Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 and -300F Series Airplanes, 42008-42010 [05-14395]
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<![CDATA[
42008
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 139 / Thursday, July 21, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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
We have 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 that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this supplemental NPRM. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to
examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, 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
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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing amendment 39–12383 (66 FR
42939, August 16, 2001), and adding the
following new airworthiness directive
(AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2004–19863;
Directorate Identifier 2003–NM–29–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
must receive comments on this AD action by
August 15, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2001–16–14,
amendment 39–12383 (66 FR 42939, August
16, 2001).
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Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319–
100, A320–200, and A321–100 and –200
series airplanes; certificated in any category;
equipped with telescopic girt bars of the
escape slide/raft assembly installed per
Airbus Modification 20234, or Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–25–1055 or A320–25–1218 in
service; except those airplanes with Airbus
Modification 31708.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by development
of a new, improved modification of the
telescopic girt bar of the escape slide/raft
assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the escape slide/raft to deploy
correctly, which could result in the slide
being unusable during an emergency
evacuation and consequent injury to
passengers or airplane crewmembers.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2001–
16–14
Modification/Follow-On Actions
(f) For airplanes listed in Airbus Industrie
All Operators Telex A320–52A1111, Revision
01, dated July 23, 2001: Within 1,500 flight
hours after August 31, 2001 (the effective
date of AD 2001–16–14); except as provided
by paragraph (h) of this AD, modify the
telescopic girt bar of the escape slide/raft
assembly installed on all passenger and crew
doors and do a functional test to ensure the
girt bar does not retract, per Airbus Industrie
AOT A320–52A1111, Revision 01, dated July
23, 2001.
(1) If the girt bar retracts, before further
flight, replace any discrepant parts and do
another functional test to ensure the girt bar
does not retract, per the AOT. Repeat the
functional test thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 18 months until paragraph (g) of this
AD is accomplished.
(2) If the girt bar does not retract, repeat the
functional test thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 18 months.
Note 1: Modification and follow-on actions
accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD per Airbus Industrie AOT A320–
52A1111, dated July 5, 2001, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the
applicable actions specified in this
amendment.
(2) Install a placard on each modified girt
bar.
(h) For airplanes on which the
modification of the telescopic girt bar
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is
accomplished within the compliance time
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD,
accomplishing the modification required by
paragraph (f) is not required.
Modifications Accomplished According to
Previous Issues of Service Bulletin
(i) Modification of the telescopic girt bar
accomplished before the effective date of this
AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–52–1112, dated January 16,
2002; Revision 01, dated April 3, 2002;
Revision 02, dated September 6, 2002;
Revision 03, dated June 27, 2003; or Revision
04, dated November 12, 2003; is considered
acceptable for compliance with the
modification of the telescopic girt bar
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install on any airplane a
telescopic girt bar of the escape slide/raft
assembly unless it has been modified as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM–116,
FAA, has the authority to approve alternative
methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD,
if requested in accordance with the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 2001–16–14,
amendment 39–12383, are approved as
AMOCs with paragraph (f) of this AD.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directives 2002–
637(B) R1, dated April 16, 2003, and F–2005–
057, dated April 13, 2005, also address the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 14,
2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–14394 Filed 7–20–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
New Requirements of This AD
Modification
(g) Within 20 months after the effective
date of this AD: Accomplish the actions
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD by doing all the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
52–1112, Revision 05, dated June 25, 2004.
Accomplishing these actions terminates the
repetitive functional tests required by
paragraph (f) of this AD.
(1) Modify the telescopic girt bar of the
escape slide/raft assembly.
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–21880; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–216–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 767–300 and –300F Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\21JYP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 139 / Thursday, July 21, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 767–300 and
–300F series airplanes. This proposed
AD would require a one-time
operational test of the pilots’ seat locks
and the seat tracks to ensure that the
seats lock in position and the seat tracks
are aligned correctly; and re-alignment
of the seat tracks, if necessary. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports
indicating that a pilot’s seat slid from
the forward to the aft-most position
during acceleration and take-off. We are
proposing this AD to prevent
uncommanded movement of the pilots’
seats during acceleration and take-off of
the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 6, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW, room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2005–
21880; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–216–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue
Rosanske, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety and Environmental Systems
Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6448;
fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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18:14 Jul 20, 2005
Jkt 205001
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2005–21880; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–216–AD’’ in the subject line
of your comments. We specifically
invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental,
and energy aspects of the proposed AD.
We will consider all comments
submitted by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you can visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket
Management System (DMS) receives
them.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating
that the pilot’s seat slid from the
forward to the aft-most position during
acceleration and take-off on a Model 737
series airplane. Investigation revealed
that the seat track was aligned
incorrectly. Misalignment of the seat
tracks can occur when seat tracks have
been reinstalled or replaced without
fully testing the seat lock mechanism.
Misalignment of the seat tracks, if not
corrected, could result in
uncommanded movement of the pilots’
seats during acceleration and take-off of
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42009
the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
The pilot seat locks and tracks on
certain Model 737 series airplanes are
identical to those on the affected Model
767–300 and –300F series airplanes.
Therefore, Model 767–300 and –300F
series airplanes may be subject to the
same unsafe condition.
Other Related Rulemaking
On January 27, 1998, we issued AD
98–03–10, amendment 39–10302 (63 FR
5725, February 4, 1998), applicable to
certain Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, and
767 series airplanes. AD 98–03–10
requires a one-time operational test of
the pilots’ seat locks and the seat tracks
to ensure that the seats lock in position
and the seat tracks are aligned correctly;
and re-alignment of the seat tracks, if
necessary. We issued AD 98–03–10 to
prevent uncommanded movement of the
pilots’ seats during acceleration and
take-off of the airplane, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Since we issued AD 98–03–10, Boeing
has issued Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767–25–0244, Revision 2, dated
September 2, 2004. Revision 2 adds five
Model 767–300 and –300F series
airplanes (variable numbers VK145,
VL941, VN968, VW714, and VW715) to
the effectivity of that service bulletin.
We have determined that the unsafe
condition of AD 98–03–10 may exist on
these additional airplanes. Therefore,
these airplanes are also subject to the
one-time operational test of the pilots’
seat locks and the seat tracks, and realignment of the seat tracks if necessary.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 767–25–
0244, Revision 2, dated September 2,
2004. The service bulletin describes
procedures for a one-time operational
test of the pilots’ seat locks and the seat
tracks to ensure that the seats lock in
position and the seat tracks are aligned
correctly, and re-alignment of the seat
tracks if necessary. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously.
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42010
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 139 / Thursday, July 21, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
There are 5 airplanes of the affected
design in the worldwide fleet. This
proposed AD would affect about 2
airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed
actions would take about 1 work hour
per airplane, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the
proposed AD for U.S. operators is $130,
or $65 per airplane.
Re-alignment of the seat tracks, if
necessary, would take about 2 work
hours per airplane, at an average labor
rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the
re-alignment is $130 per airplane.
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.
We are 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
We have 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 that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
VerDate jul<14>2003
18:14 Jul 20, 2005
Jkt 205001
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, 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:
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13,
2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–14395 Filed 7–20–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–21880;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–216–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by September 6, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model 767–300 and
–300F series airplanes, variable numbers
VK145, VL941, VN968, VW714, and VW715,
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports
indicating that the pilot’s seat slid from the
forward to the aft-most position during
acceleration and take-off. We are issuing this
AD to prevent uncommanded movement of
the pilots’ seats during acceleration and takeoff of the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection and Re-Alignment if Necessary
(f) Within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD, do a one-time operational test of
the pilots’ seats and seat locks to determine
if the lock pin of the seat track fully engages
in all lock positions of the seat track, in
accordance with Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 767–25–0244, Revision 2,
dated September 2, 2004. If the seat lock pin
fully engages in all lock positions of the seat
track, no further action is required by this
AD. If the seat lock pin does not fully engage
in all positions of the seat track, before
further flight, re-align the seat tracks, in
accordance with the service bulletin.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of Industry and Security
15 CFR Parts 710 Through 729
[Docket No. 990611158–5180–05]
RIN 0694–AB06
Review Under Section 610 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act: Economic
Impact of the Chemical Weapons
Convention Regulations (CWCR) on
Small Business Entities
Bureau of Industry and
Security, Commerce.
