AD 97-04-15

The FAA received a report indicating that a Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridge (squib) failed to discharge when commanded. Investigation revealed that aluminum foil was present in the cartridge, which caused electrical shorting of the pins. Aluminum foil is used to shunt the electrical pins of the cartridge for shipping purposes. The aluminum foil had not been removed properly prior to installation of the fire extinguisher bottle cartridge. Further investigation revealed that the electrical shorting condition existed on six other installed cartridges.

The affected cartridges are Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges having part numbers 13083-10 and 13083-25.

Electrical shorting of the pins in the fire extinguisher bottle cartridges, if not corrected, could result in failure of the fire extinguisher bottle to discharge when commanded.

FAA's Determination The FAA has determined that, in order to ensure that the fire extinguisher bottle will discharge when commanded, Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges having part numbers 13083-10 and 13083-25 must be inspected to ensure that any aluminum foil is removed from the fire extinguisher bottle cartridges installed on the affected airplanes.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other components of the same type design installed on transport category airplanes, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical shorting of the pins of the fire extinguisher bottle cartridge, which could result in failure of the fire extinguisher bottle to discharge when commanded. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the electrical receptacle of certain Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges and their mating connectors to detect the presence of aluminum foil in the area of the pins of the cartridges and the connectors, and removal of any aluminum foil that is present.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 97-NM-27-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined thatthis emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from 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.

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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), 40113, 44701.

39.13 - [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: