Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 Series Airplanes, 64143-64145 [E7-22000]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 220 / Thursday, November 15, 2007 / Rules and Regulations the joints of the trailing edge flap at support numbers 3 and 6 with new, improved components by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–27A0071, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2006. Before further flight after doing the actions, do a detailed inspection of the components that interface with the flap support pins for discrepancies (corrosion, damage, or excessive wear), and a general visual inspection for any blocked lubrication paths; and do all applicable corrective actions. Repeat the freeplay measurements for the associated trailing edge flap support at intervals not to exceed 16,000 flight cycles in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–27A0071, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2006. Accomplishing the actions in this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the actions specified in paragraphs (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, for the associated trailing edge flap support only. Optional Modification for Flap Support Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 (k) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD at support numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, extends the repetitive intervals for the freeplay measurements required by paragraph (g) of this AD to an interval not to exceed 16,000 flight cycles for the associated trailing edge flap support. Accomplishing the actions in this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the actions specified in paragraphs (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, for the associated trailing edge flap support only. Revise Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document (l) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise the maintenance practices for performing periodic inspections and maintenance of the support joints of the trailing edge flap for the maintenance inspection program of the Boeing 777 MPD Document by doing the actions specified in paragraphs 1 and 3 only of Part 7 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–27A0071, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2006. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES Actions Accomplished Previously (m) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–27A0066, dated July 28, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in paragraphs (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, as applicable. Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–27A0071, dated March 30, 2006, are acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in paragraphs (j), (k), and (l) of this AD, as applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (n)(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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:27 Nov 14, 2007 Jkt 214001 (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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (o) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 777–27A0066, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2006; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 27A0071, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2006; as applicable, 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 these documents 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 SW., 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 November 2, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–21999 Filed 11–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27740; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–290–AD; Amendment 39–15256; AD 2007–23–10] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800 and –900 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800 and –900 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the fillet sealant at the inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles in the wheel wells of the main landing gear, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of in-production airplanes with missing or insufficient fillet sealant around the receptacles at the disconnect bracket. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion damage due to missing or insufficient fillet sealant. Such corrosion could result in insufficient electrical bonding between the connectors and the disconnect bracket, and consequent loss of the shielding that protects the wire bundles from lightning, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and high intensity radiated field (HIRF). Loss of lightning, EMI, and HIRF protection at those receptacles could cause failure of multiple electrical systems and subsequent loss of several critical control systems that are necessary for safe flight. In addition, a lightning strike could cause arcing in the fuel tank; this potential ignition source, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. This AD becomes effective December 20, 2007. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. DATES: Examining the AD Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PO 00000 64143 Sfmt 4700 You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM 15NOR1 64144 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 220 / Thursday, November 15, 2007 / Rules and Regulations development of this AD. We have considered the comments received. Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6485; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 floor of the West Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800 and –900 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2007 (72 FR 15073). That NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the fillet sealant at the inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles in the wheel wells of the main landing gear, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. Comments We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the Support for NPRM Boeing and AirTran Airways support the NPRM’s proposed actions. Request for Parts Availability Accounting AirTran Airways requests that the expected parts usage and parts availability be reviewed and addressed for feasibility prior to the release of the final rule to ensure that parts shortages will not necessitate requests for unnecessary alternative means of compliance or adjustments of the compliance time. The commenter adds that there are 36 part numbers that could possibly need replacement if there is corrosion beyond the acceptable limits in the service bulletin. Of these 36 connectors, 9 part numbers are not available; of those, 5 do not appear to be in the production pipeline. Quite a few part numbers show less than a dozen available. We agree with the request and have coordinated with Boeing regarding AirTran’s concern. The NPRM cited Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–24–1169, dated December 15, 2006. Since we issued the NPRM, Boeing has revised the service bulletin. Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007, provides optional connector part numbers, which will ensure adequate replacement parts for the specified corrective actions. The remaining information in Revision 1 is essentially unchanged. We have revised paragraphs (c) and (f) of this final rule to refer to Revision 1 of the service bulletin as the appropriate source of service information for the applicability and the required actions. We have included credit for actions previously performed in accordance with the original service bulletin. Conclusion We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Costs of Compliance There are about 333 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Average labor rate per hour Work hours 1 ....................................................................................................................................... rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:45 Nov 14, 2007 Jkt 214001 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 this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 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 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $80 Cost per airplane $80 Number of U.S.registered airplanes Fleet cost 118 $9,440 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 E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM 15NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 220 / Thursday, November 15, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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): I 2007–23–10 Boeing: Amendment 39–15256. Docket No. FAA–2007–27740; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–290–AD. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective December 20, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737– 600, –700, –700C, –800 and –900 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–24–1169, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of inproduction airplanes with missing or insufficient fillet sealant around the receptacles installed in the wheel wells of the main landing gear (MLG). We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion damage due to missing or insufficient fillet sealant. Such corrosion could result in insufficient electrical bonding between the connectors and the disconnect bracket, and consequent loss of the shielding that protects the wire bundles from lightning, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and high intensity radiated field (HIRF). Loss of lightning, EMI, and HIRF protection at those receptacles could cause failure of multiple electrical systems and subsequent loss of several critical control systems that are necessary for safe flight. In addition, a lightning strike could cause arcing in the fuel tank; this potential ignition source, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES 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 (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection to determine if there is sufficient fillet sealant at the inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles in the MLG wheel wells, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–24–1169, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. (g) Accomplishment of an inspection and applicable related investigative and corrective actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–24– VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:27 Nov 14, 2007 Jkt 214001 1169, dated December 15, 2006, is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (f) of 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–24–1169, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007, 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 SW., 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 November 2, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–22000 Filed 11–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 64145 Mooresville Heliport, Mooresville, NC, additional controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to accommodate the SIAPs and for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Lowe’s Mooresville Heliport. DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, February 14, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melinda Giddens, System Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305–5610. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: History On June 27, 2007, the FAA proposed to amend Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 71) by amending Class E5 airspace at Mooresville, NC, (72 FR 35209). This action provides adequate Class E5 airspace for IFR operations at Lowe’s Mooresville Heliport, Mooresville, NC. Designations for Class E are published in FAA Order 7400.9R, dated August 15, 2007, and effective September 15, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments objecting to the proposal were received. The Rule DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28366; Airspace Docket No. 07–ASO–11] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Mooresville, NC Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action amends class E5 airspace at Mooresville, NC. Due to the establishment of two Copter Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) helicopter point in space approaches at Lowe’s PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 This amendment to part 71 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 71) amends the Class E5 airspace at Mooresville, NC. The FAA has determined that this rule only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore, (1) is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM 15NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 220 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64143-64145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-220]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27740; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-290-AD; 
Amendment 39-15256; AD 2007-23-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 
and -900 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series 
airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the fillet sealant at the 
inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles in the wheel wells of the 
main landing gear, and related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD results from reports of in-production airplanes with 
missing or insufficient fillet sealant around the receptacles at the 
disconnect bracket. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion damage 
due to missing or insufficient fillet sealant. Such corrosion could 
result in insufficient electrical bonding between the connectors and 
the disconnect bracket, and consequent loss of the shielding that 
protects the wire bundles from lightning, electromagnetic interference 
(EMI), and high intensity radiated field (HIRF). Loss of lightning, 
EMI, and HIRF protection at those receptacles could cause failure of 
multiple electrical systems and subsequent loss of several critical 
control systems that are necessary for safe flight. In addition, a 
lightning strike could cause arcing in the fuel tank; this potential 
ignition source, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 20, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 20, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

