Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes, 30760-30763 [E8-11336]
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30760
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 104 / Thursday, May 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
corresponding actions specified in paragraph
(k) of this AD.
Terminating Action for Certain Airplanes
(p) For Model 757–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Installing and maintaining TDG
Aerospace, Inc. Universal Fault Interrupter
(UFI), in accordance with Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01950LA,
terminates the actions required by paragraphs
(g) through (m) of this AD; provided that,
concurrently with installing a UFI on any
airplane in an operator’s fleet, a placard is
installed adjacent to the pilot’s primary flight
display on all airplanes in the operator’s fleet
not equipped with a UFI. The placard reads
as follows (alternative placard wording may
be used if approved by an appropriate FAA
Principal Operations Inspector): ‘‘AD 2002–
24–51 fuel usage restrictions required.’’
Installation of a placard in accordance with
paragraph (e) of AD 2002–19–52 or paragraph
(h) of this AD is acceptable for compliance
with the placard installation required by this
paragraph. Installing a UFI in accordance
with STC ST01950LA, or an automatic
shutoff system in accordance with paragraph
(g) of this AD, on an airplane terminates the
placard installation required by this
paragraph for only that airplane. Installing
UFIs in accordance with STC ST01950LA, or
automatic shutoff systems in accordance with
paragraph (g) of this AD, on all airplanes in
an operator’s fleet terminates the placard
installation required by this paragraph for all
airplanes in an operator’s fleet. If UFIs or
automatic shutoff systems are installed
concurrently on all airplanes in an operator’s
fleet, or if operation according to the fuel
usage restrictions of AD 2002–24–51 is
maintained until UFIs or automatic shutoff
systems are installed on all airplanes in an
operator’s fleet, the placard installation
specified in this paragraph is not required.
corresponding action required by paragraphs
(j) and (m) of this AD.
Terminating Action for AWLs Revision
(q) Incorporating AWLs No. 28–AWL–20
and No. 28–AWL–26 into the AWLs section
of the ICA in accordance with paragraph
(g)(3) of AD 2008–10–11 terminates the
Material Incorporated by Reference
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(r)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, 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.
(s) You must use the service information
contained in Table 2 of this AD to do the
actions required by this AD, as applicable,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Service information
Revision
Date
BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233N3206–28–03 ............................................................................
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–28A0081 ....................................................................................
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–28A0082 ....................................................................................
Boeing Service Bulletin 757–28A0105 .............................................................................................
Boeing 757 Maintenance Planning Data Document, D622N001–9, Section 9, Subsection G .......
Boeing Temporary Revision 09–006 to the Boeing 757 Maintenance Planning Data Document,
D622N001–9. Boeing Temporary Revision 09–006 is published as Section 9 of the Boeing
757 Maintenance Planning Data Document, D622N001–9, Revision January 2007.
Original .........................
Original .........................
Original .........................
1 ...................................
January 2006 ...............
Original .........................
October 4, 2006.
February 16, 2006.
February 16, 2006.
April 2, 2007.
January 2006.
January 2007.
(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 that is 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.
or damage to the structural inner glass
panes of the flight deck No. 2, No. 4,
and No. 5 windows, which could result
in loss of a window and rapid loss of
cabin pressure. Loss of cabin pressure
could cause crew communication
difficulties or crew incapacitation.
DATES: This AD is effective July 3, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of July 3, 2008.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8,
2008.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–11275 Filed 5–28–08; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0263; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–207–AD; Amendment
39–15530; AD 2008–11–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800,
–900, and –900ER Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C,
–800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive
inspections for any cracking of or
damage to the left side and right side
flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5
windows, as necessary, and corrective
actions if necessary. This AD results
from reports of in-flight departure and
separation of the flight deck windows.
We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking in the vinyl interlayer
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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,
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 104 / Thursday, May 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and AirTran Airways agree
with the NPRM.
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6447; 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 737–600, –700, –700C,
–800, and –900 series airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on December 3, 2007 (72 FR
67864). That NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for any cracking
of or damage to the left side and right
side flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5
windows, as necessary, and corrective
actions if necessary.
