Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes, 45972-45973 [E7-16110]

Download as PDF 45972 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 158 / Thursday, August 16, 2007 / Proposed Rules provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2007– 0125, dated May 4, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletins A330–53–3170 and A340–53–4175, both dated March 27, 2007, for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–16111 Filed 8–15–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28921; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–091–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Comments Invited Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require, among other actions, modifying the doormounted escape system of the forward right side door slide compartment. This proposed AD results from reports indicating that the forward right escape slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after deployment from the forward right side slide compartment. We are proposing this AD to prevent the escape slide from being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 2007. 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:19 Aug 15, 2007 and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • 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. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hettman, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin & Environmental Systems Safety Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6457; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Jkt 211001 We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2007–28921; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–091–AD’’ at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is located on the ground level of the West 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 receives them. Discussion We have received reports indicating that the forward door escape slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after deployment from the forward right side slide compartment, on Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 airplanes. During deployment of the escape slide, the escape slide may be temporarily restricted within the slide compartment. This added restriction can delay the escape slide from aligning to a proper orientation before inflation. If inflation begins before the escape slide extends from the door, it can result in a sideways slide deployment. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the escape slide being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25– 1567, dated March 21, 2007. The service information describes procedures for modifying the door-mounted escape system of the forward right side door slide compartment. The modification includes: • Removing the bottle retainer, rubber pad, and window; and cleaning the pan assembly. • Modifying the window cutout and applying a primer coating and enamel finish. • Installing a new window. Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1430, Revision 1, dated April 10, 2003, which is required by AD 2004–02–08, amendment 39–13443 (69 FR 4452, January 30, 2004), is necessary to be done prior to or concurrently with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–1567. Boeing Service Bulletin 737–24–1430 describes procedures for replacing the hinge assembly of the escape slide compartment with a new assembly. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. E:\FR\FM\16AUP1.SGM 16AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 158 / Thursday, August 16, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. 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 and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. Costs of Compliance There are about 1,949 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 660 airplanes of U.S. registry. The modification and installation actions would take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $207 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $242,220, or $367 per airplane. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:19 Aug 15, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): BOEING: Docket No. FAA–2007–28921; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–091–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 1, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports indicating that the forward door escape slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after deployment from the forward right side slide compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the escape slide from being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or 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. Modification and Installation (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the door-mounted escape system of the forward right side door slide compartment, in accordance with the Frm 00026 Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25– 1567, dated March 21, 2007. Prior to or Concurrent Requirement (g) Prior to or concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of AD 2004–02– 08, amendment 39–13443. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) 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. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–16110 Filed 8–15–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28989; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–070–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737– 300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–1567, dated March 21, 2007. PO 00000 45973 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747–400, and 747SP series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires doing a detailed inspection of the left and right longeron extension fittings, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. This proposed AD results from reports that accidental drilling damage to the longeron extension fittings was found on airplanes not subject to the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct accidental drilling damage of the E:\FR\FM\16AUP1.SGM 16AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 158 (Thursday, August 16, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45972-45973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16110]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28921; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-091-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require, among other actions, modifying the door-
mounted escape system of the forward right side door slide compartment. 
This proposed AD results from reports indicating that the forward right 
escape slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after deployment from 
the forward right side slide compartment. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent the escape slide from being unusable during an emergency 
evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 2007.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this 
proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hettman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin & Environmental Systems Safety Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6457; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2007-
28921; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-091-AD'' at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the 
ground level of the West 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 receives them.

Discussion

    We have received reports indicating that the forward door escape 
slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after deployment from the 
forward right side slide compartment, on Boeing Model 737-300, -400, 
and -500 airplanes. During deployment of the escape slide, the escape 
slide may be temporarily restricted within the slide compartment. This 
added restriction can delay the escape slide from aligning to a proper 
orientation before inflation. If inflation begins before the escape 
slide extends from the door, it can result in a sideways slide 
deployment. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the 
escape slide being unusable during an emergency evacuation and 
consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1567, dated March 21, 2007. The service information describes 
procedures for modifying the door-mounted escape system of the forward 
right side door slide compartment. The modification includes:
     Removing the bottle retainer, rubber pad, and window; and 
cleaning the pan assembly.
     Modifying the window cutout and applying a primer coating 
and enamel finish.
     Installing a new window.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1430, Revision 1, dated April 10, 
2003, which is required by AD 2004-02-08, amendment 39-13443 (69 FR 
4452, January 30, 2004), is necessary to be done prior to or 
concurrently with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1567. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1430 describes procedures for 
replacing the hinge assembly of the escape slide compartment with a new 
assembly.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

[[Page 45973]]

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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, 
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,949 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 660 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The modification and installation actions would take 
about 2 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost about $207 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators 
is $242,220, or $367 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

BOEING: Docket No. FAA-2007-28921; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
091-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 
1, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1567, dated March 
21, 2007.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports indicating that the forward 
door escape slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after 
deployment from the forward right side slide compartment. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent the escape slide from being unusable 
during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers 
or 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.

Modification and Installation

    (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the door-mounted escape system of the forward right side door slide 
compartment, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1567, dated March 
21, 2007.

Prior to or Concurrent Requirement

    (g) Prior to or concurrently with the requirements of paragraph 
(f) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of AD 2004-02-08, 
amendment 39-13443.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) 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.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-16110 Filed 8-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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