[[Page 64144]]

Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 floor of the 
West Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES 
section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model 
737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2007 (72 FR 15073). That 
NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the fillet sealant at the 
inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles in the wheel wells of the 
main landing gear, and related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Support for NPRM

    Boeing and AirTran Airways support the NPRM's proposed actions.

Request for Parts Availability Accounting

    AirTran Airways requests that the expected parts usage and parts 
availability be reviewed and addressed for feasibility prior to the 
release of the final rule to ensure that parts shortages will not 
necessitate requests for unnecessary alternative means of compliance or 
adjustments of the compliance time. The commenter adds that there are 
36 part numbers that could possibly need replacement if there is 
corrosion beyond the acceptable limits in the service bulletin. Of 
these 36 connectors, 9 part numbers are not available; of those, 5 do 
not appear to be in the production pipeline. Quite a few part numbers 
show less than a dozen available.
    We agree with the request and have coordinated with Boeing 
regarding AirTran's concern. The NPRM cited Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-24-1169, dated December 15, 2006. Since we issued 
the NPRM, Boeing has revised the service bulletin. Revision 1, dated 
August 6, 2007, provides optional connector part numbers, which will 
ensure adequate replacement parts for the specified corrective actions. 
The remaining information in Revision 1 is essentially unchanged. We 
have revised paragraphs (c) and (f) of this final rule to refer to 
Revision 1 of the service bulletin as the appropriate source of service 
information for the applicability and the required actions. We have 
included credit for actions previously performed in accordance with the 
original service bulletin.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 333 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Number of
                                                                Average      Cost per      U.S.-
                         Work hours                            labor rate    airplane    registered   Fleet cost
                                                                per hour                 airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................................          $80          $80          118       $9,440
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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:


[[Page 64145]]


    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):

2007-23-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-15256. Docket No. FAA-2007-27740; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-290-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 20, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 
and -900 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-24-1169, 
Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of in-production airplanes with 
missing or insufficient fillet sealant around the receptacles 
installed in the wheel wells of the main landing gear (MLG). We are 
issuing this AD to prevent corrosion damage due to missing or 
insufficient fillet sealant. Such corrosion could result in 
insufficient electrical bonding between the connectors and the 
disconnect bracket, and consequent loss of the shielding that 
protects the wire bundles from lightning, electromagnetic 
interference (EMI), and high intensity radiated field (HIRF). Loss 
of lightning, EMI, and HIRF protection at those receptacles could 
cause failure of multiple electrical systems and subsequent loss of 
several critical control systems that are necessary for safe flight. 
In addition, a lightning strike could cause arcing in the fuel tank; 
this potential ignition source, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss 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

    (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed inspection to determine if there is sufficient 
fillet sealant at the inboard and outboard sides of the receptacles 
in the MLG wheel wells, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-24-
1169, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007. Do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions before further flight in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (g) Accomplishment of an inspection and applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions done before the effective date 
of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-24-1169, dated December 15, 2006, is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of 
paragraph (f) of 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
24-1169, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007, 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 SW., 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 November 2, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-22000 Filed 11-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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