Changes Made to This AD
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We have revised the applicability of
this AD to clearly identify that Boeing
Model 737–900ER series airplanes are
also subject to the requirements of this
AD. These airplanes were not
previously identified in the
applicability of the NPRM because they
were type certificated after issuance of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
56A1022, dated July 18, 2007, which we
referenced for the applicability of the
NPRM. Although these airplanes are not
explicitly identified in the effectivity of
the service bulletin, they are included as
Group 2 airplanes in the service
bulletin.
We have deleted paragraph (h)(4) of
the NPRM and added a new paragraph
(h) to this AD specifying that
installation of metallic window blanks
at cockpit eyebrow windows No. 4 and
No. 5 in accordance with Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01630SE
terminates the initial and repetitive
inspections for the flight deck No. 4 and
No. 5 windows required by paragraph (f)
of this AD. Incorporation of STC
ST01630SE is considered a terminating
action, not an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC), since an AMOC
can be issued only after an AD has been
issued. We also have reidentified the
AMOC paragraph of the NPRM as
paragraph (j) in this AD.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received from
the three commenters.
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Request To Add Terminating Action
AirTran Airways and Continental
Airlines (CAL) request that we revise
the NPRM to specify that installing
structural plugs at cockpit eyebrow
windows No. 4 and No. 5 in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 737–56–
1017, dated May 17, 2006; or Revision
1, dated February 15, 2007; terminates
the initial and repetitive inspections for
the flight deck No. 4 and No. 5
windows. CAL notes that a similar
statement is found in Tables 2 and 3 of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
56A1022, dated July 18, 2007. (We
referred to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–56A1022 as the appropriate source
of service information for accomplishing
the proposed requirements of the
NPRM.)
We agree with the commenters and
have added a new paragraph (i) to this
AD accordingly.
Request To Revise the Applicability
CAL requests that we limit the
applicability of the NPRM to airplanes
delivered before line number 2589. As
justification, CAL states that new
production airplanes do not include the
flight deck No. 4 and No. 5 windows,
and that Boeing is in the final stages of
approving a new, improved flight deck
No. 2 window, part numbers 5–89355–
87 and –88. According to CAL, the new,
improved No. 2 window, which is
manufactured by PPG Aerospace, is
designed specifically to address the
unsafe condition of the NPRM. CAL also
states that Boeing plans to install the
new, improved No. 2 windows on new
production airplanes this year.
We do not agree to exclude any
airplanes from the applicability of this
AD. The affected flight deck No. 2
windows are interchangeable with the
new, improved windows manufactured
by PPG Aerospace; therefore, the unsafe
condition could be introduced on a new
production airplane if an affected No. 2
window is installed after airplane
delivery. We have not changed this AD
in this regard.
Request To Track Compliance Time by
Flight Cycles
AirTran Airways requests that we add
an option to this AD to allow operators
to track the inspections by airplane
flight cycles instead of window flight
hours, provided that any used window
is inspected before it is installed.
AirTran Airways states that tracking
compliance by a component rather than
by airplane is more difficult due to the
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30761
extra work and documentation
generated for the removal and
installation of a component. According
to AirTran Airways, tracking
compliance by component also
increases the opportunity for human
factor errors. AirTran Airways also
states that tracking inspections by
airplane flight cycles will accomplish
the inspections within the same
timeframe as proposed in the NPRM and
be less of a burden.
We disagree with allowing operators
to track compliance by airplane flight
cycles because the unsafe condition is
primarily related to window flight
hours. The utilization of airplanes
within the fleet varies from short to long
flight hours per flight cycle. Therefore,
we have not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request To Revise the Compliance
Time for the No. 2 Window
CAL requests that we revise the
compliance time for the initial
inspection of the flight deck No. 2
window to within 36 months or 7,500
flight hours, whichever occurs first,
after the window installation; or to
within 24 months, for windows
installed more than 36 months ago or for
windows where the number of flight
hours is unknown. CAL states that the
NPRM, which proposes to require the
initial inspection within 24 months after
the effective date of this AD regardless
of the age or flight time of the window,
unnecessarily penalizes operators who
proactively inspect and replace the No.
2 window before the AD is issued. CAL
also states that, according to the
wording in the NPRM, a window
replaced one day before the effective
date of the AD would need to be reinspected within 24 months, but a
window inspected and replaced one day
after the effective date of the AD would
not need to be re-inspected until 36
months or 7,500 window flight hours.
We do not agree to revise the
compliance time for the initial
inspection of the flight deck No. 2
window. According to paragraph (e) of
this AD, an operator is responsible for
having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times
specified, unless the actions have
already been done. If the initial
inspection of the No. 2 window was
done before the effective date of this AD
in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–56A1022, dated July 18,
2007, then the initial inspection does
not need to be accomplished again; only
the repetitive inspections would need to
be accomplished in accordance with the
service bulletin at the applicable
interval specified in the service bulletin.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 104 / Thursday, May 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
If the initial and repetitive inspections
of the No. 2 window are done before the
effective date of this AD, but are not
done in accordance with the service
bulletin, then those inspections are not
acceptable for compliance with this AD
unless an AMOC is issued for those
prior inspections. Under the provisions
of paragraph (j) of this AD, we will
consider requests for approval of an
AMOC if sufficient data are submitted to
substantiate that prior inspections
incorporate similar criteria to what is
provided for in the service bulletin.
Therefore, no change to this AD is
necessary in this regard.
Request for an AMOC for a Parts
Manufacturer Approval (PMA)
Equivalent Part
CAL states that the FAA has approved
a new, improved flight deck No. 2
window designed by GKN Aerospace
Transparency Systems, under PMA
Holder No. PQ1250NM, Supplement 10,
dated September 17, 2007. CAL also
states that the new, improved No. 2
window was designed to prevent the
premature failure of the window, and
that the new, improved window
addresses the unsafe condition of the
NPRM. CAL, therefore, requests that we
add a new AMOC paragraph to this AD,
which would exempt the new,
improved No. 2 window from the
required inspections.
We do not agree to allow the PMA
equivalent No. 2 window as an AMOC
to the required inspections. Although
the window has been approved as a
PMA equivalent part, the commenter
has not provided data showing that the
PMA equivalent window is not
susceptible to the same vinyl interlayer
cracking. However, under the provisions
of paragraph (j) of this AD, we will
consider requests for approval of an
AMOC if sufficient data are submitted to
substantiate that the design change
would provide an acceptable level of
safety. No change to this AD is
necessary in this regard.
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Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously.
We also determined that these changes
will not increase the economic burden
on any operator or increase the scope of
the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 2,127 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This AD affects about 737 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The required actions take
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about 2 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $80 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the AD for U.S. operators is
$117,920, or $160 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
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
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
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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
2008–11–08 Boeing: Amendment 39–15530.
Docket No. FAA–2007–0263; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–207–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective July 3, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and
–900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of in-flight
departure and separation of the flight deck
windows. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracking in the vinyl interlayer or
damage to the structural inner glass panes of
the flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5
windows, which could result in loss of a
window and rapid loss of cabin pressure.
Loss of cabin pressure could cause crew
communication difficulties or crew
incapacitation.
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 and Replacement
(f) At the applicable times specified in
Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–56A1022, dated
July 18, 2007, except as provided by
paragraph (g) of this AD: Do the internal and
external detailed inspections for any cracking
of or damage to the left side and right side
flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows,
as applicable, and do the applicable
corrective actions before further flight, by
accomplishing all of the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–56A1022, dated July 18, 2007. Repeat
the inspections thereafter at the applicable
interval specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–56A1022, dated
July 18, 2007.
Exception to Compliance Times
(g) Where Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph
1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
56A1022, dated July 18, 2007, specify
counting the compliance time from ‘‘ * * *
the date on this service bulletin,’’ this AD
requires counting the compliance time from
the effective date of this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 104 / Thursday, May 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Optional Terminating Actions
(h) Installation of metallic window blanks
at cockpit eyebrow windows No. 4 and No.
5 in accordance with Supplemental Type
Certificate ST01630SE terminates the initial
and repetitive inspections for the flight deck
No. 4 and No. 5 windows required by
paragraph (f) of this AD. All other applicable
actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD
must be fully complied with.
(i) Installation of structural plugs at cockpit
eyebrow windows No. 4 and No. 5 in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin
737–56–1017, dated May 17, 2006; or
Revision 1, dated February 15, 2007,
terminates the initial and repetitive
inspections for the flight deck No. 4 and No.
5 windows required by paragraph (f) of this
AD. All other applicable actions required by
paragraph (f) of this AD must be fully
complied with.
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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 737–56A1022, dated July 18, 2007,
to do the actions required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise. If you do the
optional actions specified in this AD, you
must use Boeing Service Bulletin 737–56–
1017, dated May 17, 2006; or Boeing Service
Bulletin 737–56–1017, Revision 1, dated
February 15, 2007, 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
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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 10,
2008.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–11336 Filed 5–28–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0265; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–213–AD; Amendment
39–15531; AD 2008–11–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 727 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD
requires repetitive inspections for any
cracking of or damage to the left side
and right side flight deck No. 2, No. 4,
and No. 5 windows, as necessary, and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD
results from reports of in-flight
departure and separation of the flight
deck windows. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct cracking in the
vinyl interlayer or damage to the
structural inner glass panes of the flight
deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows,
which could result in loss of a window
and rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of
cabin pressure could cause crew
communication difficulties or crew
incapacitation.
This AD is effective July 3, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of July 3, 2008.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
DATES:
30763
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:
Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6577; 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 727 series airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on December 3, 2007 (72 FR
67873). That NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for any cracking
of or damage to the left side and right
side flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5
windows, as necessary, and corrective
actions if necessary.
Changes Made to This AD
We have deleted paragraph (h)(4) of
the NPRM and added a new paragraph
(h) to this AD specifying that
installation of metallic window blanks
at cockpit eyebrow windows No. 4 and
No. 5 in accordance with Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01704SE
terminates the initial and repetitive
inspections for the flight deck No. 4 and
No. 5 windows required by paragraph (f)
of this AD. Incorporation of STC
ST01704SE is considered a terminating
action, not an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC), since an AMOC
can only be issued after an AD has been
issued. We have also reidentified the
AMOC paragraph of the NPRM as
paragraph (i) in this AD.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received from
the two commenters.
Examining the AD Docket
Support for the NPRM
Boeing supports the NPRM.
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
Request To Extend Compliance Times
FedEx requests that we extend the
compliance time to 36 months or 3,600
flight hours, whichever occurs later, for
the initial inspections of the flight deck
No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows and the
repetitive intervals for the No. 4 and No.
PO 00000
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 104 (Thursday, May 29, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30760-30763]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11336]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0263; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-207-AD;
Amendment 39-15530; AD 2008-11-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any cracking of
or damage to the left side and right side flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and
No. 5 windows, as necessary, and corrective actions if necessary. This
AD results from reports of in-flight departure and separation of the
flight deck windows. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking in the vinyl interlayer or damage to the structural inner
glass panes of the flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows, which
could result in loss of a window and rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss
of cabin pressure could cause crew communication difficulties or crew
incapacitation.
DATES: This AD is effective July 3, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 3, 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,
[[Page 30761]]
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
917-6447; 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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 3, 2007 (72
FR 67864). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for any
cracking of or damage to the left side and right side flight deck No.
2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows, as necessary, and corrective actions if
necessary.
Changes Made to This AD
We have revised the applicability of this AD to clearly identify
that Boeing Model 737-900ER series airplanes are also subject to the
requirements of this AD. These airplanes were not previously identified
in the applicability of the NPRM because they were type certificated
after issuance of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-56A1022, dated July
18, 2007, which we referenced for the applicability of the NPRM.
