Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes, 49168-49170 [E7-16909]

Download as PDF 49168 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–29071; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–097–AD; Amendment 39–15183; AD 2007–18–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: Discussion SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are installed on the rear tracklock bracket, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report indicating that the captain’s seat slid aft and jammed during taxi. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD becomes effective September 12, 2007. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 12, 2007. We must receive comments on this AD by October 29, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this 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 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:42 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for service information identified in this AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6429; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating that the captain’s seat slid aft and jammed during taxi. A subsequent investigation found that two of the three screws attaching the rear tracklock bracket broke. The broken screws allowed excessive lateral movement and disengagement of the locking pin from the floor-mounted seat track. In addition, we have received some reports of loosened screws that attach the tracklock bracket to the rear cross member of the seat base. An incorrectly aligned seat track locking pin can cause the locking pin to not fully engage the seat track. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Other Related Rulemaking We previously issued AD 2004–04– 03, amendment 39–13483 (69 FR 7565, February 18, 2004), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. (A correction of AD 2004–04–03 was published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2004 (69 FR 19313).) That AD requires a one-time general visual inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are installed on the rear track lock bracket, and corrective action, if necessary. Since issuance of AD 2004–03–03, we have determined that the same unsafe condition addressed in that AD may exist on certain additional Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. Boeing has advised us that airplanes having variable numbers PS971 through PS978, PT187, and PT188 were omitted inadvertently from the effectivity of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–25A1363, Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002 (referred to in the PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 applicability of AD 2004–04–03 as the appropriate source of service information for identifying the affected airplanes). Therefore, these additional airplanes are also subject to the same unsafe condition addressed in AD 2004– 03–03. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–25A1363, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006. Revision 2 was issued to add airplanes having variable numbers PS971 through PS978, PT187, and PT188, and to make editorial changes. The procedures for inspecting the seat locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats, and corrective actions if necessary, are essentially identical to those in Revision 1 of the service bulletin. No more work is necessary on airplanes changed as shown in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–25A1363, dated November 5, 1998, or Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 25A1363 refers to IPECO Service Bulletin A001–25–47, Issue 2, dated July 31, 2002, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the inspection and rework. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This AD The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design that may be registered in the U.S. at some time in the future. Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the required actions would take between 1 and 3 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD would be between $80 and $240 per airplane. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–29071; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–097–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might suggest a need to modify it. 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 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 the 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. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:51 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 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 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, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: I PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 39.13 49169 [Amended] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): I 2007–18–03 Boeing: Amendment 39–15183. Docket No. FAA–2007–29071; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–097–AD. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective September 12, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737– 300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, variable numbers PS971 through PS978, PT187, and PT188, certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report indicating that the captain’s seat slid aft and jammed during taxi. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and takeoff of the airplane, which could result in 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 Corrective Action (f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are installed on the rear tracklock bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–25A1363, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006. (1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, and the rear track lock bracket is correctly installed: No further action is required by this AD. (2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions of the seat track, before further flight, make sure the flightcrew seat operates correctly, in accordance with the service bulletin. (3) If the lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are not installed on the rear tracklock bracket, before further flight, rework the flightcrew seat in accordance with the service bulletin. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: ‘‘A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1 49170 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.’’ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 25A1363, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006, refers to IPECO Service Bulletin A001–25–47, Issue 2, dated July 31, 2002, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the inspection and rework required by paragraphs (f) and (f)(3) of this AD, respectively. (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–25A1363, dated November 5, 1998; or Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD. Federal Aviation Administration 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. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–25A1363, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, S.W., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–16909 Filed 8–27–07; 8:45 am] pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 16:51 Aug 27, 2007 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28353; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–065–AD; Amendment 39–15174; AD 2007–17–16] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy Airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: During the manufacturing process of the Poppet Covers of the Pressurization Safety Valves, burrs that could damage the Valve Diaphragms were not removed. The damage may eventually cause faulty operation of the relief valves resulting in an unsafe condition when combined with additional failures. The serial numbers of the defective valves and the affected aircraft were identified. The unsafe condition is damage and subsequent failure of the safety relief valves, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective October 2, 2007. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2677; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 14 CFR Part 39 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2007 (72 FR 31204). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During the manufacturing process of the Poppet Covers of the Pressurization Safety Valves, burrs that could damage the Valve Diaphragms were not removed. The damage may eventually cause faulty operation of the relief valves resulting in an unsafe condition when combined with additional failures. The serial numbers of the defective valves and the affected aircraft were identified. The unsafe condition is damage and subsequent failure of the safety relief valves, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. The corrective action includes replacing the pressurization safety valve, part number 103842–3. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects about 7 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes about 10 workhours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49168-49170]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16909]



