Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 52268-52270 [2020-18540]

Download as PDF 52268 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations Issued on August 18, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0107. [FR Doc. 2020–18492 Filed 8–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0107; Product Identifier 2019–NM–205–AD; Amendment 39–21209; AD 2020–17–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019–03– 06, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. AD 2019–03–06 required installing lanyard assemblies on the passenger service units (PSUs) and, for certain airplanes, on the life vest panels. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the PSUs became separated from their attachments during several survivable accident sequences, and by the determination that additional actions are necessary for five airplanes. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019– 03–06 and also requires installation of lanyard assemblies on the life vest panels on those five airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective September 29, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 29, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 29, 2019 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019). ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0107; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 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: Scott Craig, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3566; email: Michael.S.Craig@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019–03–06, Amendment 39–19558 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019) (‘‘AD 2019–03–06’’). AD 2019–03–06 applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2020 (85 FR 13581). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that the PSUs became separated from their attachments during several survivable accident sequences, and by the determination that additional actions are necessary for five airplanes. The NPRM proposed to retain the requirement to install lanyard assemblies on PSUs and, for certain airplanes, on the life vest panels. The NPRM further proposed to require installing lanyard assemblies on the life vest panels for those five airplanes on which installation was not originally required. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for the PSUs to detach and fall into the cabin, which could lead to passenger injuries and impede egress during an evacuation. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Support for the NPRM Two anonymous commenters supported the NPRM. Request Regarding Jurisdiction for Added Airplanes Another anonymous commenter supported the NPRM and requested information about the five airplanes for which the additional work would be required by the proposed AD. The commenter asked where those airplanes are registered and how they pertain to the jurisdiction of the FAA. The FAA has jurisdiction over airplanes identified in the applicability of this AD regardless of where they are registered. The United States is the state of design for the affected Boeing airplanes, and the FAA is taking action to resolve the unsafe condition that could exist or develop on the identified airplanes. The FAA has not changed the final rule regarding this issue. Request To Clarify Credit Provisions Boeing requested that the FAA revise paragraph (i) of the proposed AD, which would provide credit for use of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, dated October 10, 2016, to do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD. (Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019, was issued when it was discovered that five airplanes had been inadvertently excluded from the requirement to install lanyards on the life vest panels. Revision 1 moved those five airplanes from Group 1 to form new Group 3, and added the lanyard installation procedures for Group 3.) Boeing asserted that the proposed credit language would provide credit for all requirements for a Group 3 airplane, although the work performed would not fully mitigate the unsafe condition because the life vest panels would not include lanyards. The FAA agrees that clarification is necessary. Boeing Service Bulletin 737– 25–1728, dated October 10, 2016, while not requiring the lanyard installation on life vest panels for Group 3 airplanes, did provide the lanyard installation procedures for other airplanes. Therefore, credit may be allowed for a Group 3 airplane if lanyards were installed on the life vest panels using that service bulletin. To emphasize that the lanyard installation is mandatory for Group 3 airplanes, the FAA has clarified the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD to state that the lanyard installation is required, regardless of the service bulletin revision level used. E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations 52269 Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer’s service instructions. The FAA agrees that STC ST01219SE does not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer’s service instructions. Therefore, the installation of STC ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard. and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD. panels, as applicable to the airplane group. This AD also requires Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of March 29, 2019 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019). This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Costs of Compliance Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described previously, The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25– 1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019. The service information describes procedures for installing lanyard assemblies on the PSUs and life vest The FAA estimates that this AD affects 221 airplanes of U.S. registry. The new actions in this AD apply to only 5 airplanes, none of which is registered in the U.S. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Lanyard assembly installation ........ Up to 124 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $10,540. Up to $11,000 .... Up to $21,540 .... Up to $4,760,340. 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. The FAA is 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Regulatory Findings 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 2020–17–04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–21209; Docket No. FAA–2020–0107; Product Identifier 2019–NM–205–AD. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (c) Applicability 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: Jkt 250001 (a) Effective Date This AD is effective September 29, 2020. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2019–03–06, Amendment 39–19558 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019) (‘‘AD 2019–03–06’’). This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in the service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD. (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019. (2) Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25– 1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (d) Subject 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: (e) Unsafe Condition ■ The FAA has determined that 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive AD 2019–03–06, Amendment 39–19558 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019), and adding the following new AD: ■ PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the passenger service units (PSUs) became separated from their attachments during several survivable accident sequences, and by the determination that additional actions are necessary for five airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for the PSUs to detach and fall into the cabin, which could lead to E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 52270 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations passenger injuries and impede egress during an evacuation. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25– 1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25– 1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019, do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019. (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017: Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD can be found in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1758, dated November 8, 2017, which is referred to in Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES (h) Exception to Service Information Specifications Where Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737– 25–1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of the Requirements Bulletin (RB),’’ this AD requires using March 29, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019–03–06). (i) Credit for Previous Actions (1) For airplanes identified as Group 3 in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019: This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, provided those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, dated October 10, 2016, and provided lanyards are installed on the life vest panels, using either Boeing Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, dated October 10, 2016; or Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019. (2) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737– 25–1728, dated October 10, 2016. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Scott Craig, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3566; email: Michael.S.Craig@faa.gov. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (l)(5) and (6) of this AD. (l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on September 29, 2020. (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019. PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on March 29, 2019 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019). (i) Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737–25– 1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (7) 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, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on August 6, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–18540 Filed 8–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0350; Airspace Docket No. 18–AAL–2] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class E Airspace; Kotzebue, AK; Correction Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; correction. AGENCY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on July 23, 2020. The rule modified Class E airspace designated as a surface area. The rule also modified Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface and Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface at Ralph Wien Memorial Airport. The final rule inadvertently included spelling errors within the airport’s name in several sections of the Final Rule. This action corrects the spelling errors throughout the final rule document. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, November 5, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 25, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52268-52270]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-18540]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0107; Product Identifier 2019-NM-205-AD; Amendment 
39-21209; AD 2020-17-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-
06, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes. AD 2019-03-06 required installing lanyard 
assemblies on the passenger service units (PSUs) and, for certain 
airplanes, on the life vest panels. This AD was prompted by a report 
indicating that the PSUs became separated from their attachments during 
several survivable accident sequences, and by the determination that 
additional actions are necessary for five airplanes. This AD retains 
the requirements of AD 2019-03-06 and also requires installation of 
lanyard assemblies on the life vest panels on those five airplanes. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 29, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 29, 
2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 
29, 2019 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0107.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0107; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is 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: Scott Craig, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3566; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-03-06, Amendment 39-19558 (84 FR 5587, 
February 22, 2019) (``AD 2019-03-06''). AD 2019-03-06 applied to 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2020 
(85 FR 13581). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that the 
PSUs became separated from their attachments during several survivable 
accident sequences, and by the determination that additional actions 
are necessary for five airplanes. The NPRM proposed to retain the 
requirement to install lanyard assemblies on PSUs and, for certain 
airplanes, on the life vest panels. The NPRM further proposed to 
require installing lanyard assemblies on the life vest panels for those 
five airplanes on which installation was not originally required. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for the PSUs to detach 
and fall into the cabin, which could lead to passenger injuries and 
impede egress during an evacuation.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Two anonymous commenters supported the NPRM.

