[Federal Register: February 18, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 32)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7565-7567]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18fe04-11]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-174-AD; Amendment 39-13483; AD 2004-04-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, that
currently requires a one-time general visual inspection of the seat
locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats
lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate
length are installed on the rear track lock bracket, and corrective
action, if necessary. This amendment revises the applicability of the
existing AD by adding airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during
acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to
address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective March 24, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 24, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain other publication, as
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of
the Federal Register as of June 12, 2000 (65 FR 34063, May 26, 2000).
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Lennon, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; telephone (425) 917-6435; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2000-10-21,
amendment 39-11745 (65 FR 34063, May 26, 2000), which is applicable to
certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, was published in the Federal
Register on December 5, 2003 (68 FR 67975). The action proposed to
continue to require a one-time general visual inspection of the seat
locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats
lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate
length are installed on the rear track lock bracket, and corrective
action, if necessary. The action also proposed to revise the
applicability of the existing AD by adding airplanes.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 1,385 airplanes of the affected design in
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 282 airplanes of U.S.
registry will be affected by this AD.
For Group 1 airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
25A1363, Revision 1: The actions that are currently required by AD
2000-10-21 take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish,
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $195 per airplane.
For Group 2 airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
25A1363, Revision 1: The new actions that are required by this AD will
take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $195 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
[[Page 7566]]
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost
impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the
time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the
AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as
the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time
necessitated by other administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-11745 (65 FR
34063, May 26, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),
amendment 39-13483, to read as follows:
2004-04-03 Boeing: Amendment 39-13483. Docket 2002-NM-174-AD.
Supersedes AD 2000-10-21, Amendment 39-11745.
Applicability: Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes
equipped with IPECO flightcrew seats, as listed in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002;
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during
acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
One-Time Inspection
(a) Perform a one-time general visual inspection of the seat
locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the
seats lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of
adequate length are installed on the rear track lock bracket, at the
applicable time and per the Work Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin specified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1 follows:
Table 1.--Compliance Time/Service Bulletin
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Airplanes-- Compliance time-- Service bulletin--
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For Group 1 airplanes listed Within 90 days after Boeing Alert Service
in Boeing Alert Service September 26, 2001 Bulletin 737-
Bulletin 737-25A1363, (the effective date 25A1363, dated
Revision 1, dated March 28, of AD 2000-10-21, November 5, 1998.
2002. amendment 39-11745).
For Group 2 airplanes listed Within 90 days after Boeing Alert Service
in Boeing Alert Service the effective date Bulletin 737-
Bulletin 737-25A1363, of this AD. 25A1363, Revision
Revision 1, dated March 28, 1, dated March 28,
2002. 2002.
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Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Corrective Action
(1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of
the seat track, and the rear track lock bracket is correctly
installed: No further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions
of the seat track, and lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are
not installed on the rear track lock bracket: Prior to further
flight, install lock nuts and bolts of adequate length on the track
lock bracket and verify proper seat movement and seat lock
operation, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, Revision 1,
dated March 28, 2002, refers to IPECO Service Bulletin A001-25-47,
dated January 13, 1992, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph
(a) of this AD.
Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(b) For Group 2 airplanes: Inspections and corrective actions
accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated November 5, 1998, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified
in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per
AD 2000-10-21, amendment 39-11745, are approved as alternative
methods of compliance with the requirements of this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363,
dated November 5, 1998; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
25A1363, Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002; as applicable.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-25A1363, Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002, is approved
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated November 5, 1998, was approved
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 12,
2000 (65 FR 34063, May 26, 2000).
[[Page 7567]]
(3) Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3348 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am]
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