AD 95-18-03

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that requires modification of the off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems. This amendment is prompted by reports of punctured tubes on certain BFGoodrich off- wing ramp/slide evacuation systems installed on these airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such tube punctures, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency.

Final rule

95-18-03 BOEING: Amendment 39-9351. Docket 95-NM-13-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model 767 series airplanes, equipped with BFGoodrich off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems having part number (P/N) 101630, 101655, or 101656; 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 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent tube puncture of the ramp/slide evacuation system, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0218, dated December 15, 1994, and BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 101630/655/656-25-269, dated October 28, 1994. \n\n\t(b)\tAn 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, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles ACO. \n\n\t(c)\tSpecial 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. \n\n\t(d)\tThe modification shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0218, dated December 15, 1994, and BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 101630/655/656-25-269, dated October 28, 1994. 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 Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\n\t(e)\tThis amendment becomes effective on October 10, 1995.

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 certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 1995 (60 FR 27054). That action proposed to require modification of the off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems. \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received. \n\n\tThe commenter supports the proposed rule. \n\n\tAfter careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\n\tThere are approximately 992 Model BFGoodrich off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems installed on 496 Model 767 series airplanes (2 evacuation systems per airplane) of the affected design in the worldwidefleet. The FAA estimates that 376 BFGoodrich off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems installed on 188 Model 767 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $200 per evacuation system. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $278,240, or $740 per airplane. \n\n\tThe total 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. \n\n\tThe regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. \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 AmendmentAccordingly, 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: Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701. § 39.13 - (Amended)\n \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: