Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 63714-63716 [2012-24949]

Download as PDF 63714 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations (c) Applicability This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P–180 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32; Landing Gear. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 9, 2012. Earl Lawrence Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–25254 Filed 10–16–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0801; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–106–AD; Amendment 39–17212; AD 2012–20–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–200 and –200C series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of elevator vibration and bearing swage failures. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for any discrepancies (such as a gap or a loose spacer) of the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, and replacement if necessary; and, for other airplanes, contacting the FAA for inspection or repair instructions and doing the work specified in those instructions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies in the SUMMARY: aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result in elevator and tab vibration. Consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of structural integrity and loss of airplane control. DATES: This AD is effective November 21, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 21, 2012. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; 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, WA. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– 130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: (425) 917– 6490; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: Kelly.McGuckin@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2012 (77 FR 45513). That NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for any discrepancies (such as a gap or a loose spacer) of the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, and replacement if necessary; and, for other airplanes, contacting the FAA for inspection or repair instructions and doing the work specified in those instructions. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing supports the NPRM (77 FR 45513, August 1, 2012). Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 45513, August 1, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 45513, August 1, 2012). Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 200 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with Inspection for Group 2 airplanes. Labor cost 7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 per inspection cycle. For Group 1 airplanes, we do not have definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the action specified in this AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:01 Oct 16, 2012 Parts cost Jkt 229001 Cost per product $0 $595 per inspection cycle ...... We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Cost on U.S. operators $119,000 per inspection cycle. determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements: E:\FR\FM\17OCR1.SGM 17OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 63715 ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Replacement of a mechanism ...................................... 7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 ........................... Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:01 Oct 16, 2012 Jkt 229001 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 airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2012–20–06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–17212; Docket No. FAA–2012–0801; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–106–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective November 21, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–200 and –200C series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1302, dated April 24, 2012. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of elevator vibration and bearing swage failures. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies in the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result in elevator and tab vibration. Consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of structural integrity and loss of airplane control. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes For Group 1 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1302, dated April 24, 2012: Within 1,500 flight cycles or 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the left and right elevator tab control mechanisms, and repair or replace as applicable, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Parts cost $29,289 Cost per product $29,884 (h) Inspection for Group 2 Airplanes For Group 2 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1302, dated April 24, 2012: Within 1,500 flight cycles or 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection for any discrepancies of the inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the left and right elevator tab control mechanisms, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1302, dated April 24, 2012. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles or 2,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first. (i) Corrective Actions for Paragraph (h) of This AD If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, replace the discrepant elevator tab control mechanism with a non-discrepant mechanism by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. (1) Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the replacement elevator tab control mechanism; and, if no discrepancy is found, before further flight, install the replacement elevator tab control mechanism; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1302, dated April 24, 2012. If any discrepancy is found in that mechanism, then that mechanism may not be installed. (2) Repeat the inspection on the installed replacement elevator tab control mechanism in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD. (j) Inspection Report Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD to Boeing Commercial Airlines Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, email: rse.boecom@boeing.com; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. (1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (k) Parts Installation Limitations As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an elevator tab control mechanism assembly, part number 65– 79425–2, –3, –4, –5, or –6, on any airplane, unless the assembly has been inspected in E:\FR\FM\17OCR1.SGM 17OCR1 63716 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD both before and after installation. (l) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 emailed 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. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with (n) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: (425) 917– 6490; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: Kelly.McGuckin@faa.gov. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 27A1302, dated April 24, 2012. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206– 544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:01 Oct 16, 2012 Jkt 229001 (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 2012. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplanes Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–24949 Filed 10–16–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 14, 2009 (74 FR 62219, November 27, 2009). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of August 28, 2007 (72 FR 40222, July 24, 2007). You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0493; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–180–AD; Amendment 39–17213; AD 2012–20–07] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318–111 and –112 airplanes; and all Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate revised fuel maintenance and inspection tasks, and adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by Airbus issuing more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective November 21, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 21, 2012. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1405; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 31, 2012 (77 FR 32060), and proposed to supersede AD 2007– 15–06 R1, Amendment 39–16097 (74 FR 62219, November 27, 2009). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: The airworthiness limitations are currently published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS). The Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) are specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321 FAL Document reference 95A.1931/05, which is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and referenced in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 5. The issue 4 of Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321 FAL Document introduces more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. Failure to comply with these more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations contained in this document constitutes an unsafe condition. This [EASA] AD retains the requirement of EASA AD 2006–0203, which is superseded, and requires the implementation of the new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 FAL Document issue 4. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. E:\FR\FM\17OCR1.SGM 17OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63714-63716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24949]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0801; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-106-AD; 
Amendment 39-17212; AD 2012-20-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 737-200 and -200C series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a report of elevator vibration and bearing swage 
failures. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive 
inspections for any discrepancies (such as a gap or a loose spacer) of 
the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, and 
replacement if necessary; and, for other airplanes, contacting the FAA 
for inspection or repair instructions and doing the work specified in 
those instructions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
discrepancies in the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control 
mechanism, which could result in elevator and tab vibration. Consequent 
structural failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could 
result in loss of structural integrity and loss of airplane control.

DATES: This AD is effective November 21, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 21, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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, WA. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: (425) 917-6490; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: 
Kelly.McGuckin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2012 (77 FR 
45513). That NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, 
repetitive inspections for any discrepancies (such as a gap or a loose 
spacer) of the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, 
and replacement if necessary; and, for other airplanes, contacting the 
FAA for inspection or repair instructions and doing the work specified 
in those instructions.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing supports the 
NPRM (77 FR 45513, August 1, 2012).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 45513, August 1, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 45513, August 1, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 200 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for Group 2 airplanes.  7 work-hours x $85               $0  $595 per inspection  $119,000 per
                                    per hour = $595                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For Group 1 airplanes, we do not have definitive data that would 
enable us to provide cost estimates for the action specified in this 
AD.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

[[Page 63715]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of a mechanism....................  7 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $29,289         $29,884
                                                 $595.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-20-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17212; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0801; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-106-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 21, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-200 and -200C 
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1302, dated April 24, 2012.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of elevator vibration and 
bearing swage failures. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
discrepancies in the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control 
mechanism, which could result in elevator and tab vibration. 
Consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal 
stabilizer could result in loss of structural integrity and loss of 
airplane control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes

    For Group 1 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1302, dated April 24, 2012: Within 1,500 flight 
cycles or 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, inspect the left and right elevator tab 
control mechanisms, and repair or replace as applicable, in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 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.

(h) Inspection for Group 2 Airplanes

    For Group 2 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1302, dated April 24, 2012: Within 1,500 flight 
cycles or 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection for any 
discrepancies of the inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the 
left and right elevator tab control mechanisms, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-27A1302, dated April 24, 2012. Repeat the detailed inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles or 2,000 
flight hours, whichever occurs first.

(i) Corrective Actions for Paragraph (h) of This AD

    If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
discrepant elevator tab control mechanism with a non-discrepant 
mechanism by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and 
(i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the 
replacement elevator tab control mechanism; and, if no discrepancy 
is found, before further flight, install the replacement elevator 
tab control mechanism; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1302, dated 
April 24, 2012. If any discrepancy is found in that mechanism, then 
that mechanism may not be installed.
    (2) Repeat the inspection on the installed replacement elevator 
tab control mechanism in accordance with the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD.

(j) Inspection Report

    Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of 
the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD to 
Boeing Commercial Airlines Group, Attention: Manager, Airline 
Support, email: rse.boecom@boeing.com; at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must 
include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies 
found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and 
flight hours on the airplane.
    (1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective 
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD.

(k) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
elevator tab control mechanism assembly, part number 65-79425-2, -3, 
-4, -5, or -6, on any airplane, unless the assembly has been 
inspected in

[[Page 63716]]

accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD both before and after 
installation.

(l) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 emailed 
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.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6490; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: 
Kelly.McGuckin@faa.gov.

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1302, dated April 24, 
2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate; 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplanes Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24949 Filed 10-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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