Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes, 1297-1301 [2010-187]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 6 / Monday, January 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules I. Background On October 28, 2009 (74 FR 55694– 55721), SBA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). In that document, SBA proposed to make a number of changes to the regulations governing the 8(a) BD Program Regulations and several changes to its Small Business Size Regulations. Some of the changes involve technical issues. Other changes are more substantive and result from SBA’s experience in implementing the current regulations. In addition to written comments, SBA is requesting oral comments on the various approaches for the proposed changes. II. Public Hearings The public meeting format will consist of a panel of SBA representatives who will preside over the session. The oral and written testimony will become part of the administrative record for SBA’s consideration. Written testimony may be submitted in lieu of oral testimony. SBA will analyze the testimony, both oral and written, along with any written comments received. SBA officials may ask questions of a presenter to clarify or further explain the testimony. The purpose of the public meetings is to allow the general public to comment on SBA’s proposed rulemaking. SBA requests that the comments focus on the proposed changes as stated in the NPRM. SBA requests that commentors do not raise issues pertaining to other SBA small business programs. Presenters may provide a written copy 1297 of their testimony. SBA will accept written material that the presenter wishes to provide that further supplements his or her testimony. Electronic or digitized copies are encouraged. In conjunction with the public meetings SBA is conducting tribal consultations prior to the end of the comment period for the proposed rulemaking. The meeting notice for these tribal consultations was published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2009 (74 FR 64026). The public meetings will be held on the dates listed below for each location from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. VENUE INFORMATION Registration closing date Location Address Hearing date Miami, FL ................... SBA South Florida District Office, 100 South Biscayne Boulevard, 7th Floor, Miami, FL 33131–2011. SBA Los Angeles District Office, 330 North Brand Blvd., Suite 1200, Glendale, CA 91203. January 14, 2010 ...... January 11, 2010. January 19, 2010 ...... January 11, 2010. Los Angeles, CA ........ * Visitors will be subject to a security screening and might be required to present valid photo identification. Registration requests must be received on or before the respective deadline by 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS III. Registration Any individual interested in attending and making an oral presentation shall pre-register in advance with SBA. Registration requests must be received by SBA no later than 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Please see registration information in this section for specific dates. Please contact Ms. Latrice Andrews of SBA’s Office of Business Development in writing to register at Latrice.Andrews@sba.gov or by facsimile to (202) 481–4042. Please include the following information relating to the person testifying: Name, Organization affiliation, Address, Telephone number, e-mail address, and Fax number. SBA will attempt to accommodate all interested parties that wish to present testimony. Based on the number of registrants it may be necessary to impose time limits to ensure that everyone who wishes to testify has the opportunity to do so. SBA will send confirmation of registration in writing to the presenters and attendees. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Jan 08, 2010 Jkt 220001 IV. Information on Service for Individuals With Disabilities For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the public meetings, contact Ms. Latrice Andrews at the telephone number or email address indicated under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632, 634(b)(6), 636(b), 637(a), 644 and 662(5); and Pub. L. 105–135, sec. 401 et seq., 111 Stat. 2592 Joseph P. Loddo, Associate Administrator for Business Development. [FR Doc. 2010–318 Filed 1–7–10; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 8025–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–1253; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–080–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections of the slat track downstop assemblies to verify that proper hardware is installed, one-time torquing of the nut and bolt, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require replacing the hardware of the down stop assembly with new hardware of the down stop assembly, doing a detailed inspection or a borescope inspection of the slat cans on each wing and the lower rail of the slat main tracks for debris, replacing the bolts of the aft side guide with new bolts, and removing any debris found in the slat can. This proposed AD also would remove airplanes from the applicability. This proposed AD results from reports of parts coming off the main slat track downstop assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies from falling into the slat can and causing a puncture, which could result in a fuel leak and consequent fire. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 25, 2010. E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1 1298 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 6 / Monday, January 11, 2010 / 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124– 2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; e-mail me.boecom@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: cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6440; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Jan 08, 2010 Jkt 220001 this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2009–1253; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–080–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 On August 28, 2007, we issued AD 2007–18–52, amendment 39–15197 (72 FR 53928, September 21, 2007), for all Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. That AD superseded emergency AD 2007–18–51 to require a shorter compliance time for the actions originally required in emergency AD 2007–18–51. AD 2007–18–52 requires repetitive detailed inspections of the slat track downstop assemblies to verify that proper hardware is installed, onetime torquing of the nut and bolt, and corrective actions if necessary. That AD resulted from reports of parts coming off the main slat track downstop assemblies. We issued that AD to detect and correct loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies from falling into the slat can and causing a puncture, which could result in a fuel leak and consequent fire. Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued The preamble to AD 2007–18–52 explains that we consider the requirements ‘‘interim action’’ and were considering further rulemaking. Since we issued AD 2007–18–52, Boeing has modified the hardware of the down stop assembly and the bolts of the aft side guide. The new modifications would terminate the actions required in AD 2007–18–52. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1302, dated December 15, 2008. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the hardware of the down stop assembly with new hardware, doing a detailed inspection or a borescope inspection of the slat cans on each wing and the lower rail of the slat main tracks for debris, replacing the bolts of the aft side guide with new bolts, and removing any debris found in the slat can. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which would supersede AD 2007– 18–52 and would retain the requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the Relevant Service Information described previously. The proposed AD would also remove certain airplanes having line numbers 2700 and on from the applicability; these airplanes have a design change incorporated during production, which is an equivalent change to the actions described in the Relevant Service Information. Change to Existing AD This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2007–18–52. As a result, the corresponding paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in the following table: REVISED PARAGRAPH IDENTIFIERS Requirement in AD 2007–18–52 paragraph (f) ............. paragraph (g) ............ Corresponding requirement in this proposed AD paragraph (g). paragraph (h). Costs of Compliance There are about 2,699 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. E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1 1299 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 6 / Monday, January 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS Action Work hours Average labor rate per hour 8 $80 $0 18 80 5,388 Inspection and Torquing (required by AD 2007–18–52). Inspection and Modification (new proposed actions). Parts Cost per airplane $640, per inspection cycle. 6,828 ............................. Authority for This Rulemaking List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 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. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Findings We have 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 that the 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Jan 08, 2010 Jkt 220001 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] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing amendment 39–15197 (72 FR 53928, September 21, 2007) and adding the following new AD: Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2009–+++++; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–080–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 25, 2010. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007–18–52. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737– 600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1302, dated December 15, 2008. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from reports of parts coming off the main slat track downstop assemblies. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies from falling into the slat can and causing a puncture, which could result in a fuel leak and consequent 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. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Number of U.S.registered airplanes Sfmt 4702 853 853 Fleet cost $545,920, per inspection cycle. 5,824,284. Restatement of AD 2007–18–52 With No Changes Note 1: Paragraph (g) of this AD merely restates the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of emergency AD 2007–18–51 (which was superseded by AD 2007–18–52). As allowed by the phrase, ‘‘unless the actions have already been done,’’ if the applicable initial inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of emergency AD 2007–18–51 have already been done, this AD does not require that those inspections be repeated until the repetitive interval of 3,000 flight cycles. Repetitive Detailed Inspections (g) Within 10 days after September 26, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007–18–52): Do a detailed inspection or a borescope inspection of each main slat track downstop assembly to verify proper installation of the slat track hardware (i.e., the bolt, washers, downstops, stop location, and nut shown in Figure 1 of Boeing Service Letter 737–SL–57– 084–B, dated July 10, 2007, and in this AD). Proper installation of the sleeve need not be confirmed, and the stop location part may be installed on either the inboard or the outboard side of the slat track. If any part is missing or is installed improperly, before further flight, install a new or serviceable part using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD; and do a detailed inspection of the inside of the slat can for foreign object debris (FOD) and damage. Before further flight, remove any FOD found and repair any damage found using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Verify proper installation; install a new or serviceable part; and inspect for damage and FOD, and remove FOD and repair damage, in accordance with a method by approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA; or in accordance with Boeing Multi Operator Message Number 1–523812011–1, issued August 25, 2007; or 1–527463441–1, issued August 28, 2007. Repeat the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. Note 2: Paragraph (h) of this AD merely restates the requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of emergency AD 2007–18–51. As allowed by the phrase, ‘‘unless the actions have already been done,’’ if the torque application required by paragraph (f)(2) of AD emergency 2007– 18–51 has already been done, this AD does not require that the torque application be repeated. E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1 1300 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 6 / Monday, January 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules Note 3: 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 mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.’’ BILLING CODE 4910–13–C New Requirements of This AD a detailed inspection or a borescope inspection of the slat cans on each wing and the lower rail of the slat main tracks for debris, and replace the bolts of the aft side guide with new bolts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Modification and Inspection (i) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the hardware of the down stop assembly with new hardware, do VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Jan 08, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1 EP11JA10.012</GPH> cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS One-Time Torquing (h) Within 24 days after receipt of emergency AD 2007–18–51: Apply a torque between 50 to 80 inch-pounds to the nut. The bolt head must be held with the torque applied to the nut. Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 6 / Monday, January 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules Service Bulletin 737–57A1302, dated December 15, 2008 (‘‘the service bulletin’’); except, where the service bulletin specifies to replace the slat main track or contact Boeing for further repair instructions if the hole diameter is greater than 0.5005 inch, before further flight replace the slat main track in accordance with the service bulletin or repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. If debris is found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, remove the debris in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Doing the actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6440; fax (425) 917–6590. Or, e-mail information to 9ANM-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. (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 the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that 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. (4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2007–18–52 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–187 Filed 1–8–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Jan 08, 2010 Jkt 220001 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Part 1 [REG–127270–06] RIN 1545–BF81 Damages Received on Account of Personal Physical Injuries or Physical Sickness; Hearing AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of public hearing on proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: This document provides notice of public hearing on a notice of proposed rulemaking relating to the exclusion from gross income for amounts received on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness. DATES: The public hearing is being held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 10 a.m. The IRS must receive outlines of the topics to be discussed at the hearing by Tuesday, February 2, 2010. ADDRESSES: The public hearing is being held in room 2615, Internal Revenue Building, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. Send submissions to: CC:PA: LPD:PR (REG– 127270–06), room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be handdelivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–127270–06), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. Alternatively, taxpayers may submit electronic outlines of oral comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the regulations, Sheldon A. Iskow at (202) 622–4920; concerning submissions of comments, the hearing, and/or to be placed on the building access list to attend the hearing, Richard A. Hurst at Richard.A.Hurst@irscounsel.treas.gov or (202) 622–7180 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject of the public hearing is the notice of proposed rulemaking (REG– 127270–06) that was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 (74 FR 47152). Persons who wish to present oral comments at the hearing that submitted written comments must submit an outline of the topics to be discussed and PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 1301 the amount of time to be devoted to each topic (signed original and eight (8) copies) by February 2, 2010. A period of 10 minutes is allotted to each person for presenting oral comments. After the deadline for receiving outlines has passed, the IRS will prepare an agenda containing the schedule of speakers. Copies of the agenda will be made available, free of charge, at the hearing or in the Freedom of Information Reading Room (FOIA RR) (Room 1621) which is located at the 11th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. entrance, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. Because of access restrictions, the IRS will not admit visitors beyond the immediate entrance area more than 30 minutes before the hearing starts. For information about having your name placed on the building access list to attend the hearing, see the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. LaNita Van Dyke, Chief, Publications and Regulations Branch, Legal Processing Division, Associate Chief Counsel, Procedure and Administration. [FR Doc. 2010–168 Filed 1–8–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION 39 CFR Part 3050 [Docket No. RM2010–7; Order No. 372] Periodic Reporting Postal Regulatory Commission. Proposed rule; notice of availability of rulemaking petition. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Postal Service has proposed adjustments to the methodology of a key element in the Parcel Select cost model. If adopted, the adjustments could affect the cost differences between certain Parcel Select price categories. The Commission is establishing a docket to consider this proposal and invites public comment. DATES: Comments are due: January 8, 2010. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission’s Filing Online system at https:// www.prc.gov. Commenters who cannot file their views electronically should contact the person identified in ‘‘FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT’’ by telephone for advice on alternatives to electronic filing. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, at 202–789–6824 or stephen.sharfman@prc.gov. E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1297-1301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-187]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1253; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-080-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently 
requires repetitive detailed inspections of the slat track downstop 
assemblies to verify that proper hardware is installed, one-time 
torquing of the nut and bolt, and corrective actions if necessary. This 
proposed AD would also require replacing the hardware of the down stop 
assembly with new hardware of the down stop assembly, doing a detailed 
inspection or a borescope inspection of the slat cans on each wing and 
the lower rail of the slat main tracks for debris, replacing the bolts 
of the aft side guide with new bolts, and removing any debris found in 
the slat can. This proposed AD also would remove airplanes from the 
applicability. This proposed AD results from reports of parts coming 
off the main slat track downstop assemblies. We are proposing this AD 
to prevent loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop 
assemblies from falling into the slat can and causing a puncture, which 
could result in a fuel leak and consequent fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 25, 
2010.