ACTION: Request for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document requests
comments on the economic impact of
the Chemical Weapons Convention
Regulations (CWCR) on small business
entities, pursuant to the requirements of
Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA). The comments sought in this
document should be directed to the
impact of the CWCR on small business
entities, only. The public does not need
to re-submit previous comments made
during the comment period that closed
on February 7, 2005, for the proposed
CWCR published on December 7, 2004.
DATES: Comments must be submitted by
August 22, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by RIN 0694–AB06, by any of
the following methods:
• E-mail:
public.comments@bis.doc.gov. Include
‘‘RIN 0694–AB06’’ in the subject line of
the message.
• Fax: (202) 482–3355. Please alert
the Regulatory Policy Division, by
calling (202) 482–2440, if you are faxing
comments.
• Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier:
Willard Fisher, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and
Security, Regulatory Policy Division,
14th St. & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.,
Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230,
ATTN: RIN 0694–AB06.
E:\FR\FM\21JYP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42008-42010]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14395]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21880; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-216-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 and -300F Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
[[Page 42009]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 767-300 and -300F series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require a one-time operational test of the pilots'
seat locks and the seat tracks to ensure that the seats lock in
position and the seat tracks are aligned correctly; and re-alignment of
the seat tracks, if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports
indicating that a pilot's seat slid from the forward to the aft-most
position during acceleration and take-off. We are proposing this AD to
prevent uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during acceleration
and take-off of the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 6,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-21880; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-216-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Rosanske, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6448; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21880;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-216-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
(DMS) receives them.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating that the pilot's seat slid from
the forward to the aft-most position during acceleration and take-off
on a Model 737 series airplane. Investigation revealed that the seat
track was aligned incorrectly. Misalignment of the seat tracks can
occur when seat tracks have been reinstalled or replaced without fully
testing the seat lock mechanism. Misalignment of the seat tracks, if
not corrected, could result in uncommanded movement of the pilots'
seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
The pilot seat locks and tracks on certain Model 737 series
airplanes are identical to those on the affected Model 767-300 and -
300F series airplanes. Therefore, Model 767-300 and -300F series
airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe condition.
Other Related Rulemaking
On January 27, 1998, we issued AD 98-03-10, amendment 39-10302 (63
FR 5725, February 4, 1998), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737,
747, 757, and 767 series airplanes. AD 98-03-10 requires a one-time
operational test of the pilots' seat locks and the seat tracks to
ensure that the seats lock in position and the seat tracks are aligned
correctly; and re-alignment of the seat tracks, if necessary. We issued
AD 98-03-10 to prevent uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during
acceleration and take-off of the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Since we issued AD 98-03-10, Boeing has issued Special Attention
Service Bulletin 767-25-0244, Revision 2, dated September 2, 2004.
Revision 2 adds five Model 767-300 and -300F series airplanes (variable
numbers VK145, VL941, VN968, VW714, and VW715) to the effectivity of
that service bulletin. We have determined that the unsafe condition of
AD 98-03-10 may exist on these additional airplanes. Therefore, these
airplanes are also subject to the one-time operational test of the
pilots' seat locks and the seat tracks, and re-alignment of the seat
tracks if necessary.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-
0244, Revision 2, dated September 2, 2004. The service bulletin
describes procedures for a one-time operational test of the pilots'
seat locks and the seat tracks to ensure that the seats lock in
position and the seat tracks are aligned correctly, and re-alignment of
the seat tracks if necessary. Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
[[Page 42010]]
Costs of Compliance
There are 5 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide
fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 2 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$130, or $65 per airplane.
Re-alignment of the seat tracks, if necessary, would take about 2
work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the re-alignment is $130
per airplane.
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.
We are 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
We have 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 that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-21880; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
216-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by September 6, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model 767-300 and -300F series airplanes,
variable numbers VK145, VL941, VN968, VW714, and VW715, certificated
in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the pilot's
seat slid from the forward to the aft-most position during
acceleration and take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent
uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during acceleration and
take-off of the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection and Re-Alignment if Necessary
(f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
one-time operational test of the pilots' seats and seat locks to
determine if the lock pin of the seat track fully engages in all
lock positions of the seat track, in accordance with Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0244, Revision 2, dated September
2, 2004. If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of
the seat track, no further action is required by this AD. If the
seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions of the seat
track, before further flight, re-align the seat tracks, in
accordance with the service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-14395 Filed 7-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