Although these airplanes are not explicitly identified in the
effectivity of the service bulletin, they are included as Group 2
airplanes in the service bulletin.
We have deleted paragraph (h)(4) of the NPRM and added a new
paragraph (h) to this AD specifying that installation of metallic
window blanks at cockpit eyebrow windows No. 4 and No. 5 in accordance
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01630SE terminates the
initial and repetitive inspections for the flight deck No. 4 and No. 5
windows required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Incorporation of STC
ST01630SE is considered a terminating action, not an alternative method
of compliance (AMOC), since an AMOC can be issued only after an AD has
been issued. We also have reidentified the AMOC paragraph of the NPRM
as paragraph (j) in this AD.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received from the three commenters.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and AirTran Airways agree with the NPRM.
Request To Add Terminating Action
AirTran Airways and Continental Airlines (CAL) request that we
revise the NPRM to specify that installing structural plugs at cockpit
eyebrow windows No. 4 and No. 5 in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-56-1017, dated May 17, 2006; or Revision 1, dated February
15, 2007; terminates the initial and repetitive inspections for the
flight deck No. 4 and No. 5 windows. CAL notes that a similar statement
is found in Tables 2 and 3 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
56A1022, dated July 18, 2007. (We referred to Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-56A1022 as the appropriate source of service information
for accomplishing the proposed requirements of the NPRM.)
We agree with the commenters and have added a new paragraph (i) to
this AD accordingly.
Request To Revise the Applicability
CAL requests that we limit the applicability of the NPRM to
airplanes delivered before line number 2589. As justification, CAL
states that new production airplanes do not include the flight deck No.
4 and No. 5 windows, and that Boeing is in the final stages of
approving a new, improved flight deck No. 2 window, part numbers 5-
89355-87 and -88. According to CAL, the new, improved No. 2 window,
which is manufactured by PPG Aerospace, is designed specifically to
address the unsafe condition of the NPRM. CAL also states that Boeing
plans to install the new, improved No. 2 windows on new production
airplanes this year.
We do not agree to exclude any airplanes from the applicability of
this AD. The affected flight deck No. 2 windows are interchangeable
with the new, improved windows manufactured by PPG Aerospace;
therefore, the unsafe condition could be introduced on a new production
airplane if an affected No. 2 window is installed after airplane
delivery. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Track Compliance Time by Flight Cycles
AirTran Airways requests that we add an option to this AD to allow
operators to track the inspections by airplane flight cycles instead of
window flight hours, provided that any used window is inspected before
it is installed. AirTran Airways states that tracking compliance by a
component rather than by airplane is more difficult due to the extra
work and documentation generated for the removal and installation of a
component. According to AirTran Airways, tracking compliance by
component also increases the opportunity for human factor errors.
AirTran Airways also states that tracking inspections by airplane
flight cycles will accomplish the inspections within the same timeframe
as proposed in the NPRM and be less of a burden.
We disagree with allowing operators to track compliance by airplane
flight cycles because the unsafe condition is primarily related to
window flight hours. The utilization of airplanes within the fleet
varies from short to long flight hours per flight cycle. Therefore, we
have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Revise the Compliance Time for the No. 2 Window
CAL requests that we revise the compliance time for the initial
inspection of the flight deck No. 2 window to within 36 months or 7,500
flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the window installation; or
to within 24 months, for windows installed more than 36 months ago or
for windows where the number of flight hours is unknown. CAL states
that the NPRM, which proposes to require the initial inspection within
24 months after the effective date of this AD regardless of the age or
flight time of the window, unnecessarily penalizes operators who
proactively inspect and replace the No. 2 window before the AD is
issued. CAL also states that, according to the wording in the NPRM, a
window replaced one day before the effective date of the AD would need
to be re-inspected within 24 months, but a window inspected and
replaced one day after the effective date of the AD would not need to
be re-inspected until 36 months or 7,500 window flight hours.
