Federal Register proposed rules — 1996-01-09

issue-1996-01-09Federal Register proposed rules — 1996-01-09Proposed Regulation

Published Federal Register documents, not public-inspection drafts. The GPO XML/text rendition is a research aid; the linked complete official PDF retains the printed layout and all graphics. Graphics are retained in that PDF and are not independently reproduced in this text rendition. Publication does not establish that every provision remains legally in force.

FR Doc. 96-337 Extension of Authority for Open-Head Fiber Drum Packaging for Liquid Hazardous Materials
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 688-690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-337]

[[Page 687]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part III

Department of Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

Research and Special Programs Administration

_______________________________________________________________________

49 Part 171

Extension of Authority for Open-Head Fiber Drum Packaging for Liquid 
Hazardous Materials; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 1996 / 
Proposed Rules 

[[Page 688]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Part 171

[Docket No. HM-221A; Notice No. 96-1]
RIN 2137-AC77

Extension of Authority for Open-Head Fiber Drum Packaging for 
Liquid Hazardous Materials

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Section 406 of the ``Interstate Commerce 
Commission Sunset Act'' (the Act), RSPA is proposing to extend for one 
year, until September 30, 1997, the authority to ship certain liquid 
hazardous materials in open-head fiber drums that do not meet 
performance-oriented packaging standards for hazardous materials in 
Packing Group III. The Act provides that a final rule must be issued by 
February 27, 1996.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 5, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Address comments to Dockets Unit (DHM-30), Office of 
Hazardous Materials Safety, Research and Special Programs 
Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 
20590-0001. Comments should identify the docket (Docket No. HM-221A) 
and be submitted, when possible, in five copies. Persons wishing to 
receive confirmation of receipt of their comments should include a 
self-addressed stamped postcard. The Dockets Unit is located in Room 
8421 of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday except Federal holidays, when the office is closed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frazer C. Hilder, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, Research and Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department 
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-00001; 
telephone 202-366-4400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A central tenet of DOT's regulation of 
hazardous materials is the assurance that packagings will retain their 
contents during normal conditions of transportation. Prior to 1991, the 
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR, 49 CFR Parts 171-180) generally 
specified the use of packagings manufactured to design specifications. 
However, the HMR also authorized the use of certain non-specification 
packagings (including fiber drums) for shipping certain categories of 
hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids with a flash point above 
73 deg. F, liquid cleaning compounds and other liquid corrosives, and 
hazardous wastes and hazardous substances not included in another 
hazard class. In general, these specific authorizations had been added 
to the HMR when a material posing a low or moderate hazard, which had 
not been previously regulated, was first included within the HMR's 
classification of hazardous materials. In these cases, DOT had 
permitted the continued use of packagings then being used for shipping 
the material. These packagings were required to be only ``strong, tight 
packages'' that were ``designed and constructed, [with their] contents 
so limited, that under conditions normally incident to transportation:

    (1) There will be no significant release of the hazardous 
materials to the environment;
    (2) The effectiveness of the package will not be substantially 
reduced; and
    (3) There will be no mixture of gases or vapors in the package 
which could, through any credible spontaneous increase of heat or 
pressure, or through an explosion, significantly reduce the 
effectiveness of the packaging.

49 CFR 173.24(a), (b) (1990 ed.)

    On December 21, 1990, RSPA issued a final rule in Docket No. HM-181 
(55 FR 52401; revisions and response to petitions for reconsideration, 
56 FR 66124 [Dec. 20, 1991]; further corrections and amendments, 57 FR 
45442, 45446 [Oct. 1, 1992], 46624 [Oct. 9, 1992]). In this rulemaking, 
RSPA adopted performance-oriented packaging standards for non-bulk 
packagings (up to 450 liters [119 gallons] capacity or 400 kg [882 
lbs.] net mass). Hazardous materials have been assigned to Packing 
Groups I, II, or III, based on their level of hazard (with Packing 
Group I indicating those materials posing the greatest hazards), and 
minimum levels of performance were established for each Packing Group. 
These ``HM-181 performance standards'' are intended to simulate the 
normal transportation environment and to achieve international 
uniformity.
    In the HM-181 rulemaking, RSPA eliminated most instances where the 
HMR previously authorized the use of non-specification packagings, 
including packagings for more than 200 environmentally hazardous 
substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)). In addition, 
RSPA classified as hazardous materials certain lower toxicity poisons 
that had not previously been regulated.
    To allow for an orderly transition to the HM-181 rules, RSPA 
authorized packagings meeting the HM-181 performance standards to be 
used immediately but provided a five-year phase-out period (ending on 
September 30, 1996) for previously authorized packagings. RSPA 
specified that on

    October 1, 1996, requirements in parts 172 and 173 of [49 CFR] 
for maintenance and use of packagings that were not previously in 
effect are effective * * *. [P]ackaging authorizations removed from 
part 173 of [49 CFR] by [HM-181] may no longer be used in place of 
new packaging requirements.

