[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 85 (Friday, May 1, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25353-25356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09115]



[[Page 25353]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0345; Product Identifier 2019-NM-154-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott 
Aviation) Oxygen Cylinder and Valve Assemblies; and Oxygen Valve 
Assemblies

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder 
and valve assemblies; and oxygen valve assemblies; installed on but not 
limited to various transport airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by reports of cylinder and valve assemblies having oxygen leakage from 
the valve assembly vent hole, caused by the absence of a guide that 
maintains appropriate spacing between certain parts. This proposed AD 
would require an inspection of the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen 
cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the serial number of the 
valve, cylinder, and entire assembly. For assemblies and parts with 
certain serial numbers, this AD would require a detailed inspection for 
correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer 
and top of the valve body on the assemblies, and replacement of 
assemblies having unacceptable gaps. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 15, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact AVOX 
Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-683-
5100; internet https://www.safran-aerosystems.com. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0345; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7323; fax 516-794-5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0345; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-154-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of cylinder and valve assemblies 
having oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent hole, caused by the 
absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between certain 
parts. It was determined that this guide was not installed during 
manufacturing, resulting in the O-ring and backup ring not being 
sufficiently constrained with the valve assembly. This condition, if 
not addressed, could result in oxygen leakage from the cylinder, 
leading to decreased or insufficient oxygen supply during a 
depressurization event; and heating or flow friction, which could cause 
an ignition event in the valve assembly.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletins 
10015804-35-01, Revision 02, dated October 16, 2019; 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 2, dated October 31, 2019; and 10015804-35-03, Revision 02, 
dated October 15, 2019. This service information describes procedures 
for an inspection to determine the serial number of the oxygen cylinder 
and valve assemblies; and the oxygen valve assemblies; a detailed 
inspection for correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the 
packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different assembly part 
numbers. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA evaluated all the 
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require an inspection of the oxygen valve 
assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the 
serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly. For 
assemblies and parts with certain serial numbers, this AD would require 
a detailed inspection for correct spacing of the gap between the bottom 
of the packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies, 
and replacement of assemblies having unacceptable gap (removing 
affected assemblies and installing serviceable assemblies). This 
proposed AD would also require reporting and the return of affected 
parts to the manufacturer.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    In this proposed AD, the ``visual inspection'' specified in the 
AVOX Systems Inc., service bulletins is referred to as a ``detailed 
inspection.''

[[Page 25354]]

The FAA has included the definition for a detailed inspection in this 
proposed AD.

Clarification of Inspection Requirements

    AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletins 10015804-35-01, Revision 
02, dated October 16, 2019; 10015804-35-02, Revision 2, dated October 
31, 2019; and 10015804-35-03, Revision 02, dated October 15, 2019, 
specify to inspect to determine the serial number of the oxygen 
cylinder and valve assemblies; and the oxygen valve assemblies. 
However, the valve and cylinder that are part of those assemblies must 
also be inspected, not just the assemblies themselves. Therefore, in 
this proposed AD, the FAA specifies to inspect the oxygen valve 
assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the 
serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects up to 3,034 oxygen 
cylinder and valve assemblies; and oxygen valve assemblies; installed 
on various transport category airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA 
estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial number inspection.........  1 work-hour x $85     None...................             $85        $257,890
                                    per hour = $85.
Reporting........................  1 work-hour x $85     $0.....................              85         257,890
                                    per hour = $85.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary follow-on 
actions that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these actions:

                                              On-Condition Costs *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                           Labor cost                  Parts cost              product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour  None......................             $85
                                           = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the cost of on-condition replacements.

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty 
coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included 
all known costs in our cost estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD 
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has 
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and 
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting 
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the 
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should 
be directed to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-
1524.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

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

[[Page 25355]]

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation): Docket No. FAA-2020-
0345; Product Identifier 2019-NM-154-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by June 15, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) 
oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies having part number (P/N) 
89794077, 89794015, 891511-14, 806835-01, 807982-01, or 808433-01; 
and oxygen valve assemblies (body and gage assemblies) having P/N 
807206-01. These assemblies might be installed on, but not limited 
to, the aircraft identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (12) of 
this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, 
B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (3) Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes.
    (4) Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (5) Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -
132, -133, and -151N airplanes.
    (6) Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -
233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (7) Airbus SAS Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -
253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes.
    (8) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, and -941 airplanes.
    (9) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes.
    (10) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-
200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes.
    (11) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-
101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes.
    (12) The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cylinder and valve assemblies 
having oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent hole, caused by 
the absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between 
certain parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address oxygen leakage 
from the cylinder, which could result in decreased or insufficient 
oxygen supply during a depressurization event; and heating or flow 
friction, which could cause an ignition event in the valve assembly.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Definition of Detailed Inspection

    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an 
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate procedures may be required.

(h) Identification of Affected Cylinder and Valve Assemblies

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, 
to determine if the serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire 
assembly, is listed in Appendix 1, ``Affected Shipments,'' of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial numbers can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, 
Revision 02, dated October 16, 2019.
    (2) AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 2, dated October 31, 2019.
    (3) AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, 
Revision 02, dated October 15, 2019.

(i) Inspection of the Gap, Parts Marking Actions, and Replacement

    If, during any inspection or records review required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, any oxygen valve assembly, valve or 
cylinder of an oxygen cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen 
cylinder and valve assembly having an affected serial number is 
found: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection for correct 
spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and 
top of the valve body, in accordance with paragraph 3.C. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) If the gap is found to be acceptable, before further flight, 
do the parts marking actions in accordance with paragraph 3.D.(1) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
information identified in paragraph (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (2) If the gap is found to be unacceptable, as defined in the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the affected 
assembly, in accordance with paragraphs 3.D.(2) or 3.D.(3), as 
applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of 
this AD; and replace with a serviceable assembly.

(j) Reporting and Return of Parts

    (1) Report the results of the inspection required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD within the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(j)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD. Report the results in accordance with 
the paragraph 3.D.(1)(a), of the Accomplishment instructions of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) If, during an inspection required by paragraph (i) of this 
AD, any gap is found to be unacceptable, within the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD, return the 
assembly to the manufacturer in accordance with paragraph 3.D.(2) or 
3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (3) of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Return the assembly within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Return the assembly within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no AVOX Systems Inc., 
oxygen valve assembly, or valve or cylinder that is part of an 
oxygen cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen cylinder and valve 
assembly having an affected serial number identified in Appendix 1, 
``Affected Shipments,'' of any AVOX Systems Inc., service 
information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD, 
may be installed on any airplane unless the requirements of 
paragraph (i) of this AD have been accomplished on that affected 
assembly.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (h) or (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (5) of this AD.
    (1) AVOX Systems Inc., Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, dated 
March 6, 2019.
    (2) AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, 
Revision 01, dated July 9, 2019.
    (3) AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, 
Revision 1, dated September 4, 2019.
    (4) AVOX Systems Inc., Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, dated 
April 11, 2019.
    (5) AVOX Systems Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, 
Revision 1, dated May 21, 2019.

[[Page 25356]]

(m) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this 
collection of information are mandatory as required by this AD; the 
nature and extent of confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send 
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to ATTN: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7300; fax 516-794-5531.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7323; fax 516-794-5531; email 
9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact AVOX 
Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-
683-5100; internet https://www.safran-aerosystems.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.

    Issued on April 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-09115 Filed 4-30-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