[[Page 1298]]


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, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
917-6440; 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-2009-1253; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-080-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

    On August 28, 2007, we issued AD 2007-18-52, amendment 39-15197 (72 
FR 53928, September 21, 2007), for all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. That AD superseded 
emergency AD 2007-18-51 to require a shorter compliance time for the 
actions originally required in emergency AD 2007-18-51. AD 2007-18-52 
requires repetitive detailed inspections of the slat track downstop 
assemblies to verify that proper hardware is installed, one-time 
torquing of the nut and bolt, and corrective actions if necessary. That 
AD resulted from reports of parts coming off the main slat track 
downstop assemblies. We issued that AD to detect and correct loose or 
missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies from falling 
into the slat can and causing a puncture, which could result in a fuel 
leak and consequent fire.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2007-18-52 explains that we consider the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. Since we issued AD 2007-18-52, Boeing has modified the 
hardware of the down stop assembly and the bolts of the aft side guide. 
The new modifications would terminate the actions required in AD 2007-
18-52. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1302, dated 
December 15, 2008. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
replacing the hardware of the down stop assembly with new hardware, 
doing a detailed inspection or a borescope inspection of the slat cans 
on each wing and the lower rail of the slat main tracks for debris, 
replacing the bolts of the aft side guide with new bolts, and removing 
any debris found in the slat can.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other airplanes of the 
same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which 
would supersede AD 2007-18-52 and would retain the requirements of the 
existing AD. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the 
actions specified in the Relevant Service Information described 
previously. The proposed AD would also remove certain airplanes having 
line numbers 2700 and on from the applicability; these airplanes have a 
design change incorporated during production, which is an equivalent 
change to the actions described in the Relevant Service Information.