49 CFR 171.14(a)(1)(iii), previously located at 49 CFR 171.14(b)(8).
    On December 29, 1995, the President signed the Act (Pub. L. 104-
88). Section 406 of the Act reads as follows:

SEC. 406. FIBER DRUM PACKAGING

    (a) IN GENERAL.--In the administration of chapter 51 of title 
49, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue 
a final rule within 60 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act authorizing the continued use of fiber drum packaging with a 
removable head for the transportation of liquid hazardous materials 
with respect to those liquid hazardous materials transported by such 
drums pursuant to regulations in effect on September 30, 1991, if--
    (1) the packaging is in compliance with regulations of the 
Secretary under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act as in 
effect on September 30, 1991; and
    (2) the packaging will not be used for the transportation of 
hazardous materials that include materials which are poisonous by 
inhalation or materials in Packing Groups I and II.
    (b) EXPIRATION.--The regulation referred to in subsection (a) 
shall expire on the later of September 30, 1997, or the date on 
which funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out chapter 
51 of title 49, United States Code (relating to transportation of 
hazardous materials), for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 
1997.
    (c) STUDY.--
    (1) IN GENERAL.--Within 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall contract with the National Academy of 
Sciences to conduct a study--
    (A) to determine whether the requirements of section 5103(b) of 
title 49, United States Code (relating to regulations for safe 
transportation), as they pertain to fiber drum packaging with a 
removable head can be met for the transportation of liquid hazardous 
materials (with respect to those liquid hazardous materials 
transported by such drums pursuant to regulations in effect on 
September 30, 1991) with standards (including fiber drum industry 
standards set forth in a June 8, 1992, exemption application 
submitted to the Department of Transportation), other than the 
performance-oriented packaging standards adopted under docket number 
HM-181 contained in part 178 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations; and 

[[Page 689]]

    (B) to determine whether a packaging standard (including such 
fiber drum industry standards), other than performance-oriented 
packaging standards, will provide an equal or greater level of 
safety for the transportation of liquid hazardous materials than 
would be provided if such performance-oriented packaging standards 
were in effect.
    (2) COMPLETION.--The study shall be completed before March 1, 
1997, and shall be transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee of the House of Representatives.
    (d) SECRETARIAL ACTION.--By September 30, 1997, the Secretary 
shall issue final regulations to determine what standards should 
apply to fiber drum packaging with a removable head for 
transportation of liquid hazardous materials (with respect to those 
liquid hazardous materials transported by such drums pursuant to 
regulations in effect on September 30, 1991) after September 30, 
1997. In issuing such regulations, the Secretary shall give full and 
substantial consideration to the results of the study conducted in 
subsection (c).

    To carry out the mandate in Sections (a) and (b) of the Act, RSPA 
is proposing to add a new paragraph (a)(2)(iii) to 49 CFR 171.14. 
Interested parties are invited to submit comments on this proposal. 
Comments are specifically invited with regard to the possibility that, 
under Section (b) of the Act, the transition period for continued use 
of non-specification open-head fiber drums for certain liquid hazardous 
materials may extend to a future date (beyond September 30, 1997) that 
is now uncertain.
    RSPA considers that this eventuality may best be dealt with, if 
necessary, in the ``final regulations'' to be issued by September 30, 
1997, under Section (d) of the Act. At that time, further 
appropriations for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1997, may 
have been authorized, and the transition period would end on September 
30, 1997. Otherwise, RSPA and interested parties should have a better 
appreciation at that time for the date when further appropriations may 
be authorized. However, RSPA will consider alternatives that commenters 
wish to suggest for handling the uncertain length of this extended 
transition period for the continued use of non-specification open-head 
fiber drums for certain liquid hazardous materials.
    Because the Act requires the present rulemaking to be completed by 
February 27, 1996, RSPA is specifying a deadline for comments that is 
less than the 60 days recommended in Executive Order 12866. To 
encourage interested parties to submit comments, and somewhat 
compensate for a shortened comment period, RSPA is mailing a 
typewritten copy of this Notice to each person who submitted comments 
in RSPA's rulemaking proceeding in Docket No. HM-221, Alternate 
Standards for Open-Head Fiber Drum Packaging (Termination Notice, 60 FR 
50714 [Sept. 29, 1995]). Although RSPA will consider late-filed 
comments to the extent practicable, in accordance with 49 CFR 106.23, 
the Act's requirement that a final rule be issued within 60 days of 
enactment will make it extremely difficult for RSPA to consider 
comments received after February 5, 1996.

Regulatory Analyses and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This notice of proposed rulemaking is not considered a significant 
regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and was 
not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. This notice of 
proposed rulemaking is not considered significant under the regulatory 
policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (44 FR 
11034; February 26, 1979).

B. Executive Order 12612

    This notice of proposed rulemaking has been analyzed in accordance 
with the principles and criteria in Executive Order 12612 
(``Federalism''). The Federal hazardous material transportation law (49 
U.S.C. 5101-5127) contains an express preemption provision that 
preempts State, local and Indian tribe requirements on certain covered 
subjects. Covered subjects are:
    (i) the designation, description, and classification of hazardous 
material;
    (ii) the packing, repacking, handling, marking, and placarding of 
hazardous material;
    (iii) the preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents 
pertaining to hazardous material and requirements related to the 
number, contents, and placement of those documents;
    (iv) the written notification, recording, and reporting of the 
unintentional release in transportation; and
    (v) the design, manufacturing, fabricating, marking, maintenance, 
reconditioning, repairing, or testing of a packaging or a container 
represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use in 
transporting hazardous material.
    This proposed rule concerns the packaging authorized for certain 
hazardous materials. If adopted, this rule would preempt State, local, 
or Indian tribe requirements concerning this subject unless the non-
Federal requirements are ``substantively the same as'' the Federal 
requirements. RSPA lacks discretion in this area, and preparation of a 
federalism assessment is not warranted.
    Section 5125(b)(2) of 49 U.S.C. provides that if DOT issues a 
regulation concerning any of the covered subjects after November 16, 
1990, DOT must determine and publish in the Federal Register the 
effective date of Federal preemption. That effective date may not be 
earlier than the 90th day, and not later than two years, following the 
date of issuance of the final rule. RSPA proposes that October 1, 1996, 
would be the effective date of Federal preemption for the continued 
authorization of these fiber drums.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed rule would continue until September 30, 1997, 
authority for shipment of certain liquid hazardous materials in open-
head fiber drums that do not meet the performance standards in the HMR. 
I certify that the rule proposed in this notice will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This certification is subject to modification as a result of a review 
of comments received in response to this proposal.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    There are no new information requirements in this proposed rule.

E. Regulations Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each year. The RIN number contained in the heading 
of this document can be used to cross-reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 171

    Exports, Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, 
Imports, Incorporation by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.
    In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR part 171 would be amended 
as follows:

PART 171--GENERAL INFORMATION, REGULATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 171 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    
[[Page 690]]

    2. In Sec. 171.14, a new paragraph (a)(2)(iii) would be added to 
read as follows:

Sec. 171.14  Transitional provisions for implementing requirements 
based on the UN Recommendations.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) Non-specification fiber drums. Until September 30, 1997, a 
non-specification fiber drum with a removable head is authorized for a 
liquid hazardous material in Packing Group III that is not poisonous by 
inhalation for which this packaging was authorized under the 
requirements of Part 172 or Part 173 in effect on September 30, 1991.
* * * * *
    Issued in Washington, DC on January 4, 1996, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR Part 106.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 96-337 Filed 1-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-282 Heartland Operation To Protect the Environment
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 633-634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-282]

========================================================================
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. 61, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 1996 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 633]]

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

10 CFR Part 61

[Docket No. PRM-61-3]

Heartland Operation To Protect the Environment

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice of receipt of petition for rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is docketing, as a 
petition for rulemaking, a document, dated August 7, 1995, filed with 
the Commission by Heartland Operation to Protect the Environment 
(HOPE). The petition was assigned Docket No. PRM-61-3 on October 6, 
1995. The petitioner requests that the Commission amend its regulations 
to adopt a rule regarding government ownership of a low-level 
radioactive waste disposal site that is consistent with Federal 
statute. In this document, the NRC is announcing the receipt of the 
petition and requesting public comment on the suggested amendment.

DATES: Submit comments by March 11, 1996. Comments received after this 
date will be considered if it is practical to do so. However, assurance 
of consideration cannot be given except as to comments received on or 
before this date.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 
Attention: Docketing and Service Branch, Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, DC 20555-0001. For a copy of the petition, write to the 
Rules Review Section, Rules Review and Directives Branch, Division of 
Freedom of Information and Publications Services, Office of 
Administration, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 
20555.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael T. Lesar, Chief, Rules Review 
Section, at the same address as above or by telephone: 301-415-7163 or 
toll free: 1-800-368-5642.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The NRC published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) 
in the Federal Register on August 3, 1994 (59 FR 39485). The ANPRM 
announced that the NRC was considering amending its regulations to 
allow private ownership of the land used for a low-level radioactive 
waste (LLRW) facility site as an alternative to the current requirement 
for Federal or State ownership. In the ANPRM, NRC considered the option 
to allow private-land ownership indefinitely, given that adequate land-
use restrictions were imposed. The ANPRM invited comment on 12 
questions to assist the NRC in determining if such a change could be 
made without adversely impacting public health and safety. The NRC 
received 49 comment letters in response to the ANPRM. The NRC prepared 
a detailed summary of the comments received.1

    \1\ Copies of the summary are available for inspection or 
copying for a fee from the NRC Public Document Room at 2120 L Street 
NW, (Lower Level), Washington DC; the PDR's mailing address is US 
NRC, Mail Stop LL-6, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone (202) 634-
3273; fax (202) 634-3343.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On July 18, 1995 (60 FR 36744), the NRC published a notice 
withdrawing the ANPRM published in the Federal Register on August 3, 
1994. In the notice of withdrawal, the NRC stated that a rule change to 
allow private-land ownership of a LLRW site is not warranted or needed. 
The NRC stated that the bases for its decision are that State and 
compacts have generally indicated that they do not need, nor would they 
allow, private-land ownership and that this rule change could be 
potentially disruptive to the current LLRW program.