We do not agree to revise the compliance time for the initial
inspection of the flight deck No. 2 window. According to paragraph (e)
of this AD, an operator is responsible for having the actions required
by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done. If the initial inspection of the No. 2
window was done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-56A1022, dated July 18, 2007, then
the initial inspection does not need to be accomplished again; only the
repetitive inspections would need to be accomplished in accordance with
the service bulletin at the applicable interval specified in the
service bulletin.
[[Page 30762]]
If the initial and repetitive inspections of the No. 2 window are done
before the effective date of this AD, but are not done in accordance
with the service bulletin, then those inspections are not acceptable
for compliance with this AD unless an AMOC is issued for those prior
inspections. Under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, we will
consider requests for approval of an AMOC if sufficient data are
submitted to substantiate that prior inspections incorporate similar
criteria to what is provided for in the service bulletin. Therefore, no
change to this AD is necessary in this regard.
Request for an AMOC for a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Equivalent
Part
CAL states that the FAA has approved a new, improved flight deck
No. 2 window designed by GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, under PMA
Holder No. PQ1250NM, Supplement 10, dated September 17, 2007. CAL also
states that the new, improved No. 2 window was designed to prevent the
premature failure of the window, and that the new, improved window
addresses the unsafe condition of the NPRM. CAL, therefore, requests
that we add a new AMOC paragraph to this AD, which would exempt the
new, improved No. 2 window from the required inspections.
We do not agree to allow the PMA equivalent No. 2 window as an AMOC
to the required inspections. Although the window has been approved as a
PMA equivalent part, the commenter has not provided data showing that
the PMA equivalent window is not susceptible to the same vinyl
interlayer cracking. However, under the provisions of paragraph (j) of
this AD, we will consider requests for approval of an AMOC if
sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the design change
would provide an acceptable level of safety. No change to this AD is
necessary in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 2,127 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 737 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The required actions take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $117,920, or $160 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
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:
2008-11-08 Boeing: Amendment 39-15530. Docket No. FAA-2007-0263;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-207-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 3, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of in-flight departure and
separation of the flight deck windows. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracking in the vinyl interlayer or damage to the
structural inner glass panes of the flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and
No. 5 windows, which could result in loss of a window and rapid loss
of cabin pressure. Loss of cabin pressure could cause crew
communication difficulties or crew incapacitation.
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 and Replacement
(f) At the applicable times specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of
paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-56A1022, dated
July 18, 2007, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do
the internal and external detailed inspections for any cracking of
or damage to the left side and right side flight deck No. 2, No. 4,
and No. 5 windows, as applicable, and do the applicable corrective
actions before further flight, by accomplishing all of the
applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-56A1022, dated July 18, 2007.
Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable interval
specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
56A1022, dated July 18, 2007.
Exception to Compliance Times
(g) Where Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-56A1022, dated July 18, 2007, specify counting
the compliance time from `` * * * the date on this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires counting the compliance time from the
effective date of this AD.
[[Page 30763]]
Optional Terminating Actions
(h) Installation of metallic window blanks at cockpit eyebrow
windows No. 4 and No. 5 in accordance with Supplemental Type
Certificate ST01630SE terminates the initial and repetitive
inspections for the flight deck No. 4 and No. 5 windows required by
paragraph (f) of this AD. All other applicable actions required by
paragraph (f) of this AD must be fully complied with.
(i) Installation of structural plugs at cockpit eyebrow windows
No. 4 and No. 5 in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-56-
1017, dated May 17, 2006; or Revision 1, dated February 15, 2007,
terminates the initial and repetitive inspections for the flight
deck No. 4 and No. 5 windows required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
All other applicable actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD
must be fully complied with.
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 737-56A1022,
dated July 18, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise. If you do the optional actions specified
in this AD, you must use Boeing Service Bulletin 737-56-1017, dated
May 17, 2006; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-56-1017, Revision 1,
dated February 15, 2007, 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 10, 2008.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-11336 Filed 5-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
