AD 2011-01-09

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires removing affected PBE units. This AD was prompted by reports of potentially defective potassium superoxide canisters used in PBE units, which could result in an exothermic reaction and ignition. We are issuing this AD to prevent PBE units from igniting, which could result in a fire and possible injury to the flightcrew or other persons.

Final rule.

2011-01-09 B/E Aerospace: Amendment 39-16562; Docket No. FAA-2010- 0797; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-141-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This AD is effective February 9, 2011. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to B/E Aerospace protective breathing equipment (PBE) units having part number (P/N) 119003-11. These PBE units may be installed on (or carried or stowed on board), but not limited to, various transport category airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in but not limited to the airplanes of the manufacturers specified in Table 1 of this AD. \n\n\tTable 1--Affected Manufacturers\n\n\nManufacturers\nAirbus\nATR\nBoeing\nBombardier\nEmbraer\nFokker\nHawker Beechcraft\n\nSubject \n\n\t(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35: Oxygen. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(e) This AD results from reports of potentially defective potassium superoxide canisters used in PBE units, which could result in an exothermic reaction and ignition. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent PBE units from igniting, which could result in a fire and possible injury to the flightcrew or other persons. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. \n\n\tInspection \n\n\t(g) Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the serial number of the PBE units installed in the aircraft, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 119003-35-5, dated April 19, 2010. A review of airplane records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial numbers of the PBE can be conclusively determined from that review. \n\n\t(1) For any PBE that has a serial number from 003-50730M to 003- 51329M inclusive: Before further flight, replace the PBE with a serviceable PBE, except as provided by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.(2) For any PBE that has a label showing that it has been restored in accordance with B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 119003- 35-6: The replacement has been done, and no further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\n\t(3) For any PBE not having a serial number from 003-50730M to 003-51329M inclusive: No further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\nParts Installation \n\n\t(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a PBE unit having P/N 119003-11 with a serial number ranging from 003- 50730M to 003-51329M inclusive, unless it has a label showing it has been restored in accordance with B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 119003-35-6, dated May 21, 2010. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(i)(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4154; fax (316) 946-4107; e-mail David.Fairback@faa.gov. \n\n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. \n\nRelated Information \n\n\t(j) For more information about this AD, contact David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4154; fax (316) 946-4107. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(k) You must use B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 119003-35-5, dated April 19, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 119003- 35-5, dated April 19, 2010, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact B/E Aerospace, Inc., Commercial Aircraft Products Group, RGA Department, 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215; telephone (913) 338-7378; fax (913) 469-8419; Internet http://www.beaerospace.com. \n\n\t(3) You may review copies of the 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. \n\n\t(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.

Discussion \n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2010 (75 FR 50941). That NPRM proposed to require removing affected PBE units. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal and the FAA's response to each comment. \n\nSupport for the NPRM \n\n\tBoeing supported the contents of the NPRM. \n\nRequest To Withdraw the NPRM \n\n\tContinental Airlines stated that Boeing has indicated in Fleet Team Digest 737NG-FTD-25-10003 that all defective B/E Aerospace PBEs have been successfully captured. We infer that Continental requested that we withdraw the NPRM. \n\n\tWe disagree with the request to withdraw the NPRM. We have not received assurance of such accomplishment. We contacted B/E Aerospace and it reported that their records show 422 of the 600 affected PBEs were contained, leaving 178 affected PBEs in the field. We have not changed the final rule in regard to this issue. \n\nRequest To Clarify Affected Serial Numbers \n\n\tABX Air requested that we clarify that no further action is required for PBEs with serial numbers outside the range. ABX Air suggested adding a new paragraph (g)(3) to the final rule to state ''For any PBE not having a serial number from 003-50730M to 003-51329M inclusive: No further action is required.'' \n\n\tWe agree that no further action is necessary for PBEs with serial numbers outside the range specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. We added a new paragraph (g)(3) to this final rule. We have also clarified paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to state that once the replacement has been done, no further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD. However, paragraph (h) of this AD prohibits installations of the PBEs within the serial number range. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tWe estimate that this AD affects up to 600 airplanes of U.S. registry. \n\n\tWe estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\tEstimated Costs\n \n\nAction\nLabor cost\nParts cost\nCost per product\nCost on U.S. operators\nInspection\n1 work-hour X $85 per hour = $85\n$0\n$85\n$51,000\n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 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. \n\n\tWe 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 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tThis AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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. \n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\n\t(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. \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\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. 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\n2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):