AD 2001-14-10

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 737-300 series airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate ST00171SE, that requires installation of a master switch to apply and remove power from the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, and revision of the Airplane Flight Manual. This action is necessary to ensure that the flight crew is able to remove electrical power from the IFE system when necessary and is 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.

Final rule.

2001-14-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-12321. Docket 2000-NM-237-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model 737-300 series airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00171SE, certificated in any category. \n\n\tNote 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. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo ensure that the flight crew is able to remove electrical power from the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system when necessary and is advised of appropriate procedures for such action, accomplish the following: \n\nInstallation of Power Switch and Revision of Airplane Flight Manual \n\n\t(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Flight Structures Service Bulletin 94FS492-23-01, Revision 2, dated September 21, 2000. \n\n\t\t(1) Install a master switch to apply and remove power from the IFE system. \n\n\t\t(2) Insert the Temporary Revision included in the service bulletin into the Emergency Procedures section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), to advise the flight crew on procedures for using the master switch installed in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD. Once the AFM has been formally revised to include the information in the Temporary Revision, the Temporary Revision may be removed from the AFM. \n\nSpares \n\n\t(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an IFE system in accordance with STC ST00171SE on any airplane, unless it is modified and the AFM is revised in accordance with this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\n\t(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. \n\n\tNote 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits \n\n\t(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. \n\nIncorporation by Reference \n\n\t(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Flight Structures Service Bulletin 94FS492-23-01, Revision 2, dated September 21, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Flight Structures, Inc., 4407 172nd Street NE., Arlington, Washington 98223. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 16, 2001.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 737-300 series airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00171SE was published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2001 (66 FR 13198). That action proposed to require installation of a master switch to apply and remove power from the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, and revision of the Airplane Flight Manual. \n\nComments \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tThe FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\nCost Impact \n\n\tNone of the Model 737-300 series airplanes modified by STC ST00171SE are on the U.S. Register. Thesingle airplane included in the applicability of this rule currently is operated by a non-U.S. operator under foreign registry; therefore, it is 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 the subject airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. \n\n\tShould the affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 24 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,500 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be $2,940 per airplane. \n\n\tThe cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this 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. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. \n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: