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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 173 (Thursday, September 6, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54848-54850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing 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: 
marie.hogestad@faa.gov.

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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: marie.hogestad@faa.gov.
    (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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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