Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER Series Airplanes, 34518-34520 [E9-16943]

Download as PDF 34518 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 135 / Thursday, July 16, 2009 / Proposed Rules Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by August 17, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310– 221, –222, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes, and Model A300B4–620, B4–622, B4–622R, F4–605R, and F4–622R airplanes, all serial numbers; certificated in any category; equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 or JT9D–7R4 series engines. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78: Engine exhaust. erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: During the year 2000, life extension exercise programs were launched for Airbus A310 and A300–600 aircraft. Certification of Extended Service Goal (ESG) is based on analysis, except for fan cowl and thrust reverser (T/R) latches, which are always certified by tests. Currently, the Airworthiness Limitation Item (ALI) task 54–50–28 for engine pylon T/ R hinges requires inspection every [1,200] Flight Cycles (FC). An analysis performed by Airbus shows that forward and aft T/R door latches have been demonstrated successful for ESG, with inspection task every 1200 FC. However, testing of the T/R door centre latch has shown that this does not meet the requirements for ESG. For the reason described above, this EASA AD requires the replacement of the T/R centre latches with serialized latches on LH [left hand] and RH [right hand] engines and repetitive inspections [for cracking] of the serialized latches. In addition, this AD introduces a life limit of 18000 FC for the serialized centre latches. The unsafe condition is possible failure of the T/R latch and detachment of the T/R from the airplane, which could result in structural damage and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. The corrective action includes replacing the T/R latch if any surface crack is found during any inspection. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, or within 1,200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the non-serialized T/R center latch LH (left hand) and RH (right hand) sides, having part number (P/N) 221D0029– 11 and P/N 221D0029–13, with a serialized T/R center latch having P/N 221D0029–15 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–78–6029 or A310–78–2030, both including Appendix 1, both dated October 3, 2008; as applicable. (2) Within 1,200 flight cycles after accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Perform an VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:08 Jul 15, 2009 Jkt 217001 inspection for surface cracking of the T/R center serialized latches having P/N 221D0029–15, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–78–6029 or A310–78–2030, both including Appendix 1, both dated October 3, 2008; as applicable. If any crack is found, before further flight, replace the serialized T/R center latch with a new serialized T/R center latch in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–78–6029 or A310–78–2030, both including Appendix 1, both dated October 3, 2008; as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles. (3) Before the accumulation of 18,000 total flight cycles since accomplishing the most recent replacement required by paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD: Replace the serialized T/R center latch having P/N 221D0029–15 with a new serialized T/R center latch having P/N 221D0029–15 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–78–6029 or A310–78–2030, both including Appendix 1, both dated October 3, 2008; as applicable. Replacement of the center latches does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 1: 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, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2008– 0226, dated December 19, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletins A300–78–6029 and A310–78–2030, both including Appendix 1, both dated October 3, 2008; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–16942 Filed 7–15–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25001; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–079–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900 and –900ER Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period. SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900 and –900ER series airplanes. That supplemental NPRM would have required a one-time inspection to determine the part numbers of the aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines, and replacing affected aero/fire seals with new improved aero/fire seals. This action resulted from a report that the top 3 inches of the aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes are not fireproof. This second supplemental NPRM revises the first supplemental NPRM by changing the compliance time for the replacement. We are proposing this second supplemental NPRM to prevent a fire in the fan compartment (a fire zone) from migrating through the seal to a flammable fluid in the thrust reverser actuator compartment (a flammable fluid leakage zone), which could result in an uncontrolled fire. DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by August 10, 2009. E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 135 / Thursday, July 16, 2009 / Proposed Rules You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–9990; fax 206–766– 5682; e-mail DDCS@boeing.com; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152. ADDRESSES: 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 proposed AD, 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Spitzer, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6510; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2006–25001; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–079–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion 34519 change the compliance time for the replacement action in paragraph (h) from ‘‘within 60 months or 8,200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,’’ to ‘‘prior to further flight after doing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.’’ Our intent in the first supplemental NPRM was to require replacement of an affected aero/fire seal before further flight after identification. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comment received on the first supplemental NPRM. Boeing supports the NPRM. Additional Changes to Supplemental NPRM For clarification purposes, we have revised paragraph (h) of this second supplemental NPRM to change ‘‘as having an affected P/N’’ to ‘‘to have a non-fireproof seal.’’ We have also added new paragraph (d) in this supplemental NPRM to identify the Air Transport Association of America code. We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (the ‘‘first supplemental 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. The first supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2008 (73 FR 51382). The first supplemental NPRM proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine the part numbers of the aero/ fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines, and replacing affected aero/fire seals with new improved aero/fire seals. FAA’s Determination and Proposed Requirements of the Second Supplemental NPRM Actions Since First Supplemental NPRM Was Issued There are about 2,442 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. Since we issued the first supplemental NPRM, we have determined that it is necessary to We are proposing this second supplemental NPRM because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the first supplemental NPRM. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this second supplemental NPRM. Costs of Compliance ESTIMATED COSTS erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Action Work hours Average labor rate per hour Parts Cost per airplane Number of U.S.registered airplanes Fleet cost Inspection for part number ........... 1 $80 None ............................................. $80 803 $64,240 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:08 Jul 15, 2009 Jkt 217001 the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1 34520 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 135 / Thursday, July 16, 2009 / Proposed Rules 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. Applicability Regulatory Findings (e) This AD results from a report that the top 3 inches of the aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes are not fireproof. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent a fire in the fan compartment (a fire zone) from migrating through the seal to a flammable fluid in the thrust reverser actuator compartment (a flammable fluid leakage zone), which could result in an uncontrolled fire. We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2006–25001; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–079–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by August 10, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:08 Jul 15, 2009 Jkt 217001 (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78: Engine exhaust. Unsafe Condition Compliance (f) 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 To Determine Part Number (P/N) (g) Within 60 months or 8,200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to determine the color of the aero/ fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines. For any aero/fire seal having a completely grey color (which is the color of seals with P/N 315A2245–1 or 315A2245–2), with no red at the upper end of the seal, do the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. For any aero/fire seal having a red color at the upper end of the seal (which indicates a different part number), no further action is required by this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the correct aero/fire seals (P/N 315A2245–7 or –8) can be conclusively determined to be installed from that review. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.’’ Replace the Aero/Fire Seals (h) For any aero/fire seal identified during the inspection/records check in paragraph (g) of this AD to have a non-fireproof seal: Prior to further flight after doing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines with new, improved aero/fire seals in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–78–1074, Revision 1, dated September 15, 2005. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information (i) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–78– 1074, dated April 7, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 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: Samuel Spitzer, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6510; fax (425) 917–6590. Or, e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–16943 Filed 7–15–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0611; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–165–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA), Model C–212–CB, C–212–CC, C–212–CD, and C–212–CE Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed 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: E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 135 (Thursday, July 16, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34518-34520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-16943]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25001; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-079-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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

SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER 
series airplanes. That supplemental NPRM would have required a one-time 
inspection to determine the part numbers of the aero/fire seals of the 
blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines, and 
replacing affected aero/fire seals with new improved aero/fire seals. 
This action resulted from a report that the top 3 inches of the aero/
fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes are 
not fireproof. This second supplemental NPRM revises the first 
supplemental NPRM by changing the compliance time for the replacement. 
We are proposing this second supplemental NPRM to prevent a fire in the 
fan compartment (a fire zone) from migrating through the seal to a 
flammable fluid in the thrust reverser actuator compartment (a 
flammable fluid leakage zone), which could result in an uncontrolled 
fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by August 10, 
2009.

[[Page 34519]]


ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207; telephone 206-544-9990; fax 206-766-5682; e-mail DDCS@boeing.com; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 
425-227-1152.

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 proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Spitzer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6510; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
25001; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-079-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (the ``first 
supplemental 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. The first 
supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 3, 
2008 (73 FR 51382). The first supplemental NPRM proposed to require a 
one-time inspection to determine the part numbers of the aero/fire 
seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the 
engines, and replacing affected aero/fire seals with new improved aero/
fire seals.

Actions Since First Supplemental NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the first supplemental NPRM, we have determined 
that it is necessary to change the compliance time for the replacement 
action in paragraph (h) from ``within 60 months or 8,200 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD,'' to ``prior to further flight 
after doing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.'' Our 
intent in the first supplemental NPRM was to require replacement of an 
affected aero/fire seal before further flight after identification.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received on the first supplemental 
NPRM. Boeing supports the NPRM.

Additional Changes to Supplemental NPRM

    For clarification purposes, we have revised paragraph (h) of this 
second supplemental NPRM to change ``as having an affected P/N'' to 
``to have a non-fireproof seal.''
    We have also added new paragraph (d) in this supplemental NPRM to 
identify the Air Transport Association of America code.

FAA's Determination and Proposed Requirements of the Second 
Supplemental NPRM

    We are proposing this second supplemental NPRM because we evaluated 
all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and 
is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the first 
supplemental NPRM. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary 
to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the 
public to comment on this second supplemental NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 2,442 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                Number of
                                                                  Average                                         Cost per        U.S.-
                     Action                       Work hours    labor rate                 Parts                  airplane     registered    Fleet cost
                                                                 per hour                                                       airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for part number.....................            1           $80   None.............................          $80           803       $64,240
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 34520]]

promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866,
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

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

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2006-25001; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
079-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by August 10, 2009.

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.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78: Engine 
exhaust.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from a report that the top 3 inches of the 
aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque 
boxes are not fireproof. The Federal Aviation Administration is 
issuing this AD to prevent a fire in the fan compartment (a fire 
zone) from migrating through the seal to a flammable fluid in the 
thrust reverser actuator compartment (a flammable fluid leakage 
zone), which could result in an uncontrolled fire.

Compliance

    (f) 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 To Determine Part Number (P/N)

    (g) Within 60 months or 8,200 flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a one-time detailed 
inspection to determine the color of the aero/fire seals of the 
blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines. 
For any aero/fire seal having a completely grey color (which is the 
color of seals with P/N 315A2245-1 or 315A2245-2), with no red at 
the upper end of the seal, do the actions specified in paragraph (h) 
of this AD. For any aero/fire seal having a red color at the upper 
end of the seal (which indicates a different part number), no 
further action is required by this AD. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number of the correct aero/fire seals (P/N 315A2245-7 or -8) 
can be conclusively determined to be installed from that review.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Replace the Aero/Fire Seals

    (h) For any aero/fire seal identified during the inspection/
records check in paragraph (g) of this AD to have a non-fireproof 
seal: Prior to further flight after doing the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the aero/fire seals of the blocker 
doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines with new, 
improved aero/fire seals in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-
1074, Revision 1, dated September 15, 2005.

Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information

    (i) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1074, dated April 7, 2005, are 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 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: 
Samuel Spitzer, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6510; fax (425) 917-6590. Or, e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-16943 Filed 7-15-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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