Petitioner's Concern

    The petitioner states that the NRC's present regulation (10 CFR 
61.59(a)), which requires disposal of LLRW ``only on land owned in fee 
by the Federal or a State government,'' is in conflict with a provision 
in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA), as amended (42 USC 
10171(b)). The act authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy ``to assume 
title and custody of low-level radioactive waste and the land on which 
such waste is disposed of, upon request by the owner of such waste and 
land following termination of the license issued by the Commission 
(NRC) for such disposal * * *.'' Therefore, the petitioner proposes 
that the NRC regulations should conform to NWPA provision and require 
private land ownership during operations and closure of the facility, 
then converting title to the site to the U.S. Department of Energy.
    The petitioner states that, because of the conflict between the NRC 
regulation and the NWPA statute, the NRC regulation is void with regard 
to Federal ownership of a LLRW disposal site before commencement of the 
receipt of waste. The petitioner asserts that if the regulation is void 
with regard to Federal ownership, that it is also silent or 
unconstitutional with regard to State ownership. The petitioner 
references the following case [New York v. United States, 112 S.Ct. 
2408 (1992)].
    Several commenters, including the petitioner, made similar comments 
on the ANPRM that there is not an adequate basis for requiring Federal 
or State land ownership, which therefore would support private 
ownership. In the withdrawal of the ANPRM, the Commission stated that 
it believes there is adequate statutory authority for NRC to require 
Federal or State land ownership. The Commission Paper (SECY-95-152; 
dated June 13, 1995) further discussed the NRC staff rationale for 
believing that NRC has this authority. The paper stated the staff's 
belief that NRC has authority to require Federal or State land 
ownership pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, in 
Section 161b. This section gives the Commission the authority to 
promulgate regulations deemed necessary or desirable to protect health 
or to minimize danger to life or property.
    The petitioner further states that the notice withdrawing the ANPRM 
(60 FR 36744) contains no documentation or statement of any issue of 
public health and safety as the basis for the regulation; therefore, 
the petitioner believes public health and safety cannot be an issue 
upon which the NRC regulation is based.
    The petitioner also states that the notice of withdrawal contains 
the statement: ``The Commission believes that the potential negative 
impact of disrupting the current process far outweighs any potential 
benefits that 

[[Page 634]]
might be derived from making a generic rule change at that time.'' In 
response, the petitioner asserts that the Commission's role is to 
regulate nuclear material in a manner that protects public health and 
safety and the environment, that its role is not to facilitate specific 
processes, i.e., the current LLRW disposal process.
    The petitioner references the following quote from the notice of 
withdrawal:

    For over three decades the public has been led to believe that 
all LLW disposal sites would necessarily be owned and controlled by 
either a Federal or State government. This, we believe, has been an 
important factor in convincing many proponent groups and State and 
local LLW advisory groups that LLW can and will be disposed of in a 
safe manner. To now try and convince these groups that Federal or 
State ownership of LLW disposal sites is not required may be 
difficult and generate a significant credibility problem.

    In response, the petitioner states that credibility problems occur 
when misrepresentations, i.e., government ownership is necessary to 
ensure proper LLRW management, are initially made and that the 
credibility problems are exacerbated the longer the misrepresentations 
are allowed to continue. The petitioner believes that there certainly 
would appear to be a larger credibility problem for the Commission to 
maintain a regulation that is in direct conflict with a statute. The 
petitioner offers that the Commission might reflect on the Department 
of Energy's recent efforts to gain credibility by coming clean on past 
misrepresentations, i.e., secret radiation studies.

Conclusion

    The petitioner believes that for the stated reasons, the NRC should 
adopt a rule regarding government ownership of LLRW disposal sites that 
is consistent with the Federal statute [42 USC 10171(b)].

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 2nd day of January, 1996.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
John C. Hoyle,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. 96-282 Filed 1-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-263 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 640-642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-263]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-121-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B

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 certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and 
SAAB 340B series airplanes. This proposal would require visual and dye 
penetrant inspection(s) to detect cracks of the nose rib of the rudder, 
and stop drilling and blending of minor cracks. The proposal would also 
require replacement of the nose rib with a new nose rib and 
reinforcement of the nose rib, if estensive cracking is detected or if 
an operator elects to terminate the repetitive inspections. This 
proposal is prompted by the result of an inspection that revealed a 
cracked nose rib on the front spar of the rudder due to vibration-
related stress. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended 
to prevent such stress and cracking, which could result in the 
deformation of the nose rib; this condition may lead to friction and 
jamming between the fin and the rudder and subsequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 20, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-121-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.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Harder, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-1721; fax (206) 227-1149

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-121-AD.'' The 

[[Page 641]]
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-121-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for 
Sweden, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on 
certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes. The LFV 
advises that, during a normal zonal inspection of one of these 
airplanes, a cracked nose rib was found on the front spar of the 
rudder. The cause of such cracking has been attributed to vibration-
related stress to the nose rib. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in cracking and subsequent deformation of the nose rib; this 
condition consequently may lead to friction and jamming between the fin 
and the rudder, and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340-55-032, dated May 22, 1995, 
which describes procedures for visual and dye penetrant inspection(s) 
to detect cracks of the nose rib of the rudder, and stop drilling and 
blending of minor cracks. The service bulletin also describes 
procedures for replacement of the nose rib with a new nose rib and 
reinforcement of the nose rib, if any extensive crack is detected or if 
an operator elects to terminate the repetitive inspections. The 
reinforcement will thicken the nose rib, and, thus, dampen the 
vibration. The LFV classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued Swedish airworthiness directive (SAD) 1-074, effective date May 
22, 1995, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Sweden.
    This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
LFV, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, the 
proposed AD would require visual and dye penetrant inspection(s) to 
detect cracks of the nose rib of the rudder, and stop drilling and 
blending of minor cracks. The proposed AD would also require 
replacement of the nose rib with a new nose rib and reinforcement of 
the nose rib, if any extensive crack is detected or if an operator 
elects to terminate the repetitive inspections. The actions would be 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
described previously.
    The FAA estimates that 221 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 4 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the inspection proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $53,040, or $240 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 AD were not adopted.
    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), 40101, 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Saab Aircraft AB: Docket 95-NM-121-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes having serial 
numbers (S/N) 004 through 159 inclusive, and Model SAAB 340B having 
S/N's 160 through 369 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 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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent vibration-related stress and cracking and consequent 
deformation of the nose rib, which could result in friction and 
jamming between the fin and the rudder and subsequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 2,400 total flight hours, or 
within 800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, perform a visual and dye penetrant 
inspection to detect cracks of the nose rib of the rudder, in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-032, dated May 22, 
1995.
    (1) If no cracks are detected, repeat the inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours, or replace the nose rib 
with a new nose rib and reinforce it, in accordance with the service 
bulletin. Accomplishment of the replacement and reinforcement 
constitutes terminating action for this AD.
    (2) If any minor crack [less than 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) long] is 
detected, prior to further 