Change to Existing AD

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2007-18-52. As 
a result, the corresponding paragraph identifiers have changed in this 
proposed AD, as listed in the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Corresponding  requirement
       Requirement in AD 2007-18-52             in this  proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (f).............................  paragraph (g).
paragraph (g).............................  paragraph (h).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 2,699 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.

[[Page 1299]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  Number of
                                                        Average labor                                               U.S.-
                 Action                    Work hours   rate per hour     Parts          Cost per airplane        registered          Fleet cost
                                                                                                                  airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Torquing (required by AD             8             $80           $0  $640, per inspection cycle.          853  $545,920, per inspection
 2007-18-52).                                                                                                                  cycle.
Inspection and Modification (new                   18              80        5,388  6,828......................          853  5,824,284.
 proposed actions).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this 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 that the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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 removing amendment 39-15197 (72 FR 
53928, September 21, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2009-+++++; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-
080-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 
25, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-18-52.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, 
-900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1302, dated 
December 15, 2008.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of parts coming off the main 
slat track downstop assemblies. The Federal Aviation Administration 
is issuing this AD to prevent loose or missing parts from the main 
slat track downstop assemblies from falling into the slat can and 
causing a puncture, which could result in a fuel leak and consequent 
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.

Restatement of AD 2007-18-52 With No Changes

    Note 1:  Paragraph (g) of this AD merely restates the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of emergency AD 2007-18-51 (which 
was superseded by AD 2007-18-52). As allowed by the phrase, ``unless 
the actions have already been done,'' if the applicable initial 
inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of emergency AD 2007-18-51 
have already been done, this AD does not require that those 
inspections be repeated until the repetitive interval of 3,000 
flight cycles.

Repetitive Detailed Inspections

    (g) Within 10 days after September 26, 2007 (the effective date 
of AD 2007-18-52): Do a detailed inspection or a borescope 
inspection of each main slat track downstop assembly to verify 
proper installation of the slat track hardware (i.e., the bolt, 
washers, downstops, stop location, and nut shown in Figure 1 of 
Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-57-084-B, dated July 10, 2007, and in 
this AD). Proper installation of the sleeve need not be confirmed, 
and the stop location part may be installed on either the inboard or 
the outboard side of the slat track. If any part is missing or is 
installed improperly, before further flight, install a new or 
serviceable part using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD; and do a detailed 
inspection of the inside of the slat can for foreign object debris 
(FOD) and damage. Before further flight, remove any FOD found and 
repair any damage found using a method approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Verify proper 
installation; install a new or serviceable part; and inspect for 
damage and FOD, and remove FOD and repair damage, in accordance with 
a method by approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA; or in accordance with Boeing Multi Operator Message 
Number 1-523812011-1, issued August 25, 2007; or 1-527463441-1, 
issued August 28, 2007. Repeat the actions required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight 
cycles.

    Note 2:  Paragraph (h) of this AD merely restates the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of emergency AD 2007-18-51. As 
allowed by the phrase, ``unless the actions have already been 
done,'' if the torque application required by paragraph (f)(2) of AD 
emergency 2007-18-51 has already been done, this AD does not require 
that the torque application be repeated.


[[Page 1300]]



One-Time Torquing

    (h) Within 24 days after receipt of emergency AD 2007-18-51: 
Apply a torque between 50 to 80 inch-pounds to the nut. The bolt 
head must be held with the torque applied to the nut.

    Note 3:  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 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11JA10.012

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New Requirements of This AD

Modification and Inspection

    (i) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the hardware of the down stop assembly with new hardware, do 
a detailed inspection or a borescope inspection of the slat cans on 
each wing and the lower rail of the slat main tracks for debris, and 
replace the bolts of the aft side guide with new bolts, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert

[[Page 1301]]

Service Bulletin 737-57A1302, dated December 15, 2008 (``the service 
bulletin''); except, where the service bulletin specifies to replace 
the slat main track or contact Boeing for further repair 
instructions if the hole diameter is greater than 0.5005 inch, 
before further flight replace the slat main track in accordance with 
the service bulletin or repair using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. If debris 
is found during any inspection required by this AD, before further 
flight, remove the debris in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin. Doing the actions required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6440; 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.
    (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 the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2007-18-52 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

     Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-187 Filed 1-8-10; 8:45 am]
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