[Federal Register: December 14, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 239)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 74465-74467]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14de04-25]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19810; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-119-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
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 737-600, -700, and -800 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require doing a general visual inspection for sealant
at the interface of the upper spar fittings, strut side skins, and the
fittings of the thrust reverser strut fairing on the engine struts; and
applying an injection seal or silicone sponge rubber with fillet seal
if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that an
injection seal in the engine strut area may not have been properly
completed or installed during production. We are proposing this AD to
prevent flammable fluid (such as fuel or hydraulic fluid) from leaking
onto a hot engine exhaust nozzle or into the engine core fire zone, and
consequently cause an uncontrolled fire or explosion.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 28,
2005.
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.
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: Doug Pegors,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6504; 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
[[Page 74466]]
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-2004-19810;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-119-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 injection seal at the
interface of the upper spar fittings, strut side skins, and thrust
reverser strut fairing fittings may not have been completed during
production on certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series
airplanes. The affected area is in a flammable fluid leakage zone,
which requires absolute sealing of all openings. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in flammable fluid (such as fuel or hydraulic
fluid) leaking onto a hot engine exhaust nozzle or into the engine core
fire zone, and consequently cause an uncontrolled fire or explosion.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-
1040, dated November 14, 2002; and Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003.
The service bulletins describe procedures for doing a general visual
inspection for sealant at the interface of the upper spar fittings,
strut side skins, and the fittings of the thrust reverser strut fairing
on the engine struts; and applying an injection seal or silicone sponge
rubber with fillet seal if necessary. 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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 257 airplanes worldwide and 99
airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed inspection would take about 2
work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S.
operators is $12,870, or $130 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged with promoting
safety 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
proposed AD.
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-2004-19810; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
119-AD.
[[Page 74467]]
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by January 28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800
series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-54-1040, Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report that an injection seal in
the engine strut area may not have been properly completed or
installed during production. We are issuing this AD to prevent
flammable fluid (such as fuel or hydraulic fluid) leaking onto a hot
engine exhaust nozzle or into the engine core fire zone, and
consequently cause an uncontrolled fire or explosion.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection and Corrective Action
(f) Within 18 months or 3,500 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a general visual
inspection for sealant at the interface of the upper spar fittings,
strut side skins, and the fittings of the thrust reverser strut
fairing on the engine struts, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-
1040, dated November 14, 2002; or Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003.
(1) If the injection seal is found to properly seal the entire
gap, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the injection seal is not found to properly seal the
entire gap or if the injection seal is found to be missing, before
further flight, apply an injection seal or silicone sponge rubber
with fillet seal in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of the service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 December 1, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-27329 Filed 12-13-04; 8:45 am]
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