[[Page 49168]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29071; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-097-AD; 
Amendment 39-15183; AD 2007-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD 
requires an inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks of the 
flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position and to 
verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are installed on the 
rear tracklock bracket, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD 
results from a report indicating that the captain's seat slid aft and 
jammed during taxi. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded 
movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and take-off of 
the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 12, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 12, 
2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 29, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this 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 service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6429; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that the captain's seat slid 
aft and jammed during taxi. A subsequent investigation found that two 
of the three screws attaching the rear tracklock bracket broke. The 
broken screws allowed excessive lateral movement and disengagement of 
the locking pin from the floor-mounted seat track. In addition, we have 
received some reports of loosened screws that attach the tracklock 
bracket to the rear cross member of the seat base. An incorrectly 
aligned seat track locking pin can cause the locking pin to not fully 
engage the seat track. These conditions, if not corrected, could result 
in uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and 
take-off of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

Other Related Rulemaking

    We previously issued AD 2004-04-03, amendment 39-13483 (69 FR 7565, 
February 18, 2004), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes. (A correction of AD 2004-04-03 was published 
in the Federal Register on April 13, 2004 (69 FR 19313).) That AD 
requires a one-time general visual inspection of the seat locks and 
seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in 
position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are 
installed on the rear track lock bracket, and corrective action, if 
necessary.
    Since issuance of AD 2004-03-03, we have determined that the same 
unsafe condition addressed in that AD may exist on certain additional 
Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. Boeing has 
advised us that airplanes having variable numbers PS971 through PS978, 
PT187, and PT188 were omitted inadvertently from the effectivity of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, Revision 1, dated March 28, 
2002 (referred to in the applicability of AD 2004-04-03 as the 
appropriate source of service information for identifying the affected 
airplanes). Therefore, these additional airplanes are also subject to 
the same unsafe condition addressed in AD 2004-03-03.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, 
Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006. Revision 2 was issued to add airplanes 
having variable numbers PS971 through PS978, PT187, and PT188, and to 
make editorial changes. The procedures for inspecting the seat locks 
and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats, and corrective actions if 
necessary, are essentially identical to those in Revision 1 of the 
service bulletin. No more work is necessary on airplanes changed as 
shown in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated November 5, 
1998, or Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address 
the unsafe condition.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363 refers to IPECO Service 
Bulletin A001-25-47, Issue 2, dated July 31, 2002, as an additional 
source of service information for accomplishment of the inspection and 
rework.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design that may be 
registered in the U.S. at some time in the future. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats 
during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishing 
the actions specified in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD 
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register 
in the future, the required actions would take between 1 and 3 work 
hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour.

[[Page 49169]]

Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD would be between 
$80 and $240 per airplane.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2007-29071; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-097-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that 
might suggest a need to modify it.
    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 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 the 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.

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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 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 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2007-18-03 Boeing: Amendment 39-15183. Docket No. FAA-2007-29071; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-097-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 12, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes, variable numbers PS971 through PS978, PT187, and 
PT188, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report indicating that the captain's 
seat slid aft and jammed during taxi. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during 
acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in 
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 Corrective Action

    (f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a 
one-time general visual inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks 
of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position 
and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are 
installed on the rear tracklock bracket, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
25A1363, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006.
    (1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of 
the seat track, and the rear track lock bracket is correctly 
installed: No further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions 
of the seat track, before further flight, make sure the flightcrew 
seat operates correctly, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (3) If the lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are not 
installed on the rear tracklock bracket, before further flight, 
rework the flightcrew seat in accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands,

[[Page 49170]]

ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area 
being checked.''


    Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, Revision 2, 
dated May 2, 2006, refers to IPECO Service Bulletin A001-25-47, 
Issue 2, dated July 31, 2002, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishment of the inspection and rework required 
by paragraphs (f) and (f)(3) of this AD, respectively.

    (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated 
November 5, 1998; or Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002, is acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD.

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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, 
Revision 2, dated May 2, 2006, to perform the actions that are 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You 
may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, S.W., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-16909 Filed 8-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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