Request Regarding Jurisdiction for Added Airplanes

    Another anonymous commenter supported the NPRM and requested 
information about the five airplanes for which the additional work 
would be required by the proposed AD. The commenter asked where those 
airplanes are registered and how they pertain to the jurisdiction of 
the FAA.
    The FAA has jurisdiction over airplanes identified in the 
applicability of this AD regardless of where they are registered. The 
United States is the state of design for the affected Boeing airplanes, 
and the FAA is taking action to resolve the unsafe condition that could 
exist or develop on the identified airplanes. The FAA has not changed 
the final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Clarify Credit Provisions

    Boeing requested that the FAA revise paragraph (i) of the proposed 
AD, which would provide credit for use of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
25-1728, dated October 10, 2016, to do the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD. (Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-
1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019, was issued when it was 
discovered that five airplanes had been inadvertently excluded from the 
requirement to install lanyards on the life vest panels. Revision 1 
moved those five airplanes from Group 1 to form new Group 3, and added 
the lanyard installation procedures for Group 3.) Boeing asserted that 
the proposed credit language would provide credit for all requirements 
for a Group 3 airplane, although the work performed would not fully 
mitigate the unsafe condition because the life vest panels would not 
include lanyards.
    The FAA agrees that clarification is necessary. Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1728, dated October 10, 2016, while not requiring the 
lanyard installation on life vest panels for Group 3 airplanes, did 
provide the lanyard installation procedures for other airplanes. 
Therefore, credit may be allowed for a Group 3 airplane if lanyards 
were installed on the life vest panels using that service bulletin. To 
emphasize that the lanyard installation is mandatory for Group 3 
airplanes, the FAA has clarified the provisions of paragraph (i) of 
this AD to state that the lanyard installation is required, regardless 
of the service bulletin revision level used.

[[Page 52269]]

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the 
accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions.
    The FAA agrees that STC ST01219SE does not affect the 
accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions. Therefore, 
the installation of STC ST01219SE does not affect the ability to 
accomplish the actions required by this AD. The FAA has not changed 
this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this AD with the changes described previously, and 
minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019. The service information 
describes procedures for installing lanyard assemblies on the PSUs and 
life vest panels, as applicable to the airplane group.
    This AD also requires Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 RB, 
dated November 8, 2017, which the Director of the Federal Register 
approved for incorporation by reference as of March 29, 2019 (84 FR 
5587, February 22, 2019).
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 221 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The new actions in this AD apply to only 5 airplanes, none of 
which is registered in the U.S. The FAA estimates the following costs 
to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost                   Parts cost                 Cost per product         Cost on U.S.  operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lanyard assembly installation......  Up to 124 work-hours x $85   Up to $11,000...............  Up to $21,540..............  Up to $4,760,340.
                                      per hour = Up to $10,540.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has determined that 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive AD 
2019-03-06, Amendment 39-19558 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019), and 
adding the following new AD:

2020-17-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21209; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0107; Product Identifier 2019-NM-205-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 29, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-03-06, Amendment 39-19558 (84 FR 5587, 
February 22, 2019) (``AD 2019-03-06'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -
500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
the service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1728, 
Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019.
    (2) Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 RB, dated November 
8, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the passenger 
service units (PSUs) became separated from their attachments during 
several survivable accident sequences, and by the determination that 
additional actions are necessary for five airplanes. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the potential for the PSUs to detach and 
fall into the cabin, which could lead to

[[Page 52270]]

passenger injuries and impede egress during an evacuation.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1728, Revision 1, 
dated November 26, 2019, do all applicable actions identified as 
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Requirements Bulletin 
737-25-1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017: Except as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 
RB, dated November 8, 2017, do all applicable actions identified in, 
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 RB, dated November 8, 2017.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2):  Guidance for accomplishing the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD can be found in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1758, dated November 8, 2017, which 
is referred to in Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 RB, dated 
November 8, 2017.

(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 RB, dated 
November 8, 2017, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of the 
Requirements Bulletin (RB),'' this AD requires using March 29, 2019 
(the effective date of AD 2019-03-06).

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For airplanes identified as Group 3 in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1728, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019: This 
paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, provided those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1728, 
dated October 10, 2016, and provided lanyards are installed on the 
life vest panels, using either Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1728, 
dated October 10, 2016; or Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019.
    (2) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: 
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-
1728, dated October 10, 2016.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle 
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair 
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet 
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(j)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Scott Craig, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3566; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 29, 2020.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1728, 
Revision 1, dated November 26, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 29, 2019 (84 FR 5587, February 22, 2019).
    (i) Boeing Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1758 RB, dated November 
8, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (7) 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 6, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-18540 Filed 8-24-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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