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 FAApublic 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 action must submit a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2000NM246AD.'' The postcard will be datestamped 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, ANM114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000NM246AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056.

Discussion

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently completed a review of inflight entertainment (IFE) systems certified by supplemental type certificate (STC) and installed on transport category airplanes. The review focused on the interface between the IFE system and airplane electrical system, with the objective of determining if any unsafe conditions exist with regard to the interface. STC's issued between 1992 and 2000 were considered for the review.

The type of IFE systems considered for review were those that contain video monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays; either hanging above the aisle or mounted on individual seat backs or seat trays), or complex circuitry (i.e., power supplies, electronic distribution boxes, extensive wire routing, relatively high power consumption, multiple layers of circuit protection, etc.). In addition, inseat power supply systems that provide power to more than 20 percent of the total passenger seats were also considered for the review. The types of IFE systems not considered for review include systems that provide only audio signals to each passenger seat, ordinary inflight telephone systems (e.g., one telephone handset per group of seats or bulkheadmounted telephones), systems that only have a video monitor on the forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection system) to provide passengers with basic airplane and flight information, and inseat power supply systems that provide power to less than 20 percent of the total passenger seats.

Items considered during the review include the following:

In all, approximately 180 IFE systems approved by STC were reviewed by the FAA. The review results indicate that potential unsafe conditions exist on some IFE systems installed on various transport category airplanes. These conditions can be summarized as:

FAA's Determination

As part of its review of IFE systems, the FAA has determined that an unsafe condition exists on Airbus Model A340211 series airplanes modified by STC ST09092ACD. While power to certain components of the passenger entertainment system (PES) installed by that STC is controlled through the ``COMMERCIAL'' load shed switch in the flight compartment, a portion of the PES is not included in the existing load shed circuits for the airplane. Thus, there is no means available to the flight crew to remove power from that portion of the PES without locating and pulling circuit breakers for the system, which are located in the avionics compartment. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure to remove power from the entire PES during a non normal or emergency situation, and consequent inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Raytheon has issued Service Bulletin A340VIP241, dated August 28, 2000, which describes procedures for modifying the PES by replacing a threeunit busbar with a twounit busbar and installing associated wiring. This
[[Page 13224]]
modification will allow power for the entire PES system to be controlled by the ``COMMERCIAL'' load shed switch in the flight compartment.

Raytheon has also issued Electrical Controls and Indicators, 1.24.20, page 4, Revision 07, which revised the ``Electrical Controls and Indicators'' section of the Airbus A340 Flight Crew Operating Manual. The revision advises the flight crew that power to the PES can be removed by using the ``COMMERCIAL'' switch.

Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin and Flight Crew Operating Manual revision is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

FAA's Conclusions

This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, 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. Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below. Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

Operators should note that the service bulletin specifies that the actions therein should be accomplished at the next maintenance opportunity, but not later than 12 months after receipt of the service bulletin. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the amount of time necessary to accomplish the proposed actions, the availability of necessary parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the proposed actions within an interval of time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. In consideration of all of these factors, the FAA has determined that 18 months after the effective date of this AD represents an appropriate interval of time allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be maintained. Other Relevant Proposed Rulemaking

This proposed action is one of a number of proposed AD's on airplanes modified by STC's that have been determined to be subject to similar unsafe conditions. Other currently proposed AD's include the following airplanes and STC's:
Model/Series STC number Docket number Boeing 757200........................ SA1727GL 2000NM228AD McDonnell Douglas DC951 and DC983. SA8026NM 2000NM229AD McDonnell Douglas DC1030............ ST00054SE 2000NM231AD Boeing 767300 and 767300ER.......... SA5765NM 2000NM232AD SA5978NM
Boeing 767300........................ ST00157SE 2000NM233AD Boeing 747100 and 200............... ST00196SE 2000NM234AD Boeing 767200........................ SA5134NM 2000NM235AD Boeing 767300........................ ST00118SE 2000NM236AD Boeing 737300........................ ST00171SE 2000NM237AD Boeing 767200........................ SA4998NM 2000NM238AD Boeing 767300........................ SA7019NMD 2000NM239AD Boeing 747100 and 200............... SA8622SW 2000NM240AD McDonnell Douglas DC1030............ SA8452SW 2000NM241AD Boeing 737700........................ ST09100ACD 2000NM242AD ST09104ACD
ST09105ACD
ST09106ACD
Boeing 767200........................ ST09022ACD 2000NM243AD Boeing 747SP.......................... ST09097ACD 2000NM244AD Boeing 747400........................ SA8843SW 2000NM245AD [[Page 13225]]

Cost Impact

None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. The single airplane included in the applicability of this rule currently is operated by a nonU.S. operator under foreign registry; therefore, it is not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that the subject airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

Should the affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take approximately 28 work hours to accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $162,597 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed modification would be $164,277.

Should the affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the proposed manual revision, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed manual revision would be $60.

The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

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 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

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

Airbus: Docket 2000NM246AD.

Applicability: Model A340211 series airplanes modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) ST09092ACD, certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To ensure that the flight crew is able to remove electrical power from the entire passenger entertainment system (PES) when necessary and is advised of appropriate procedures for such action, accomplish the following:
Modification and Flight Crew Operating Manual Revision
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modify the PES by replacing the threeunit busbar with a twounit busbar and installing associated wiring, in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin A340VIP241, dated August 28, 2000. (2) Revise the Electrical Controls and Indicators section of the Airbus A340 Flight Crew Operating Manual to advise the flight crew that power to the PES can be removed by using the ``COMMERCIAL'' switch in the flight compartment, by inserting Electrical Controls and Indicators, 1.24.20, page 4, Revision 07.
Spares
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a PES system in accordance with STC ST09092ACD on any airplane, unless it is modified and the Flight Crew Operating Manual is revised in accordance with this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Sec. 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 February 23, 2001. Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 014953 Filed 3101; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 491013U

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Ingrid Knox, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, ASW150, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 761374298; telephone (817) 2225139; fax (817) 222 5960.