[[Page 642]]
flight, stop drill and blend the crack in accordance with the service 
bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 800 flight hours, or replace the nose rib with a new nose rib 
and reinforce it, in accordance with the service bulletin. 
Accomplishment of the replacement and reinforcement constitutes 
terminating action for this AD.
    (3) If any extensive crack [greater than or equal to 25.4 mm 
(1.0 inch) long] is detected, prior to further flight, replace the 
nose rib with a new nose rib and reinforce it, in accordance with 
the service bulletin. Accomplishment of this replacement and 
reinforcement constitutes terminating action for this AD.
    (b) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
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, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) 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 January 3, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-263 Filed 1-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-262 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 637-640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-262]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-195-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and C-9 
(Military) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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

SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), which would have superseded an existing AD that is 
applicable to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and C-9 (military) series 
airplanes. The existing AD currently requires the implementation of a 
program of structural inspections to detect and correct fatigue 
cracking in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes as they approach the manufacturer's original fatigue design 
life goal. The previously proposed action would have required, among 
other things, revision of the existing program to require additional 
visual inspections of additional structure. The previously proposed 
action was prompted by new data submitted by the manufacturer 
indicating that certain revisions to the program are necessary in order 
to increase the confidence level of the statistical program to ensure 
timely detection of cracks in various airplane structures. This action 
revises the proposed rule by deleting the requirement to perform 
certain visual inspections of Fleet Leader Operator Sampling (FLOS) 
Principal Structural Elements (PSE). The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking that could 
compromise the structural integrity of these airplanes.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-195-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 

[[Page 638]]
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, P.O. Box 1771, Long Beach, 
California 90846-1771, Attention: Business Unit Manager, Contract Data 
Management, C1-255 (35-22). This information may be examined at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sol Davis or David Hsu, Aerospace 
Engineers, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (310) 627-5233 
for Mr. Davis, or (310) 627-5323 for Mr. Hsu; fax (310) 627-5210.

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 94-NM-195-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. 94-NM-195-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and C-9 (military) series airplanes, was 
published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on May 16, 1995 (60 FR 26007). That NPRM would have required 
implementation of a program of structural inspections to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking in order to ensure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes as they approach the manufacturer's original fatigue 
design life goal. That NPRM was prompted by new data submitted by the 
manufacturer indicating that certain revisions to the program were 
necessary in order to increase the confidence level of the statistical 
program to ensure timely detection of cracks in various airplane 
structures. That condition, if not corrected, could result in fatigue 
cracking that could compromise the structural integrity of these 
airplanes.
    Since the issuance of that NPRM, the FAA has received a comment 
from the manufacturer that has caused the FAA to reconsider its 
position on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
    McDonnell Douglas requests a revision of paragraph (b)(1) of the 
proposal for clarification purposes. The manufacturer notes that the 
proposal states that operators are required to inspect airplanes before 
the threshold (Nth); however, the proposal does not clearly 
indicate that operators do not receive credit for these inspections in 
the Supplemental Inspection Document (SID) program, unless the aircraft 
has exceeded one-half of that threshold (Nth/2). The FAA concurs. 
The FAA has revised proposed paragraph (b)(1) to indicate that the 
inspections are to be performed prior to reaching the threshold 
(Nth), but no earlier than Nth/2.
    McDonnell Douglas also requests the deletion of the requirement to 
visually inspect the Fleet Leader Operator Sampling (FLOS) Principal 
Structural Elements (PSE) that are proposed in paragraph (b)(3). The 
manufacturer states that these requirements are redundant to those 
required by AD 92-22-08 R1, amendment 39-8591 (58 FR 32281, June 9, 
1993), which requires the implementation of a corrosion prevention and 
control program to inspect all primary structure, including all PSE's.
    The FAA concurs. Paragraph (b)(3) from the original NPRM has been 
deleted, and a new NOTE 3 has been added to this supplemental NPRM to 
indicate that these visual inspections are not required. However, the 
visual inspections that are part of the Non Destructive Inspection 
(NDI) procedures specified in Section 2 of Volume II of the SID would 
still be required by this AD action. Additionally, paragraph (b)(4) 
from the originally proposed rule, which would have required certain 
general visual inspections, has been deleted from this supplemental 
NPRM since the requirement to perform visual inspections of FLOS PSE's 
are no longer required by this AD action.
    Also, since issuance of the original NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and 
approved Volume III-95 of the SID, dated September 1995, which 
eliminates the visual FLOS inspections that were contained in Volume 
III-94 of the SID, dated July 1994. Volume III-94 was referenced in the 
original NPRM as the appropriate source of service information for 
performing visual inspections of PSE's. Therefore, paragraph (b) of 
this supplemental NPRM has been revised to reference Volume III-95 as 
the appropriate source of service information.
    Since these changes significantly revise the originally proposed 
rule, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for public comment.
    Although other comments were received in response to the original 
NPRM, those comments, as well as any other received in response to this 
supplemental NPRM, will be addressed in the final rule.
    There are approximately 889 Model DC-9 and C-9 (military) series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 568 airplanes of U.S. registry and 38 U.S. operators 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    Incorporation of the SID program into an operator's maintenance 
program, as required by AD 94-03-01, is estimated to necessitate 1,062 
work hours (per operator), at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost to the 38 affected U.S. 
operators to incorporate the SID program is estimated to be $2,421,360.
    The incorporation of the revised procedures proposed in this AD 
action would require approximately 20 additional work hours per 
operator to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost to the 38 affected U.S. operators to 
incorporate these revised 

