Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes, 14666-14668 [E8-5276]

Download as PDF 14666 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 19, 2008 / Rules and Regulations (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. 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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. 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 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2008–06–16 Pacific Aerospace Corporation, Ltd.: Amendment 39–15428; Docket No. FAA–2008–0034; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–097–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 23, 2008. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model 750XL airplanes, serial numbers 102 through 134, certificated in any category. Note 1: The applicability of this AD takes precedence over Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited Mandatory Service VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:13 Mar 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 39: Electrical Wiring. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: DCA/750XL/3A is prompted by a report from the manufacturer of the possibility that wiring loom protective sleeving is not fitted to aircraft S/N 107 through to 134. AD applicability revised to include aircraft up to S/N 134. To prevent fretting damage to the wiring loom that may lead to arcing in proximity to the fuel vent lines and the possibility of fire, inspect the main wiring loom on the right hand side of the aircraft adjacent to the frames at station 114.34’’ and 118.84’’, per PACSB/XL/009 issue 2, to ensure that two pieces of protective sleeving are fitted. The effectivity of the service information is serial number (S/N) 102 through 106. The MCAI expanded the applicability to S/N 102 through 134. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within the next 100 hours time-inservice (TIS) after April 23, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the main wiring loom on the right hand side of the aircraft adjacent to the frames at station 114.34’’ and 118.84’’ to ensure there are two pieces of protective sleeving installed following Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/ XL/009, issue 2, revised July 23, 2004. (2) If you find the protective sleeves are missing as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, install protective sleeves following Pacific Aerospace Corporation Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/009, issue 2, revised July 23, 2004. FAA AD Differences Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 Bulletin PACSB/XL/009, issue 2, revised July 23, 2004. Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) 329–4090. 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 (h) You must use Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited Mandatory Service PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Bulletin PACSB/XL/009, issue 2, revised July 23, 2004, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited, Hamilton Airport, Private Bag, 3027 Hamilton, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7– 843–6144; facsimile: +64 7–843–6134. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 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 Kansas City, Missouri, on March 7, 2008. Kim Smith, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–5062 Filed 3–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0346; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–202–AD; Amendment 39–15436; AD 2008–06–24] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service unit and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, corrective action if necessary, and other specified action. This AD results from a report that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask deployment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the inline flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event. E:\FR\FM\19MRR1.SGM 19MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 19, 2008 / Rules and Regulations This AD is effective April 23, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 23, 2008. 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 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: Susan Letcher, 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) 917–6474; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Model Boeing 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2007 (72 FR 71830). That NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service unit (PSU) and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, corrective action if necessary, and other specified action. Comments rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES 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 relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:13 Mar 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 Costs of Compliance There are about 1,956 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 646 airplanes of U.S. registry. The required actions take about 16 work hours per airplane, for an average of 180 oxygen masks per airplane distributed in about 45 PSUs/ oxygen boxes, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts cost about $6 per oxygen mask, or $1,080 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $1,524,560, or $2,360 per airplane. 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. 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 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. You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14667 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2008–06–24 Boeing: Amendment 39–15436. Docket No. FAA–2007–0346; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–202–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 23, 2008. 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 737–35–1099, dated April 9, 2007. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask deployment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the in-line flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event. 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 Related Investigative/ Corrective Actions if Necessary (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service unit and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, and do the applicable corrective action and other specified action, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–35– 1099, dated April 9, 2007; except where the service bulletin specifies repairing the oxygen mask assembly, replace it with a new E:\FR\FM\19MRR1.SGM 19MRR1 14668 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 19, 2008 / Rules and Regulations or modified oxygen mask assembly having an improved flow indicator. The corrective action and other specified action must be done before further flight. Note 1: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–35–1099 refers to B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080–35–01, dated February 6, 2006; and Revision 1, dated May 1, 2006; as additional sources of service information for modifying the oxygen mask assembly by replacing the flow indicator with an improved flow indicator. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–35–1099, dated April 9, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference 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/code_of_ federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–5276 Filed 3–18–08; 8:45 am] rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:13 Mar 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0396; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–282–AD; Amendment 39–15438; AD 2008–06–26] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, and A340–300 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: (g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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: One A320 operator has reported a disbond on the composite rudder control rod. Investigations conducted by the supplier revealed that this disbond is due to an incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have confirmed that some rudder control rods installed on A330 and A340–200/–300 aircraft before delivery or delivered as spare are also affected by this defect. Rudder control rod rupture can lead, in the worst case, in combination with a yaw damper runaway to an unsafe condition. * * * * * The unsafe condition is reduced control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective April 23, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 23, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at: https:// www.regulations.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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00010 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 January 10, 2008 (73 FR 1842). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: One A320 operator has reported a disbond on the composite rudder control rod. Investigations conducted by the supplier revealed that this disbond is due to an incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have confirmed that some rudder control rods installed on A330 and A340–200/–300 aircraft before delivery or delivered as spare are also affected by this defect. Rudder control rod rupture can lead, in the worst case, in combination with a yaw damper runaway to an unsafe condition. In order to prevent such situation, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a one time detailed visual inspection to identify the affected rods and to replace those affected by this issue. The unsafe condition is reduced control of the airplane. 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 We estimate that this AD will affect about 8 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with E:\FR\FM\19MRR1.SGM 19MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 19, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14666-14668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5276]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0346; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-202-AD; 
Amendment 39-15436; AD 2008-06-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires 
an inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the 
oxygen masks in the passenger service unit and the lavatory and 
attendant box assemblies, corrective action if necessary, and other 
specified action. This AD results from a report that several passenger 
masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask 
deployment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the in-line flow 
indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and 
separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and 
consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants 
to hypoxia following a depressurization event.

[[Page 14667]]


DATES: This AD is effective April 23, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 23, 
2008.

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: Susan Letcher, 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) 917-6474; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
certain Model Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2007 (72 FR 
71830). That NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine the 
manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger 
service unit (PSU) and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, 
corrective action if necessary, and other specified action.

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 relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,956 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 646 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The required actions take about 16 work hours per airplane, for an 
average of 180 oxygen masks per airplane distributed in about 45 PSUs/
oxygen boxes, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required 
parts cost about $6 per oxygen mask, or $1,080 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is 
$1,524,560, or $2,360 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

    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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-06-24 Boeing: Amendment 39-15436. Docket No. FAA-2007-0346; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-202-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 23, 
2008.

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 737-35-1099, dated April 
9, 2007.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that several passenger masks 
with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask 
deployment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the in-line flow 
indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and 
separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and 
consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin 
attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event.

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 Related Investigative/Corrective Actions if Necessary

    (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection to determine the manufacturer and 
manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service unit 
and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, and do the applicable 
corrective action and other specified action, by accomplishing all 
of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-35-
1099, dated April 9, 2007; except where the service bulletin 
specifies repairing the oxygen mask assembly, replace it with a new

[[Page 14668]]

or modified oxygen mask assembly having an improved flow indicator. 
The corrective action and other specified action must be done before 
further flight.

    Note 1: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-35-1099 
refers to B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080-35-01, dated 
February 6, 2006; and Revision 1, dated May 1, 2006; as additional 
sources of service information for modifying the oxygen mask 
assembly by replacing the flow indicator with an improved flow 
indicator.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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

    (h) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
35-1099, dated April 9, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-5276 Filed 3-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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