[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 173 (Thursday, September 6, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54848-54850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21928]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0863; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a review of the tail strobe light installation, which
revealed that the tail strobe light is not electrically bonded to
primary structure of the airplane. This proposed AD would require
installing a new tail strobe light housing and a new disconnect
bracket, and changing the wire bundles. We are proposing this AD, in
case of a direct lightning strike to the tail strobe light, to prevent
damage to the operation of other critical airplane systems due to
electromagnetic coupling and large transient voltages, and damage to
the control mechanisms or surfaces due to a fire, which could result in
loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22,
2012.
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 http://www.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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.
O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000,
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marie Hogestad, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, FAA, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: (425) 917-6418; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0863;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-108-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
As a result of a review of the tail strobe light installation,
located at the aft end of section 48, it was determined that the tail
strobe light is not electrically bonded to primary structure of the
airplane. In case of a direct lightning strike to the tail strobe
light, electromagnetic coupling and large transient voltages can be
transmitted into the pressure vessel and couple to wires of the
airplane systems that are routed with the tail strobe light wires. The
large transient voltages could cause
[[Page 54849]]
damage to the operation of the airplane's electrical systems, as well
as flight control and avionics equipment. In addition to
electromagnetic coupling, since the tail strobe light is located in a
flammable leakage zone, electrical current on the tail strobe light
system wiring could create an ignition source and potential fire, which
could cause damage to the control mechanisms or surfaces. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1146,
dated November 2, 2011 (for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and
-900ER series airplanes); and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-33-1149, dated April 13, 2012 (for Model (for Model 737-300, -400,
and -500 series airplanes). The service information describes
procedures for installing a new tail strobe light housing, installing a
new disconnect bracket, and changing the wire bundles.
Concurrent Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, dated April
13, 2012, also specifies the concurrent accomplishment of the following
service bulletins:
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1076, dated September 22,
1988.
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1078, dated November 3,
1988.
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1111, dated August 29,
1996.
These service bulletins describe procedures for installing wingtips and
tail strobe lights.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,512 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Installation for Model 737-300, - Up to 33 work- Up to $14,886..... Up to $17,691..... Up to $8,456,298.
400, and -500 series airplanes hours x $85 per
(478 U.S. registered airplanes). hour = Up to
$2,805.
Installation for Model 737-600, - Up to 18 work- Up to $4,422...... Up to $5,952...... Up to $5,487,744.
700, -700C, -800, -900, and - hours x $85 per
900ER series airplanes, Group 1 hour = Up to
(922 U.S. registered airplanes). $1,530.
Installation for Model 737-600, - Up to 18 work- Up to $2,818...... Up to $4,348...... Up to $369,580.
700, -700C, -800, -900, and - hours x $85 per
900ER series airplanes, Group 2 hour = Up to
(85 U.S. registered airplanes). $1,530.
Installation for Model 737-600, - Up to 21 work- Up to $4,478...... Up to $6,263...... Up to $169,101.
700, -700C, -800, -900, and - hours x $85 per
900ER series airplanes, Group 3 hour = Up to
(27 U.S. registered airplanes). $1,785.
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According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 54850]]
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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0863; Directorate Identifier
2012-NM-108-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 22, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in
any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this
AD.
(1) Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1149,
dated April 13, 2012.
(2) Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-33-1146, dated November 2, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 33, Lights.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a review of the tail strobe light
installation, which revealed the tail strobe light is not
electrically bonded to primary structure of the airplane. We are
issuing this AD, in case of a direct lightning strike to the tail
strobe light, to prevent damage to the operation of other critical
airplane systems due to electromagnetic coupling and large transient
voltages, and damage to the control mechanisms or surfaces due to a
fire, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Installation
Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, install a
new tail strobe light housing, install a new disconnect bracket, and
change the wire bundles, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1146, dated November 2, 2011 (for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800,
-900, and -900ER series airplanes), except as provided by paragraph
(i) of this AD; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1149, dated April 13, 2012 (for Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes).
(h) Concurrent Installation
For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-33-1149, dated April 13, 2012: Prior to or concurrently
with the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, install
wingtips and tail strobe lights, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD:
(1) For Group 6 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, dated April 13, 2012: Use Boeing
Service Bulletin 737-33-1076, dated September 22, 1988.
(2) For Group 7 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, dated April 13, 2012: Use Boeing
Service Bulletin 737-33-1078, dated November 3, 1988.
(3) For Group 5 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, dated April 13, 2012: Use Boeing
Service Bulletin 737-33-1111, dated August 29, 1996.
(i) Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications
This paragraph clarifies the airplane groups and configurations
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1146,
dated November 2, 2011. Group 1, Config 1, comprises line number (L/
N) 1-1198 inclusive. Group 1, Config 2, comprises L/N 1199-3060
inclusive.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section 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 local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Marie Hogestad,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, FAA, ANM-130S,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6418; fax: (425) 917-6590;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 24, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-21928 Filed 9-5-12; 8:45 am]
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