Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes, 29421-29423 [E8-11118]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 99 / Wednesday, May 21, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 29421 TABLE 1.—INITIAL INSPECTIONS—Continued AWL No. Compliance time (whichever occurs later) Description Threshold 28–AWL–05 ............ A special detailed inspection of the bulkhead fitting bond for the hydraulic line tank penetration. 28–AWL–18 ............ A special detailed inspection of the lightning shield to ground termination on the out-of-tank fuel quantity indicating system to verify functional integrity. A special detailed inspection of the lightning shield to ground termination on the out-of-tank surge tank fuel level sensor to verify functional integrity. 28–AWL–26 ............ No Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) (i) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are part of a later revision of Revision April 2008 of the MPD that is approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO; or unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Credit for Actions Done According to Previous Revisions of the MPD (j) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Section 9 of the Boeing 767 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, D622T001–9, Revision March 2006; Revision October 2006; Revision January 2007; Revision October 2007; or Revision March 2008; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC69 with RULES Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (l) You must use Section 9 of the Boeing 767 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, D622T001–9, Revision April 2008, 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 May 20, 2008 Jkt 214001 Grace period Within 72 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness. Within 144 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness. Within 144 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness. Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD. 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 May 8, 2008. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–10976 Filed 5–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0024; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–086–AD; Amendment 39–15526; AD 2008–11–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –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 all Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. for cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from multiple reports of cracks found in the skin, bearstrap, and/or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout areas of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective June 25, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 25, 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: Howard Hall, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, E:\FR\FM\21MYR1.SGM 21MYR1 29422 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 99 / Wednesday, May 21, 2008 / Rules and Regulations Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6430; 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 all Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2007 (72 FR 57890). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if necessary. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received. Request To Add Optional Terminating Action for Certain Inspection Areas The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member United Airlines, concurs with the contents of the NPRM. United adds that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated April 13, 2006 (cited in the NPRM as the appropriate source of service information), does not require inspecting the hinge cutouts for cracks in the skin or bearstrap if an FAAapproved Boeing repair is installed. United requests that we revise the NPRM to include similar language. We partially agree. We agree that the inspections specified in paragraph (f) of this AD may be terminated at areas repaired in accordance with Boeing 737–100/–200 SRM 53–30–3, Figures 20, 21, 31, or 32; or Boeing 737–300/– 400/–500 SRM 53–10–01, Repair 5, 6, or 8; as applicable. Boeing concurs with this provision. We have added the provision in new paragraph (i) of this AD, and re-identified subsequent paragraphs. But we do not agree that a nonspecified previously installed repair—even one issued by Boeing and approved by the FAA—is acceptable as a terminating action, unless the repair is properly evaluated as it relates to this AD. If a repair (or other modification or alteration) prevents an operator from accomplishing any action of this AD, then that operator must request FAA approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) (14 CFR section 39.17). Paragraph (j) of the final rule provides operators the opportunity to request approval of specific repair configurations as terminating action. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance There are about 2,437 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, per inspection cycle, for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Average hourly labor rate Work hours 13 to 14 ................................................ $80 cprice-sewell on PROD1PC69 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 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 May 20, 2008 Jkt 214001 Number of U.S.-registered airplanes Cost per airplane $1,040 to $1,120 ......................... 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 Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: I PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 1,055 Fleet cost $1,097,200 to $1,181,600. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2008–11–04 Boeing: Amendment 39–15526. Docket No. FAA–2007–0024; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–086–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 25, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from multiple reports of cracks found in the skin, bearstrap, and/ or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout areas of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which E:\FR\FM\21MYR1.SGM 21MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 99 / Wednesday, May 21, 2008 / Rules and Regulations could result in rapid decompression 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. Repetitive Inspections (f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, do external detailed, low frequency eddy current, high frequency eddy current, and high frequency eddy current rotary probe inspections, as applicable, for cracks in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. Do not exceed the applicable repetitive interval for the previous inspection, as specified in the service bulletin as Option A or Option B. Repair any crack before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC69 with RULES Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications (g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, specifies a compliance time after the release date of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (h) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, specifies contacting Boeing for information about installing an optional preventive modification that would terminate the repetitive inspections specified in this AD, this AD requires that any terminating action be done by using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (i) The inspections specified in paragraph (f) of this AD may be terminated at areas repaired in accordance with Boeing 737–100/ –200 SRM 53–30–1, Figures 20, 21, 31, or 32; or Boeing 737–300/–400/–500 SRM 53–10– 01, Repair 5, 6, or 8; as applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(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. (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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:17 May 20, 2008 Jkt 214001 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 (k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, 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 May 9, 2008. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–11118 Filed 5–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0048; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–276–AD; Amendment 39–15527; AD 2008–11–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300–600 Series 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: Based on some recent in-service findings for fluid ingress and/or inner skin disbond damage on rudders, AIRBUS decided to introduce some further structural inspections to specific rudder areas. This type of damage PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 29423 could result in reduced structural integrity of the rudder. * * * * * We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective June 25, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 25, 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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 22, 2008 (73 FR 3656). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Based on some recent in-service findings for fluid ingress and/or inner skin disbond damage on rudders, AIRBUS decided to introduce some further structural inspections to specific rudder areas. This type of damage could result in reduced structural integrity of the rudder. For the reasons stated above, this AD requires the accomplishment of a thorough inspection program [a one-time inspection and repetitive inspections for damage of the rudder] by ultrasonic and/or t[h]ermographic methods, compared to the inspections already required by Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006–0066, issued on 24 March 2006 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2006–07–13] as a precautionary measure, in order to verify the structural integrity of the rudder. * * * * * The corrective actions include reporting both positive and negative findings to Airbus, doing a temporary repair, and contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing a permanent repair. The compliance times for doing the repairs range from before further flight to within 4,500 flight cycles after doing the inspection, depending on the inspection type and the configuration of E:\FR\FM\21MYR1.SGM 21MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29421-29423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11118]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0024; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-086-AD; 
Amendment 39-15526; AD 2008-11-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -
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 all 
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking in and 
around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry and 
forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if necessary. 
This AD results from multiple reports of cracks found in the skin, 
bearstrap, and/or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout areas of the 
forward entry and forward galley service doorways. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in rapid 
decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective June 25, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 25, 
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: Howard Hall, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

[[Page 29422]]

Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6430; 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 
all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 
11, 2007 (72 FR 57890). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive 
inspections for cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge 
cutouts of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways, and 
corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Request To Add Optional Terminating Action for Certain Inspection Areas

    The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member United 
Airlines, concurs with the contents of the NPRM. United adds that 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 13, 2006 (cited 
in the NPRM as the appropriate source of service information), does not 
require inspecting the hinge cutouts for cracks in the skin or 
bearstrap if an FAA-approved Boeing repair is installed. United 
requests that we revise the NPRM to include similar language.
    We partially agree. We agree that the inspections specified in 
paragraph (f) of this AD may be terminated at areas repaired in 
accordance with Boeing 737-100/-200 SRM 53-30-3, Figures 20, 21, 31, or 
32; or Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 SRM 53-10-01, Repair 5, 6, or 8; as 
applicable. Boeing concurs with this provision. We have added the 
provision in new paragraph (i) of this AD, and re-identified subsequent 
paragraphs. But we do not agree that a nonspecified previously 
installed repair--even one issued by Boeing and approved by the FAA--is 
acceptable as a terminating action, unless the repair is properly 
evaluated as it relates to this AD. If a repair (or other modification 
or alteration) prevents an operator from accomplishing any action of 
this AD, then that operator must request FAA approval of an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) (14 CFR section 39.17). Paragraph (j) of 
the final rule provides operators the opportunity to request approval 
of specific repair configurations as terminating action.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 2,437 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, per 
inspection cycle, for U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Average                                                  Number of U.S.-
           Work hours             hourly labor                Cost per airplane                 registered                    Fleet cost
                                      rate                                                       airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 to 14.......................             $80  $1,040 to $1,120...........................           1,055  $1,097,200 to $1,181,600.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

2008-11-04 Boeing: Amendment 39-15526. Docket No. FAA-2007-0024; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-086-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 25, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -
300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from multiple reports of cracks found in the 
skin, bearstrap, and/or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout areas 
of the forward entry and forward galley service doorways. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which

[[Page 29423]]

could result in rapid decompression 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.

Repetitive Inspections

    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, at the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, do external detailed, 
low frequency eddy current, high frequency eddy current, and high 
frequency eddy current rotary probe inspections, as applicable, for 
cracks in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the 
forward entry and forward galley service doorways, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except 
as provided by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. Do not exceed the 
applicable repetitive interval for the previous inspection, as 
specified in the service bulletin as Option A or Option B. Repair 
any crack before further flight using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.

Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 
13, 2006, specifies a compliance time after the release date of the 
service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
    (h) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated 
April 13, 2006, specifies contacting Boeing for information about 
installing an optional preventive modification that would terminate 
the repetitive inspections specified in this AD, this AD requires 
that any terminating action be done by using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.
    (i) The inspections specified in paragraph (f) of this AD may be 
terminated at areas repaired in accordance with Boeing 737-100/-200 
SRM 53-30-1, Figures 20, 21, 31, or 32; or Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 
SRM 53-10-01, Repair 5, 6, or 8; as applicable.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(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.
    (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

    (k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
dated April 13, 2006, 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 May 9, 2008.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-11118 Filed 5-20-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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