Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-700 Series Airplanes, 22828-22830 [2011-9894]
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<![CDATA[
22828
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 76, No. 79
Monday, April 25, 2011
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2011–0384; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NM–058–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Model 737–700 Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Model 737–700 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require, for certain
airplanes, replacing the seat track pivot
link assemblies, seat track sections, and
floor panels. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would also require moving
certain rows of passenger seats. For
certain other airplanes, this proposed
AD would require inspecting certain
areas of the seat tracks for damage and
corrective actions if necessary, and
moving certain rows of passenger seats.
This proposed AD results from reports
that the aft seat leg fittings span the
station (STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. We
are proposing this AD to prevent failure
of the seat attachment structure and
possible injury to passengers during an
emergency landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 9, 2011.
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,
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:25 Apr 22, 2011
Jkt 223001
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.
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:
Patrick Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
425–917–6429; 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–2011–0384; Directorate Identifier
2010–NM–058–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
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 have received a report that the aft
seat leg fittings span the station (STA)
521.45 stay-out zone. The STA 521.45
stay-out zone defines the flex area of the
airplane while in flight and defines
fatigue loading of the airplane structure.
On some airplanes, the passenger seat
leg shear plunger is installed across the
seat track pivot joint at approximately
STA 521. The existing passenger seat
track and pivot link design was not
intended to carry seat leg plunger point
loads at this location. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in failure of
the seat attachment structure and
possible injury to passengers during an
emergency landing.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletins 737–25–
1598, dated December 8, 2009; and 737–
25–1599, dated January 20, 2010. Those
special attention service bulletins
describe procedures for doing a general
visual inspection of the seat tracks in
the area of STA 521.45 for damage, and
corrective actions if necessary, and
moving certain rows of seats. The
corrective actions include modifying the
seat tracks.
We have also reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
1286, Revision 1, dated December 14,
2009, which describes procedures for:
• Replacing floor panels with new
floor panels between STA 500C and
STA 540;
• Replacing seat track pivot link
assemblies with new assemblies; and
• Replacing seat track sections
between STA 500C + 9.25 and STA 520
with new seat track sections.
We have reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1596, dated November 20, 2008, which
describes procedures for, among other
things, moving certain airplane seats to
the correct location on the seat tracks.
E:\FR\FM\25APP1.SGM
25APP1
22829
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2011 / Proposed Rules
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all relevant information and
determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design. This proposed AD would
require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information
described previously, except as
discussed under ‘‘Difference Between
the Proposed AD and a Service
Bulletin.’’
Difference Between the Proposed AD
and a Service Bulletin
Where Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737–25–1596, dated
November 20, 2008, specifies the
accomplishment of Recaro Service
Bulletin 4400–25DC052, this proposed
AD would not require that action.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 50 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The following table provides
the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
TABLE—ESTIMATED COSTS
Boeing Service Bulletin
Average labor
rate per hour
Work hours
Parts
Cost per product
Number of
U.S.-registered
airplanes
737–53–1286 ..................................
96
$85
Up to $28,258 ..
Up to $36,418 ..
50
737–25–1596 ..................................
737–25–1598 ..................................
737–25–1599 ..................................
4
3
3
85
85
85
None .................
None .................
None .................
340 ...................
255 ...................
255 ...................
12
1
14
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS
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 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,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:25 Apr 22, 2011
Jkt 223001
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]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2011–0384; Directorate Identifier 2010–
NM–058–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by June 9,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing
Company Model 737–700 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as identified in
the service bulletins specified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–53–1286, Revision 1, dated
December 14, 2009.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Fleet cost
Up to
$1,820,900.
4,080.
255.
3,570.
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–25–1598, dated December 8,
2009.
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–25–1599, dated January 20,
2010.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25: Equipment/Furnishings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports that the aft
seat leg fittings span the station (STA) 521.45
stay-out zone. The Federal Aviation
Administration is issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the seat attachment structure and
possible injury to passengers during an
emergency landing.
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.
Modifying Seat Track Structure
(g) For airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009:
Within 72 months after the effective date of
this AD, replace, with new components,
certain floor panels, seat track pivot link
assemblies, and seat track sections with new
components, and modify certain seat tracks,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737–53–1286, Revision 1,
dated December 14, 2009.
Moving Seat Rows After Modifying Seat
Track Structure
(h) For airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1596, dated November 20, 2008: Move
certain seat rows in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1596, dated November 20, 2008, at the
applicable time required in paragraph (h)(1)
or (h)(2) of this AD.
E:\FR\FM\25APP1.SGM
25APP1
22830
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2011 / Proposed Rules
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009:
After accomplishing the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD but within 72
months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes not identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009:
Within 72 months after the effective date of
this AD.
Moving Seat Rows and General Visual
Inspection of Seat Tracks
(i) For airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1598, dated December 8, 2009: Within 72
months after the effective date of this AD, do
a general visual inspection of certain areas of
the seat tracks for damage, all applicable
corrective actions, and move certain seat
rows, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1598, dated December 8, 2009. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
(j) For airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1599, dated January 20, 2010: Within 72
months after the effective date of this AD, do
a general visual inspection of certain areas of
the seat tracks for damage, do all applicable
corrective actions, and move certain seat
rows, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–
1599, dated January 20, 2010. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k)(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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
Related Information
(l) For more information about this AD,
contact Patrick Gillespie, Aerospace
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; telephone 425–917–6429; fax 425–917–
6590; e-mail patrick.gillespie@faa.gov.
