or

(2) Repeat the inspection required by

paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at

intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles

until the installation specified in paragraph

(d)(1) of this AD is accomplished.

(e) Replacement of the elevator centering

unit with a unit in which the tie links have

been inspected and determined to be

acceptable and in which supports and a stopbolt have been installed, in accordance with

Boeing Service Bulletin 737–27A1194, dated

February 1, 1996, constitutes terminating

action for the requirements of this AD.

(f) 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,

Transport Airplane Directorate. 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.

(g) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with sections 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 19,

1996.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 96–16244 Filed 6–25–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95–NM–226–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing

Model 747 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

supersedure of an existing airworthiness

directive (AD), applicable to certain

Boeing Model 747 and 767 series
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 26, 1996 / Proposed Rules 33051

airplanes, that currently requires

inspection of the door opening thrusters

and door opening/snubbing actuators

for proper oil quantity, and modification

of the off-wing compartment latching

assemblies. This action would add a

requirement for replacement of the

currently installed door opening

thrusters with new, improved thrusters

for Model 747 series airplanes. This

action also would remove Model 767

series airplanes from the applicability of

the existing AD. This proposal is

prompted by reports indicating that the

requirements of the existing AD do not

adequately preclude leakage of fluid

from the actuators. The actions specified

by the proposed AD are intended to

prevent such leakage, which could

result in failure of the escape slide to

deploy; such failure could delay and

possibly jeopardize the successful

emergency evacuation of an airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by

August 5, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 95–NM–

226–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, except Federal

holidays.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule may be obtained from

Boeing Commercial Airplane Group,

P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington

98124–2207. This information may be

examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gregory L. Schneider, Aerospace

Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,

FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification

Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington; telephone (206) 227–2028;

fax (206) 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 notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

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 notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 95–NM–226–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–103, Attention: Rules Docket No.

95–NM–226–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

On July 15, 1992, the FAA issued AD

92–16–17, amendment 39–8327 (57 FR

47987, October 21, 1992), which is

applicable to certain Model 747 and 767

series airplanes. That AD requires

repetitive inspections (weighing

program) of the door opening thrusters

and door opening/snubbing actuators

for proper oil quantity, and modification

of the off-wing compartment latching

assemblies. That action was prompted

by reports of failure of the off-wing

escape slide system to deploy when

commanded. The requirements of that

AD are intended to prevent such failure,

which could delay and possibly

jeopardize the successful emergency

evacuation of an airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

Since the issuance of that AD, the

FAA received a report from an operator

of Model 767 series airplanes indicating

that several actuators leaked following

accomplishment of the modification

required by AD 92–16–17.

Consequently, the FAA determined that

the modification requirements of that

AD do not adequately preclude leakage

from the actuators. Additionally, the

operator reported that, during

inspections (weighing program) of the

actuators, the weight of several actuators

increased from the original weight

measured during the initial inspection

required by AD 92–16–17. Therefore,

the FAA determined that the inspection

requirements of AD 92–16–17 cannot

reliably determine the fluid level of

these actuators.

Subsequently, the manufacturer

developed a new, improved actuator for

Model 767 series airplanes. On April 10,

1995, the FAA issued AD 95–08–11,

amendment 39–9200 (60 FR 20013,

April 24, 1995), to require replacement

of the currently installed door opening

actuators of the off-wing emergency

escape system on Model 767 series

airplanes with new, improved actuators.

Accomplishment of that replacement

constitutes terminating action for the

repetitive inspections (weighing

program) of the door opening/snubbing

actuators for those airplanes. The FAA

indicated in AD 95–08–11 that it was

considering a separate rulemaking

action to remove the requirements for

Model 767 series airplanes from AD 92–

16–17.

The door opening thrusters installed

on Model 747 series airplanes are

similar in design to the door opening/

snubbing actuators installed on Model

767 series airplanes in that both require

a small quantity of oil to operate, and

both have a tendency to leak oil from

the chamber. Such leakage can result in

failure of an actuator or thruster.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

Boeing has issued Service Bulletin

747–25–3073, dated September 21,

1995, which describes procedures for

replacement of existing door opening

thrusters on Model 747 series airplanes

with new, improved thrusters. Since the

new, improved thruster is not fluid

filled, accomplishment of the

replacement eliminates the need for

inspections of the door opening

thrusters and door opening/snubbing

actuators for proper oil quantity.

