Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 73507-73510 [2022-26064]

Download as PDF 73507 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 229 Wednesday, November 30, 2022 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 AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 9 CFR Part 201 [Doc. No. AMS–FTPP–21–0045] Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period. AGENCY: The Agricultural Marketing Service is providing an additional 45 days for submission of comments and information from the public regarding the proposed revisions to the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 that promote inclusive competition and market integrity in the livestock, meats, poultry, and live poultry markets. DATES: The comment period for the proposed rule originally published on October 3, 2022, at 87 FR 60010, is extended. Comments must be submitted on or before January 17, 2023. ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted through the Federal erulemaking portal at https:// www.regulations.gov and should reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. AMS strongly prefers comments be submitted electronically. However, written comments may be submitted (i.e., postmarked) via mail to S. Brett Offutt, Chief Legal Officer, Packers and Stockyards Division, USDA, AMS, FTPP; Room 2097–S, Mail Stop 3601, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250–3601. All comments submitted in response to this proposed rule will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of individuals or entities submitting comments will be made lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: 16:37 Nov 29, 2022 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION S. Brett Offutt, Chief Legal Officer/Policy Advisor, Packers and Stockyards Division, USDA AMS Fair Trade Practices Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250; Phone: (202) 690–4355; or email: s.brett.offutt@usda.gov. [Docket No. FAA–2022–1410; Project Identifier AD–2022–00198–T] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A proposed rule published in the Federal Register on October 3, 2022 (87 FR 60010), would revise the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) at 9 CFR part 201. Under the proposal, packers, swine contractors and live poultry dealers (regulated entities) would be prohibited from engaging in certain activities that prejudice, disadvantage, or inhibit market access of a covered producer and may not take adverse action against covered producers based upon the producer’s status as a market vulnerable individual or as a cooperative. Regulated entities also would be prohibited from retaliating against covered producers and would be prohibited from engaging in certain deceptive practices with respect to their livestock, meat, or poultry operations. The proposed rule announced a 60day comment period, ending December 2, 2022. During the initial comment period, AMS received requests asking for additional time to submit comments, citing the proposed rule’s complexity and its connection with other Packers and Stockyards actions under consideration at this time. AMS is now extending the comment period for this proposed rule. Comments must be submitted on or before January 17, 2023. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RIN 0581–AE05 VerDate Sep<11>2014 public on the internet at the address provided above. Parties who wish to comment anonymously may do so by entering ‘‘N/A’’ in the fields that would identify the commenter. Jkt 259001 Erin Morris, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2022–26081 Filed 11–29–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes, and certain Model 737–8 and –9 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded escape slide deployments in the passenger compartment, caused by too much tension in the inflation cable and the movement of the escape slide assembly in the escape slide compartment. This proposed AD would require inspecting all escape slide assemblies to identify affected parts, and applicable oncondition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 17, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1410; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30NOP1.SGM 30NOP1 73508 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Proposed Rules contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; website 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 at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2022–1410. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231– 3569; email: brandon.lucero@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–1410; Project Identifier AD– 2022–00198–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information FAA’s Determination CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3569; email: brandon.lucero@ faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Background The FAA has received reports from Boeing of uncommanded escape slide deployments in the passenger compartment while the airplane was on the ground, caused by too much tension in the inflation cable (introduced during packing of the slide) and the movement of the escape slide assembly in the escape slide compartment during normal airplane operations. The escape slide is used in the door-mounted escape system of the forward and aft entry doors, and the forward and aft galley service doors on the affected airplanes. This excessive tension and movement could result in inflation of the escape slide while it is in the escape slide compartment or uncommanded deployment of the escape slide inside the cabin. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew during normal airplane operation or impede an emergency evacuation by rendering the exit unusable. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737– 25–1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, and Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for inspecting all escape slide assemblies to identify affected parts, and applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition actions include replacing any escape slide assembly having part number (P/N) 5A3307–7 with a new assembly having P/N 5A3307–9 or P/N 5A3307–701 (an escape slide assembly having P/N 5A3307–701 is one on which a firing cable retention modification has been done and the assembly has been reidentified). These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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 ADDRESSES. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already described, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–1410. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 2,502 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Inspection ........................................................ 1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 ............... VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost per product Parts cost E:\FR\FM\30NOP1.SGM $0 30NOP1 $170 Cost on U.S. operators $212,670 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Proposed Rules The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the 73509 number of aircraft that might need these replacements: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Replacement ....... Up to 1 work hours × $85 per hour = up to $85 .... Up to $19,000 ..... 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Regulatory Findings The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 Cost per product Up to $19,085 per escape slide assembly. 