[[Page 639]]
procedures into the SID program into an operator's maintenance program 
is estimated to be $45,600.
    The recurring inspection costs, as required by AD 94-03-01, are 
estimated to be 362 work hours per airplane per year, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the recurring 
inspection costs required by AD 94-01-03 are estimated to be $21,720 
per airplane, or $12,336,960 for the affected U.S. fleet.
    The recurring inspection procedures added to the program by this 
proposed AD action would not add any new additional economic burden on 
affected operators since certain inspections would be added while 
others would be deleted.
    Based on the figures discussed above, the cost impact of this AD is 
estimated to be $12,382,560 for the first year, and $12,336,960 for 
each year thereafter. These cost impact figures discussed above is 
based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
proposed requirements of this AD action. However, it can be reasonably 
be assumed that the majority of the affected operators have already 
initiated the SID program (as required by AD 94-03-01).
    Additionally, the number of required work hours for each proposed 
inspection (and for the SID program), as indicated above, is presented 
as if the accomplishment of those actions were to be conducted as 
``stand alone'' actions. However, in actual practice, these actions for 
the most part will be accomplished coincidentally or in combination 
with normally scheduled airplane inspections and other maintenance 
program tasks. Therefore, the actual number of necessary additional 
work hours will be minimal in many instances. Further, any cost 
associated with special airplane scheduling can be expected to be 
minimal.
    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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8807 (59 FR 
6538, February 11, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 94-NM-195-AD. Supersedes AD 94-03-01, 
Amendment 39-8807.

    Applicability: Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50, and C-9 
(military) series airplanes; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure the continuing structural integrity of these 
airplanes, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after March 14, 1994 (the effective date of 
AD 94-03-01, amendment 39-8807), incorporate a revision into the 
FAA-approved maintenance inspection program which provides for 
inspection(s) of the Principal Structural Elements (PSE) defined in 
McDonnell Douglas Report No. L26-008, ``DC-9 Supplemental Inspection 
Document (SID),'' Section 2 of Volume I of Revision 3, dated April 
1991, in accordance with Section 2 of Volume III-92, dated July 
1992, of the SID.
    (1) Visual inspections of all PSE's on airplanes listed in 
Volume III-92, dated July 1992, of the SID planning data, are 
required by the fleet leader-operator sampling (FLOS) program at 
least once during the interval between the start date (SDATE) and 
the end date (EDATE) established for each PSE. These visual 
inspections are defined in Section 3 of Volume II, dated April 1991, 
of the SID, and are required only for those airplanes that have not 
been inspected previously in accordance with Section 2 of Volume II, 
dated April 1991, of the SID.
    (2) The Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) techniques set forth in 
Section 2 of Volume II, dated April 1991, of the SID provide 
acceptable methods for accomplishing the inspections required by 
this paragraph.
    (3) All inspection results (negative or positive) must be 
reported to McDonnell Douglas, in accordance with the instructions 
contained in Section 2 of Volume III-92, dated July 1992, of the 
SID. Information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.

    Note 1: Volume II, dated April 1991, of the SID is comprised of 
the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Revision 
                    Volume designation-                      level shown
                                                              on volume 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume II-10/20-...........................................            3
Volume II-20/30-...........................................            4
Volume II-40-..............................................            3
Volume II-50-..............................................            3
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 2: NDI inspections accomplished in accordance with the 
following Volume II of the SID provide acceptable methods for 
accomplishing the inspections required by this paragraph:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Volume designation-           Revision level-    Date of revision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume II-10/20-.................  3-................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-10/20-.................  2-................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-10/20-.................  1-................  June 1989.       
Volume II/20-....................  Original-.........  Nov. 1987.       
Volume II-20/30-.................  4-................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-20/30-.................  3-................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-20/30-.................  2-................  June 1989.       
Volume II-20/30-.................  1-................  Nov. 1987.       
Volume II-40-....................  3-................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-40-....................  2-................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-40-....................  1-................  June 1989.       
Volume II-40-....................  Original-.........  Nov. 1987.       
Volume II-50-....................  3-................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-50-....................  2-................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-50-....................  1-................  June 1989.       
Volume II-50-....................  Original-.........  Nov. 1987.       
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the revision of the FAA-approved maintenance inspection program 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, with a revision that provides 
for inspection(s) of the PSE's defined in McDonnell Douglas Report 
No. L26-008, ``DC-9 Supplemental Inspection Document (SID),'' 
Section 2 of Volume I of McDonnell Douglas Report No. L26-008, ``DC-
9 Supplemental Inspection Document (SID),'' Revision 4, dated July 
1993, in accordance with Section 2 of Volume III-95, dated September 
1995, of the SID.
    Note 3: Operators should note that certain visual inspections of 
FLOS PSE's that were previously specified in earlier revisions of 
Volume III of the SID are no longer specified in Volume III-95 of 
the SID.
    (1) Prior to reaching the threshold (Nth), but no earlier 
than one-half of the threshold (Nth/2), specified for all PSE's 
listed in Volume 