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

supersede AD 92–16–17 to continue to

require repetitive inspections of the

door opening thrusters and door

opening/snubbing actuators for proper

oil quantity, and modification of the offwing compartment latching assemblies

for Model 747 series airplanes. For those

airplanes, this proposed AD would add

a requirement for replacement of

existing door opening thrusters with

new, improved thrusters.

Accomplishment of the replacement

constitutes terminating action for the

repetitive inspections. The actions

would be required to be accomplished
33052 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 26, 1996 / Proposed Rules

in accordance with the service bulletin

described previously.

Additionally, the proposed AD would

remove Model 767 series airplanes from

the applicability of the existing AD,

since the subject unsafe condition on

those airplanes is addressed in AD 95–

08–11.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 400 Model

747 series airplanes of the affected

design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA

estimates that 125 airplanes of U.S.

registry would be affected by this

proposed AD.

The actions that are currently

required by AD 92–16–17 take

approximately 12 work hours per

airplane to accomplish, at an average

labor rate of $60 per work hour.

Required parts cost approximately $510

per airplane. Based on these figures, the

cost impact on U.S. operators of the

actions currently required is estimated

to be $153,750, or $1,230 per airplane.

The new actions that are proposed in

this AD action would take

approximately 2 work hours per

airplane to accomplish, at an average

labor rate of $60 per work hour.

Required parts would cost

approximately $6,400 per airplane.

Based on these figures, the cost impact

on U.S. operators of the proposed

requirements of this AD is estimated to

be $815,000, or $6,520 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed

above are based on assumptions that no

operator has yet accomplished any of

the current or proposed requirements of

this AD action, and that no operator

would accomplish those actions in the

future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein

would not have substantial direct effects

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,

in accordance with Executive Order

12612, it is determined that this

proposal would not have sufficient

federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

removing amendment 39–8327 (57 FR

47987, October 21, 1992), and by adding

a new airworthiness directive (AD), to

read as follows:

Boeing: Docket 95–NM–226–AD. Supersedes

AD 92–16–17, Amendment 39–8327.

Applicability: Model 747–100, –200, and

–300 series airplanes equipped with an offwing, two-piece escape slide on Door 3;

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 (e) 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 prevent failure of the escape slide to

deploy, which could delay and possibly

jeopardize the successful emergency

evacuation of an airplane, accomplish the

following:

(a) Within 18 months after November 25,

1992 (the effective date of AD 92–16–17,

amendment 39–8327), perform an inspection

of the door opening thrusters of the escape

system in accordance with OEA Service

Bulletin 2174200–25–013, dated July 29,

1991. Repeat this inspection thereafter at

intervals not to exceed 20 months until the

replacement required by paragraph (c) of this

AD is accomplished.

(b) Within 18 months after November 25,

1992, inspect and modify the door latching

mechanism of the escape slide compartment

in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin

747–25–2951, dated August 15, 1991.

(c) Within 2 years after the effective date

of this AD, replace the door opening thrusters

having part number (P/N) 60B50077–14 or

–17 with new thrusters having P/N

60B50077–19 in accordance with Boeing

Service Bulletin 747–25–3073, dated

September 21, 1995. Accomplishment of this

replacement terminates the repetitive

inspections required by this AD.

(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no

person shall install a door opening thruster

having P/N 60B50077–14 or –17 on any

airplane.

(e) 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,

Transport Airplane Directorate. 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.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with sections 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 19,

1996.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 96–16243 Filed 6–25–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Copyright Office

37 CFR Part 202

[Docket No. RM 95–7A]

Registration of Claims to Copyright,

Group Registration of Photographs

AGENCY: Copyright Office, Library of

Congress.

ACTION: Notice of public hearing;

correction.

SUMMARY: This document corrects the

July 15, 1996, deadline for submission

of written comments concerning the

rulemaking on claims to copyright

group registration of photographs that

was published in the Federal Register of

June 6, 1996 (61 FR 28829).

DATES: Submission of all written

comments is on or before Thursday,

August 15, 1996.