AD 2011-04-09 Airworthiness Directives; Various Transport Category Airplanes Equipped With Chemical Oxygen Generators Installed in a Lavatory

This AD applies to transport category airplanes, in passenger-carrying operations, that are equipped with any chemical oxygen generator installed in any lavatory, and are: (1) Operating under 14 CFR part 121; or (2) U.S.-registered and operating under 14 CFR part 129, with a maximum passenger capacity of 20 or greater.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Oxygen Generator Deactivation (g) Within 21 days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Activate all chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories until the generator oxygen supply is expended. An operator may also remove the oxygen generator(s), in accordance with existing maintenance practice, in lieu of activating it. (2) For each chemical oxygen generator, after the generator is expended (or removed), remove or re-stow the oxygen masks and close the mask dispenser door. Note 1: Chemical oxygen generators are considered a hazardous material and subject to specific requirements under Title 49 CFR for shipping. Oxygen generators must be expended prior to disposal but are considered a hazardous waste; therefore, disposal must be in accordance with all Federal, State, and local regulations. Expended oxygen generators are forbidden in air transportation as cargo. For more information, contact 1-800-HMR-4922. Note 2: Design approval holders are not expected to release service instructions for this action. Compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (h) Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13), operators complying with this AD are authorized to operate affected airplanes until this action is superseded by other rulemaking. Parts Installation (i) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install a chemical oxygen generator in any lavatory on any affected airplane. Special Flight Permit (j) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, Transport Standards Staff, ANM-110, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to an individual identified in either paragraph (k)(1)(i) or (k)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Jeff Gardlin, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-115, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2136; fax (425) 227-1149; e-mail jeff.gardlin@faa.gov. (ii) Robert Hettman, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM-112, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2683; fax (425) 227-1149; e-mail robert.hettman@faa.gov. (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. Contact Information (l) For technical information about this AD, contact: (1) Jeff Gardlin, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-115, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2136; fax (425) 227-1149; e-mail jeff.gardlin@faa.gov. (2) Robert Hettman, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM-112, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2683; fax (425) 227-1149; e-mail robert.hettman@faa.gov. (m) For FAA Flight Standards information about this AD, contact the manager at your local certificate management office (CMO) or certificate management team (CMT). Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 2, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-5292 Filed 3-7-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports that the current design of chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories presents a hazard that could jeopardize flight safety. We are issuing this AD to eliminate this hazard.