[[Page 640]]
III-95, dated September 1995, of the SID, inspect each PSE sample in 
accordance with the NDI procedures set forth in Section 2 of Volume 
II, dated July 1993. Thereafter, repeat the inspection for that PSE 
at intervals not to exceed DNDI/2 of the NDI procedure that is 
specified in Volume III-95, dated September 1995, of the SID.
    (2) The NDI techniques set forth in Section 2 of Volume II, 
dated July 1993, of the SID provide acceptable methods for 
accomplishing the inspections required by this paragraph.
    (3) All inspection results (negative or positive) must be 
reported to McDonnell Douglas, in accordance with the instructions 
contained in Section 2 of Volume III-95, dated September 1995, of 
the SID. Information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.

    Note 4: Volume II, dated July 1993, of the SID is comprised of 
the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Revision 
                    Volume designation-                      level shown
                                                              on volume 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume II-10/20-...........................................            4
Volume II-20/30-...........................................            5
Volume II-40-..............................................            4
Volume II-50-..............................................            4
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 5: NDI inspections accomplished in accordance with the 
following Volume II of the SID provide acceptable methods for 
accomplishing the inspections required by this paragraph:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Volume designation           Revision level     Date of revision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume II-10/20..................  4.................  July 1993.       
Volume II-10/20..................  3.................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-10/20..................  2.................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-10/20..................  1.................  June 1989.       
Volume II/20.....................  Original..........  Nov. 1987.       
Volume II-20/30..................  5.................  July 1993.       
Volume II-20/30..................  4.................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-20/30..................  3.................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-20/30..................  2.................  June 1989.       
Volume II-20/30..................  1.................  Nov. 1987.       
Volume II-40.....................  4.................  July 1993.       
Volume II-40.....................  3.................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-40.....................  2.................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-40.....................  1.................  June 1989.       
Volume II-40.....................  Original..........  Nov. 1987.       
Volume II-50.....................  4.................  July 1993.       
Volume II-50.....................  3.................  Apr. 1991.       
Volume II-50.....................  2.................  Apr. 1990.       
Volume II-50.....................  1.................  June 1989.       
Volume II-50.....................  Original..........  Nov. 1987.       
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Any cracked structure detected during the inspections 
required by either paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD must be repaired 
before further flight, in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate.

    Note 6: Requests for approval of any PSE repair that would 
affect the FAA-approved maintenance inspection program that is 
required by this AD should include a damage tolerance assessment for 
that PSE.

    (d) 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, Los Angeles ACO. 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. Alternative methods of compliance 
previously granted for AD 94-03-01, amendment 39-8807, continue to 
be considered as acceptable alternative methods of compliance with 
this amendment.

    Note 7: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    (e) 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 January 3, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-262 Filed 1-08-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-261 Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 636-637]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-261]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-110-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series 
Airplanes

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 certain de Havilland Model DHC-7 
series airplanes. This proposal would require modification of the 
emergency lights circuitry. This proposal is prompted by reports of the 
emergency lights turning on inadvertently due to voltage spikes from 
other equipment, and reports that the existing emergency light switch 
arrangement allows the flight compartment and flight attendant's panel 
switches to override each other. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent such failures of the emergency light 
systems, which could prevent the use of the emergency lights in the 
event of an emergency.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 13, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-110-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.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 
Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This information 
may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, 
Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 
New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, 
Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7511; fax (516) 568-
2716.

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-110-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-110-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Aviation, which is the airworthiness authority for 
Canada, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on 
certain de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes. Transport Canada 
Aviation advises that it has received reports indicating that the 
emergency lights on these airplanes have inadvertently turned on due to 
voltage spikes from other equipment when the main battery power is 
switched off. Transport Canada Aviation also advises that the existing 
emergency light switch arrangement can allow the flight compartment 
panel switch and the flight attendant's panel switch to override each 
other. Such failures of the emergency lighting system, if not 
corrected, could prevent the use of the emergency lights in the event 
of an emergency.
    De Havilland has issued Service Bulletin 7-33-7, dated October 17, 
1980, which describes procedures for modification of the emergency 
lights circuitry. The modification (Modification No. 7/1697) involves 
revising the switching logic of the emergency lights. This modification 
also entails reworking the wiring in the relay panel of the electrical 
equipment bay, and replacing the current emergency light switch (part 
number MS24659-21A) located on the passenger warning panel on the 
flight attendant's panel with a new type of switch. Accomplishment of 
this modification will ensure that the emergency lights can be turned 
on when necessary, that the emergency lights will not turn on 
inadvertently, and that the flight compartment and flight attendant's 
panel switches do not override each other. Transport Canada Aviation 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-95-04, dated March 9, 1995, in order to 
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
    This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada Aviation has kept 
the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined 
the findings of Transport Canada Aviation, reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of 
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United 
States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require modification of the 
emergency lights circuitry. The actions would be required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously. 