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: The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2022–1410; Project Identifier AD–2022– 00198–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 17, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD. (1) Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022. (2) Model 737–8 and –9 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded escape slide deployments in the passenger compartment, caused by too much tension in the inflation cable and the movement of the escape slide assembly in the escape slide compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address inflation of the escape slide while it is in the escape slide compartment, which could result in injury to passengers and crew during normal operation, or impede an emergency evacuation by rendering the exit unusable. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25– 1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, and Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022 (for Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes), and Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022 (for Model 737–8 and –9 airplanes); as applicable. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention Bulletin 737–25–1855, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022. Note 2 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention Bulletin 737–25–1866, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, use the phrase ‘‘the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737–25– 1855 RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (2) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, use the phrase ‘‘the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737–25– 1866 RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25– 1855 RB, dated August 31, 2021, or Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, dated September 27, 2021, as applicable. E:\FR\FM\30NOP1.SGM 30NOP1 73510 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Proposed Rules (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 responsible Flight Standards 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) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3569; email: brandon.lucero@faa.gov. (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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022. (ii) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737–25–1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022. (3) 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; website myboeingfleet.com. (4) 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. (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, fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 Issued on November 1, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–26064 Filed 11–29–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Electronic Indicators for the Mailing of Hazardous Materials Postal ServiceTM. Proposed rule for special standards; invitation to comment. AGENCY: ACTION: The Postal Service proposes to provide unique electronic service codes and to standardize extra service options for shipments of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). If adopted, this proposal would amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) by requiring the use of unique service type codes and extra service codes within the electronic data submission and tracking barcodes for shipments containing HAZMAT provided to the USPS by the mailers in their Shipping Services File (SSF). This proposal would standardize the acceptance and handling of shipments containing HAZMAT by collecting electronic data to create manifests for the Postal Service’s air carrier suppliers and ensuring these items are handled appropriately with regards to the category of HAMZAT contained within the package. The Postal Service also proposes to amend the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that would alter the refund eligibility of Priority Mail Express containing hazardous materials. DATES: Submit comments on or before December 30, 2022. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260–5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of ‘‘Electronic Indicators’’. Faxed comments will not be accepted. All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are available for review Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 202–268–2906. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Cox at (202) 268–2108, Juliaann Hess at (202) 268–7663, or Dale Kennedy (202) 268–6592. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service proposes to amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (‘‘Pub 52’’), with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in title 39, Code of Federal Regulations (‘‘CFR’’), Publication 52 is a regulation of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Publication 52 is incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (‘‘DMM’’) section 601.8.1, which is incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1, 111.3. Publication 52 is publicly available, in a read-only format, via the Postal Explorer® website at https:// pe.usps.com. In addition, links to Postal Explorer are provided on the landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service’s primary customer-facing website, and on Postal Pro, an online informational source available to postal customers. If the proposal is adopted, the Postal Service will amend Pub 52 and the DMM with the requirements below: 1. Require PC Postage, eVS, ePostage, and USPS Ship mailers to transmit a Shipping Services File (SSF), or Shipping Partner Event File (SPEF) to the Postal Service before, or concurrent with, the tendering of hazardous materials shipments, and require mailers using USPS generated labels (including but not limited to USPS API, WebTools, Click-n-Ship, or Merchant Returns Application) to indicate the shipment includes hazardous materials at the time of requesting a label. 2. Require the use of unique Service Type Codes (STCs) for hazardous materials packages shipped domestically. At a minimum, mailers must use one of six unique STCs, each of which would correspond to the hazardous materials contained within a domestic shipment via Priority Mail®, First-Class Package Service®, Parcel Select®, Parcel Select Lightweight®, and USPS Retail Ground®, or, if purchasing extra services, use one of sixteen STCs to show the product and extra service used. 3. Require the use of unique STCs for hazardous materials for returns (packages using any of the USPS Return E:\FR\FM\30NOP1.SGM 30NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73507-73510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26064]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; Project Identifier AD-2022-00198-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, 
and -900ER series airplanes, and certain Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded escape slide 
deployments in the passenger compartment, caused by too much tension in 
the inflation cable and the movement of the escape slide assembly in 
the escape slide compartment. This proposed AD would require inspecting 
all escape slide assemblies to identify affected parts, and applicable 
on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 17, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket

[[Page 73508]]

contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; website 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1410.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3569; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00198-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental 
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3569; email: [email protected]. 
Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically 
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this 
rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA has received reports from Boeing of uncommanded escape 
slide deployments in the passenger compartment while the airplane was 
on the ground, caused by too much tension in the inflation cable 
(introduced during packing of the slide) and the movement of the escape 
slide assembly in the escape slide compartment during normal airplane 
operations. The escape slide is used in the door-mounted escape system 
of the forward and aft entry doors, and the forward and aft galley 
service doors on the affected airplanes. This excessive tension and 
movement could result in inflation of the escape slide while it is in 
the escape slide compartment or uncommanded deployment of the escape 
slide inside the cabin. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in injury to passengers and crew during normal airplane 
operation or impede an emergency evacuation by rendering the exit 
unusable.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 
737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, and Boeing Special 
Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 
11, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for inspecting 
all escape slide assemblies to identify affected parts, and applicable 
on-condition actions. The on-condition actions include replacing any 
escape slide assembly having part number (P/N) 5A3307-7 with a new 
assembly having P/N 5A3307-9 or P/N 5A3307-701 (an escape slide 
assembly having P/N 5A3307-701 is one on which a firing cable retention 
modification has been done and the assembly has been reidentified). 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1410.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 2,502 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................  1 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170        $212,670
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 73509]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action                     Labor cost                  Parts cost                Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................  Up to 1 work hours x     Up to $19,000.................  Up to $19,085 per
                                 $85 per hour = up to                                     escape slide assembly.
                                 $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

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

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]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; Project Identifier AD-
2022-00198-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 17, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022.
    (2) Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, 
dated April 11, 2022.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded escape slide 
deployments in the passenger compartment, caused by too much tension 
in the inflation cable and the movement of the escape slide assembly 
in the escape slide compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address inflation of the escape slide while it is in the escape 
slide compartment, which could result in injury to passengers and 
crew during normal operation, or impede an emergency evacuation by 
rendering the exit unusable.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, 
dated April 13, 2022, and Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022 (for Model 
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes), and 
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, 
Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022 (for Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes); 
as applicable.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention 
Bulletin 737-25-1855, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, which is 
referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-
25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention 
Bulletin 737-25-1866, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, which is 
referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-
25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, use the 
phrase ``the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-25-
1855 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, use the 
phrase ``the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-25-
1866 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention 
Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, dated August 31, 2021, or 
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, dated 
September 27, 2021, as applicable.

[[Page 73510]]

(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 responsible Flight Standards 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) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Brandon Lucero, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone: 206-231-3569; email: [email protected].

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1855 
RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 
RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022.
    (3) 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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, [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26064 Filed 11-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.