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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61548-61550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24807]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1041; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-272-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 727 airplanes; Model 737-100, -200, 
and -200C series airplanes; and Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, 
-200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an activation 
of the control column shaker during takeoff. This proposed AD would 
require performing a general visual inspection to determine if a 
certain angle of attack (AOA) sensor with a paddle type vane is 
installed, and, for affected sensors, performing an operational test of 
the stall warning system, and replacing the AOA sensor with a new 
sensor if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous 
activation of the control column shaker during takeoff, which could 
result in runway overrun, failure to clear terrain or obstacles after 
takeoff, or reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 
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, Washington 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. 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: Ray Mei, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6467; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: raymont.mei@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-2012-1041; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-272-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

    We have received a report of an erroneous activation of the control 
column shaker during takeoff of a Model 747-400 airplane. The control 
column shaker activation continued while the airplane was in flight, 
and engine-indicating and crew-alerting system (EICAS) messages ALT 
DISAGREE and IAS DISAGREE displayed. The flightcrew used the alternate 
air data computer (left ADC) and the altitude and airspeed indications 
cancelled. After landing, the right ADC was replaced. On the subsequent 
flight the control column shaker operated again at takeoff and the 
flightcrew had to do a rejected takeoff (RTO). Troubleshooting steps 
found that the right AOA sensor was unserviceable. Inspection of the 
AOA sensors showed that the set screw connected to the synchro 
transmitter was not correctly attached to the AOA sensor shaft. Certain 
Model 727 and 737 airplanes also use Conrac/Ametek/Gulton AOA sensors 
that are equivalent in design and construction to the defective AOA 
sensor on the Model 747-400 airplane. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in runway overrun, failure to clear terrain or obstacles 
after takeoff, or reduced controllability of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed the following service information:
     Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-34-0245, 
dated June 4, 2008 (for Model airplanes);

[[Page 61549]]

     Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102, 
dated June 5, 2008 (for Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series 
airplanes); and
     Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, 
dated June 4, 2008 (for Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, 
-200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes).
    The service information describes procedures for performing a 
general visual inspection to determine if a certain AOA sensor with a 
paddle type vane is installed; and performing an operational test, and 
replacing the AOA sensor with a new sensor if necessary.

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 the same type design.

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 1,013 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
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Inspection..........................  3 work-hours x $85 per               $0             $255         $258,315
                                       hour = $255.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost           Cost per  product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement..........................  Up to 2 work-hours x     Up to $36,552..........  Up to $36,722.
                                        $85 per hour = $170.
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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:

    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-2012-1041; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NM-272-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 26, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Model 727, 727C, -100, -100C, -200, and -200F series 
airplanes, identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
727-34-0245, dated June 4, 2008.
    (2) Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes, identified 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102, dated June 
5, 2008.
    (3) Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, 
-400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, identified in 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated June 4, 
2008.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 3418, Stall Warning System.

[[Page 61550]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous activation of 
the control column shaker during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent erroneous activation of the control column shaker during 
takeoff, which could result in runway overrun, failure to clear 
terrain or obstacles after takeoff, or reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection of the left and right angle of attack 
(AOA) sensor as applicable, to determine if a certain AOA sensor 
with a paddle type vane is installed, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-34-0245, dated 
June 4, 2008 (for Model 727 airplanes).
    (2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102, dated 
June 5, 2008 (for Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes).
    (3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated 
June 4, 2008 (for Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -
200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes).

(h) Operational Test and Replacement

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
an AOA sensor with a paddle type vane is installed: Before further 
flight, do an operational test of the stall warning system, in 
accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service information specified in paragraph (g)(1), 
(g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated June 4, 2008: If you cannot get 
the values given in the table specified in Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated June 4, 2008, before further flight, 
replace the AOA sensor, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-
2925, dated June 4, 2008.
    (2) For all airplanes, except those identified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD: If the AOA sensor fails to activate the control 
column shaker in the operational test, replace the AOA sensor with a 
new AOA sensor, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information specified in 
paragraph (h)(2)(i), (h)(2)(ii), or (h)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-34-0245, dated 
June 4, 2008 (for Model 727 airplanes).
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102, 
dated June 5, 2008 (for Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series 
airplanes).
    (iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, 
dated June 4, 2008 (for Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -
200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series 
airplanes).

(i) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ray Mei, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6467; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: 
raymont.mei@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, Washington 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. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24807 Filed 10-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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