(m) For service information identified in
this 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–
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:25 Apr 22, 2011
Jkt 223001
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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15,
2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011–9894 Filed 4–22–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0040; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–203–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sicma Aero
Seat 88xx, 89xx, 90xx, 91xx, 92xx,
93xx, 95xx, and 96xx Series Passenger
Seat Assemblies, Installed on Various
Transport Category Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
NPRM for the products listed above.
This action revises the earlier NPRM by
expanding the scope. 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:
SUMMARY:
Cracks have been found on seats [with]
backrest links P/N (part number) 90–000200–
104–1 and 90–000200–104–2. These cracks
can significantly affect the structural integrity
of seat backrests.
Failure of the backrest links could result
in injury to an occupant during
emergency landing conditions. The
proposed AD would require actions that
are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 9, 2011.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
• 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 W12–40, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Sicma Aero
Seat, 7, Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100
ISSOUDUN, France; telephone
33 (0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax 33 (0) 2 54 03
39 00; e-mail:
customerservices@sicma.zodiac.com;
Internet https://www.sicma.zodiac.com/
en/. 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Operations office 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 Operations
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:
Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803; telephone
(781) 238–7161; fax (781) 238–7170.
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–2010–0040; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–203–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 based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
E:\FR\FM\25APP1.SGM
25APP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22828-22830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9894]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2011 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 22828]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0384; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-058-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-700 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Model 737-700 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require,
for certain airplanes, replacing the seat track pivot link assemblies,
seat track sections, and floor panels. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would also require moving certain rows of passenger seats.
For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require inspecting
certain areas of the seat tracks for damage and corrective actions if
necessary, and moving certain rows of passenger seats. This proposed AD
results from reports that the aft seat leg fittings span the station
(STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure
of the seat attachment structure and possible injury to passengers
during an emergency landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 9, 2011.
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.
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: Patrick Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-917-6429; 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-2011-0384;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-058-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 have received a report that the aft seat leg fittings span the
station (STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. The STA 521.45 stay-out zone
defines the flex area of the airplane while in flight and defines
fatigue loading of the airplane structure. On some airplanes, the
passenger seat leg shear plunger is installed across the seat track
pivot joint at approximately STA 521. The existing passenger seat track
and pivot link design was not intended to carry seat leg plunger point
loads at this location. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in failure of the seat attachment structure and possible injury to
passengers during an emergency landing.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins 737-25-
1598, dated December 8, 2009; and 737-25-1599, dated January 20, 2010.
Those special attention service bulletins describe procedures for doing
a general visual inspection of the seat tracks in the area of STA
521.45 for damage, and corrective actions if necessary, and moving
certain rows of seats. The corrective actions include modifying the
seat tracks.
We have also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009, which describes
procedures for:
Replacing floor panels with new floor panels between STA
500C and STA 540;
Replacing seat track pivot link assemblies with new
assemblies; and
Replacing seat track sections between STA 500C + 9.25 and
STA 520 with new seat track sections.
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1596, dated November 20, 2008, which describes procedures for, among
other things, moving certain airplane seats to the correct location on
the seat tracks.
[[Page 22829]]
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and a Service Bulletin.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and a Service Bulletin
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1596, dated
November 20, 2008, specifies the accomplishment of Recaro Service
Bulletin 4400-25DC052, this proposed AD would not require that action.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 50 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S.
operators to comply with this proposed AD.
Table--Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Boeing Service Bulletin Work hours Average labor Parts Cost per product registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-53-1286.................... 96 $85 Up to $28,258.......... Up to $36,418......... 50 Up to $1,820,900.
737-25-1596.................... 4 85 None................... 340................... 12 4,080.
737-25-1598.................... 3 85 None................... 255................... 1 255.
737-25-1599.................... 3 85 None................... 255................... 14 3,570.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0384; Directorate Identifier
2010-NM-058-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by June 9, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-700 series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in the
service bulletins specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3)
of this AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1286,
Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009.
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1598, dated
December 8, 2009.
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1599, dated
January 20, 2010.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25:
Equipment/Furnishings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports that the aft seat leg fittings
span the station (STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. The Federal Aviation
Administration is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the seat
attachment structure and possible injury to passengers during an
emergency landing.
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.
Modifying Seat Track Structure
(g) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009: Within 72
months after the effective date of this AD, replace, with new
components, certain floor panels, seat track pivot link assemblies,
and seat track sections with new components, and modify certain seat
tracks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated
December 14, 2009.
Moving Seat Rows After Modifying Seat Track Structure
(h) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-25-1596, dated November 20, 2008: Move certain seat
rows in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1596, dated November 20,
2008, at the applicable time required in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2)
of this AD.
[[Page 22830]]
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009: After
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD but
within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes not identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009:
Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.
Moving Seat Rows and General Visual Inspection of Seat Tracks
(i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-25-1598, dated December 8, 2009: Within 72 months after
the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of
certain areas of the seat tracks for damage, all applicable
corrective actions, and move certain seat rows, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-25-1598, dated December 8, 2009. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(j) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-25-1599, dated January 20, 2010: Within 72 months after
the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of
certain areas of the seat tracks for damage, do all applicable
corrective actions, and move certain seat rows, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-25-1599, dated January 20, 2010. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(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. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
Related Information
(l) For more information about this AD, contact Patrick
Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone 425-917-6429; fax 425-917-6590; e-mail
patrick.gillespie@faa.gov.
(m) For service information identified in this 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9894 Filed 4-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
