FR Doc 05-13136

[Federal Register: July 5, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 127)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 38630-38632]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05jy05-14]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21712; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-070-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 737 airplanes. This proposed AD would require
modifying the elevator input torque tube assembly. This proposed AD is
prompted by a report of a restriction in the pilots' elevator input
control system. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of elevator
control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 19, 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, PO 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. This docket
number is FAA-2005-21712; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2005-NM-070-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Tsuji, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6487; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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-2005-21712;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-070-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 Web site, 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.

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 of a restriction in the pilots' elevator
input control system on a Boeing Model 737-700 series airplane. As part
of the incident investigation, a design review of the input torque tube
assembly for the power control unit (PCU) showed that, in several
locations, a single broken bolt or backed-off nut, and subsequent
migration of the fastener, could jam the torque tube. This condition,
if not corrected, could result in loss of elevator control and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Similar Models

The torque tube assembly on Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -
300, -400, and -500 series airplanes is similar to that on the affected
Boeing Model 737-700 series airplane; and the torque tube assembly on
certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes is
similar or identical to that on the affected Boeing Model 737-700
series airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be subject to the
same unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1271,
including Appendix A, dated December 16, 2004 (for Boeing Model 737-
600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes); and Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-27A1274, including Appendix A, dated February 17,
2005 (for Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for
modifying the elevator input torque tube assembly. For all airplanes,
the modification includes installing a new blind bolt in both the left
and right horizontal cable quadrants; and installing a new shroud to
cover the PCU reaction link ground

[[Page 38631]]

bolt on both the left and right sides of the elevator input torque
tube. For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1271 as Group 2, the modification also includes installing a new
dual load path bolt for both the left and right PCU mounting brackets.
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

There are about 2,971 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 1,573 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.
Modification Work hours Average labor Parts Cost per registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplane airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 5 $65 $701 $1,026 249 $255,474
Bulletin 737-27A1271 as Group 1........................
For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 7 65 1,290 1,745 311 542,695
Bulletin 737-27A1271 as Group 2........................
For all airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 3 65 50 245 1,013 248,185
Bulletin 737-27A1274...................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, a special tool is necessary to do the modification
required by this proposed AD. Boeing will provide one tool at no charge
to each customer regardless of warranty status.
Based on these figures, the estimated total cost of the proposed AD
for U.S. operators is about $1,046,354.

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.
We are 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

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-2005-21712; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
070-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by August 19, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

Table 1.--Airplanes Affected by This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As identified in Boeing Alert
Boeing airplane models-- Service Bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and - 737-27A1274, including Appendix
500 series airplanes. A, dated February 17, 2005.
737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 737-27A1271, including Appendix
series airplanes. A, dated December 16, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 38632]]

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD was prompted by a report of a restriction in the
pilots' elevator input control system. We are issuing this AD to
prevent loss of elevator control and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.

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.

Modification

(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the elevator input torque tube assembly by doing all the actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin in Table 1 of this AD.

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 June 17, 2005.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13136 Filed 7-1-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P