[[Page 637]]

    The FAA estimates that 14 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 8 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would be 
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $6,720, or $480 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 AD were not adopted.
    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), 40101, 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

De Havilland, Inc.: Docket 95-NM-110-AD.

    Applicability: Model DHC-7 series airplanes, serial numbers 3 
through 27 inclusive, on which de Havilland Modification No. 7/1697 
has not been installed; 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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (c) 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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the emergency lighting system due to 
voltage spikes from other equipment or due to inadvertent override 
of the emergency lighting switches, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the emergency lights circuitry by accomplishing de Havilland 
Modification No. 7/1697 (Emergency Lights--Revised Switching Logic), 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of de Havilland 
Service Bulletin No. 7-33-7, dated October 17, 1980.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an emergency light switch, part number MS24659-21A, on any airplane 
subject to this AD.
    (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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
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, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) 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 January 3, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-261 Filed 1-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-260 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 634-636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-260]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-93-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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

SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -
300 series airplanes, that would have required an inspection to 
determine if hinge bolts and nuts are installed in the overhead stowage 
bins, and the installation of hinge bolts and nuts, if necessary. That 
proposal was prompted by reports that overhead stowage bins in the 
passenger compartment have fallen out of position due to missing hinge 
bolts. This action revises the proposed rule by revising the 
applicability to include additional airplanes. The actions specified by 
this proposed AD are intended to ensure that hinge bolts are installed 
in the overhead storage bins. Missing hinge bolts could result in the 
overhead stowage bins falling out of position and injuring airplane 
occupants.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-93-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.
    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: Dorothy Lundy, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; telephone (206) 227-1675; 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-93-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-93-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
certain Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, was 
published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on August 23, 1995 (60 FR 43728). That NPRM would have 
required a one-time visual inspection to determine if the hinge bolts 
and nuts are installed in the overhead stowage bins. That NPRM also 
would have required installation of hinge bolts and nuts, if necessary. 
That NPRM was prompted by reports indicating that overhead stowage bins 
in the passenger compartment of certain Model 747 series airplanes have 
fallen out of position and injured passengers due to missing hinge 
bolts. Missing 

[[Page 635]]
hinge bolts could result in the overhead stowage bins falling out of 
position and injuring airplane occupants.
    Since the issuance of that NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and approved 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3095, Revision 1, dated September 
28, 1995. This service bulletin revises the effectivity listing of the 
original issue of the service bulletin by adding airplanes RA006, and 
RD251 through RD262 inclusive. In addition, certain passenger airplanes 
(which have been converted to special freighters) are removed from the 
effectivity of the alert service bulletin. This revision of the service 
bulletin does not describe any additional work requirements.
    The FAA has determined that these additional airplanes are subject 
to the same unsafe condition as described previously, and therefore, 
must be subject to the requirements of the proposed AD. The FAA has 
revised the proposal to add these airplanes to the applicability of the 
rule.
    Since this change expands the scope of the originally proposed 
rule, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for public comment.
    In addition, the FAA has given due consideration to the following 
comments received in response to the proposal:
    Three commenters request that the ``credit time'' for inspections 
accomplished prior to the effective date of the AD be extended. The 
commenters note that several operators have accomplished the inspection 
on their fleets as far back as when the original service bulletin was 
issued in April 1995. Because the proposed AD would provide credit only 
if the inspection previously had been accomplished within the last 6 
months prior to the effective date of the AD, these operators would be 
required to perform the inspection again. Therefore, one of these 
commenters requests that the credit time be extended from 6 months to 
18 months prior to the effective date of the rule.
    The FAA concurs. Since the relevant service bulletin containing the 
instructions for the inspection was issued originally in April 1995, 
the FAA considers that inspections conducted at least since then will 
satisfy the intent of the proposed AD. In light of this, and taking 
into account the number of days normally required for the rulemaking 
process, the FAA has revised the proposal to provide credit for 
inspections that were accomplished within 18 months prior to the 
effective date of this AD. The FAA finds that extending this credit 
time for previously accomplished inspections will not adversely affect 
safety and will prevent an unnecessary economic burden on operators who 
have performed the inspection within that credit time.
    There are approximately 573 Model 747-100, -200, and -300 series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 157 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane 
to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $9,420, or $60 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 AD were not adopted.
    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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Boeing: Docket 95-NM-93-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, 
as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3095, Revision 1, 
dated September 28, 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 
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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated.
    To ensure that hinge bolts are installed in the overhead storage 
bins, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, unless 
accomplished previously within the last 18 months prior to the 
effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to 
determine if hinge bolts and nuts are installed in the overhead 
stowage bins, in accordance with either Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3095, dated April 27, 1995, or Revision 1, dated 
September 28, 1995.
    (1) If the hinge bolts and nuts are installed, no further action 
is required by this AD.
    (2) If any hinge bolt or nut is not installed, prior to further 
flight, install a hinge bolt and nut in accordance with either alert 
service bulletin.
    (b) 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.

[[Page 636]]

    (c) 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 January 3, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-260 Filed 1-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

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