[Federal Register: October 5, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 192)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 59559-59562]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05oc04-17]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19245; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600,
-700, -700C, -800 and -900 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
[[Page 59560]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800
and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the
wiring for the master dim and test system. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would also require related concurrent actions as necessary.
This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the master dim and test
system circuit does not have wiring separation of the test ground
signal for redundant equipment in the flight compartment. We are
proposing this AD to prevent a single fault failure inflight from
simulating a test condition and showing test patterns instead of the
selected radio frequencies on the communications panels, which could
inhibit communication between the flightcrew and the control tower,
affecting the continued safe flight of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 19,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
sbull By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19245;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-108-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that the master dim and test
system circuit does not have wiring separation of the test ground
signal for redundant equipment in the flight compartment on certain
Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900
series airplanes. This condition could allow a single fault to simulate
a test condition in the annunciators, switches, and displays in the
flight compartment. A single fault failure could also simulate a test
condition on the communications panels and show test patterns instead
of the selected radio frequencies. The flightcrew needs to know the
selected radio frequencies so they can communicate with the control
tower. In flight, if test patterns appear instead of the selected radio
frequencies on the communications panels, communication between the
flightcrew and the control tower could be inhibited, and the continued
safe flight of the airplane could be affected.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1132, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2004 (for Model 737-300, -400, and-500
series airplanes). We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
33-1133, Revision 2, dated December 4, 2003 (for Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes). These service bulletins
describe procedures for modifying the wiring for the master dim and
test system. The modification includes re-routing existing wiring,
creating splices, and performing operational testing.
For certain airplanes, Service Bulletin 737-33-1132 specifies prior
or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-77-1022,
currently at Revision 1, dated October 26, 1989. Service Bulletin 737-
77-1022 describes procedures for installing an engine instrument system
(EIS), and specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing
Service Bulletin 737-77-1023,
[[Page 59561]]
currently at Revision1, dated November 9, 1989. Service Bulletin 737-
77-1023 describes procedures for modifying the advisory system for the
EIS. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-77-1023 references Smiths Industries
Service Bulletin 311EDP-77-348 as an additional source of service
information for modifying the existing EIS unit.
For certain other airplanes, Service Bulletin 737-33-1133 specifies
prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
26A1083, currently at Revision 1, dated November 15, 2001; and Boeing
Service Bulletin 737-33-1121, currently at Revision 1, December 19,
2002. Service Bulletin 737-26A1083 describes procedures for installing
a smoke detection and fire extinguishing system in the cargo
compartment. Service Bulletin 737-33-1121 describes procedures for
installing wiring for the test system for the audio control panel lamp.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require modifying the wiring for the master dim and test system.
The proposed AD would require you to use the service information
described previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 2,868 airplanes worldwide, and
1,181 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Average
Boeing service bulletin Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per
per hour airplane
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737-33-1132, Revision 1.................. 14 $65 Nominal.................... $910
737-33-1133, Revision 2.................. 3 65 Nominal.................... 195
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Estimated Concurrent Service Bulletin Costs
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Average
Boeing service bulletin Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per airplane
per hour
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737-26A1083, Revision 1 (Only one 185............................ $65 Between $30,000 and Between $42,025 and $48,425.
airplane affected). $36,400.
737-33-1121, Revision 1............... Between 5 and 6................ 65 Between $200 and $340... Between $525 and $730.
737-77-1022, Revision 1 (Only four 72............................. 65 No charge............... $4,680.
airplanes affected).
737-77-1023, Revision 1............... Between 1 and 3................ 65 Nominal................. Between $65 and $195.
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Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19245; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
108-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by November 19, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500
series airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-33-1132, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2004; and Model 737-600, -
700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes listed in Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-33-1133, Revision 2, dated December 4, 2003;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report that the master dim and
test system circuit does not have wiring separation of the test
ground signal for redundant equipment in the flight compartment. We
are issuing this AD to prevent a single fault failure inflight from
simulating a test condition and showing test patterns instead of the
selected radio frequencies on the communications panels, which could
inhibit communication between the flightcrew and the control tower,
affecting the continued safe flight of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within
[[Page 59562]]
the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been
done.
Modification
(f) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the wiring for the master dim test system in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-33-1132, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2004 (for Model
737-300, -400, -500 series airplanes); and Boeing Service Bulletin
737-33-1133, Revision 2, dated December 4, 2003 (for Model 737-600,
-700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes); as applicable.
Actions Required To Be Accomplished Prior to or Concurrently With
Paragraph (f) of This AD
(g) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph
(f) of this AD, do the actions specified in Table 1 of this AD, as
applicable.
Table 1--Prior/Concurrent Actions
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Accomplish all According to the
For-- actions associated Accomplishment
with-- Instructions of--
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Group 57 airplanes identified in Installing an Boeing Service
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33- engine instrument Bulletin 737-77-
1132, Revision 1, dated March system (EIS) and. 1022, Revision 1,
4, 2004. dated October 26,
1989.
Modifying the Boeing Service
advisory system Bulletin 737-77-
for the EIS. 1023, Revision 1,
dated November 9,
1989.
Group 4, 5, 7, 15, 16, 20, 24, Installing wiring Boeing Service
25, 29, 30, 33, 37, 39, 40, 41, for the test Bulletin 737-33-
and 46 airplanes identified in system for the 1121, Revision 1,
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33- audio control dated December
1133, Revision 2, dated panel lamp. 19, 2002.
December 4, 2003.
Group 2 airplanes identified in Installing splice Boeing Service
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33- SP896. Bulletin 737-
1121, Revision 1, dated 26A1083, Revision
December 19, 2002. 1, dated November
15, 2001.
Group 39 airplanes identified in Installing a smoke Boeing Service
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33- detection and Bulletin 737-
1133, Revision 2, dated fire 26A1083, Revision
December 4, 2003. extinguishing 1, dated November
system in the 15, 2001.
cargo compartment.
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Actions Accomplished per Previous Issue of Service Bulletins
(h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1132, dated March 20, 2003; Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1133,
dated December 19, 2002; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1133,
Revision 1, dated April 17, 2003, as applicable, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified
in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22355 Filed 10-4-04; 8:45 am]
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