This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

34128

Vol. 66, No. 124

Wednesday, June 27, 2001

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000–NM–115–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing

Model 707–100, –100B, –300, and –E3A

(Military Airplanes); 727–100 and –200;

737–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500;

747SP and 747SR; 747–100B, –200B,

–200C, –200F, –300, –400, and –400D;

757–200 and –200PF; and 767–200 and

–300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain Boeing Model 707–100, –100B,

–300, and –E3A (military airplanes);

727–100 and –200; 737–200, –200C,

–300, –400, and –500; 747SP and

747SR; 747–100B, –200B, –200C, –200F,

–300, –400, and –400D; 757–200 and

–200PF; and 767–200 and –300 series

airplanes. This proposal would require

inspection of the attachment of the

shoulder restraint harness to the

mounting bracket on certain observer

and attendant seats to determine if a Cclip is used in the attachment, and

corrective action, if necessary. This

action is necessary to prevent

detachment of the shoulder restraint

harness of the attendant or observer seat

from its mounting bracket during

service, which could result in injury to

the occupant of the seat. This action is

intended to address the identified

unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by

August 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–NM–

115–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays. Comments may be

submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232.

Comments may also be sent via the

Internet using the following address: 9-

anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments

sent via fax or the Internet must contain

‘‘Docket No. 2000–NM–115–AD’’ in the

subject line and need not be submitted

in triplicate. Comments sent via the

Internet as attached electronic files must

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for

Windows or ASCII text.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule may be obtained from

Boeing Commercial Airplane Group,

P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington

98124–2207. This information may be

examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Keith Ladderud, Aerospace Engineer,

Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,

Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington 98055–4056; telephone

(425) 227–2780; fax (425) 227–1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such

written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall

identify the Rules Docket number and

be submitted in triplicate to the address

specified above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this action may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Submit comments using the following

format:

• Organize comments issue-by-issue.

For example, discuss a request to

change the compliance time and a

request to change the service bulletin

reference as two separate issues.

• For each issue, state what specific

change to the proposed AD is being

requested.

• Include justification (e.g., reasons or

data) for each request.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this action

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 2000–NM–115–AD.’’

The postcard will be date-stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No.

2000–NM–115–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

The FAA has received reports that the

shoulder restraint harness of the

attendant or observer seat detached from

the mounting bracket during service on

two Boeing Model 737–300 series

airplanes. In the reported incidents, the

restraint harness was attached to the

mounting bracket with a C-clip. Such

detachment of the shoulder restraint

harness from its mounting bracket

during service, if not corrected, could

result in injury to the occupant of the

seat.

The shoulder restraint harness

installations on the affected Model 737–

300 series airplanes are identical to

those on certain Boeing Model 707–100,

–100B, –300, and –E3A (military

airplanes); 727–100 and –200; 737–200,

–200C, –400, and –500; 747SP and

747SR; 747–100B, –200B, –200C, –200F,

–300, –400, and –400D; 757–200 and

–200PF; and 767–200 and –300 series

airplanes. Therefore, the shoulder

restraint harnesses on all of these

models may have a C-clip installed and

thus be subject to the same unsafe

condition.

Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 27, 2001 / Proposed Rules 34129

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved

Boeing Service Bulletins 3499, 727–25–

0295, 737–25–1412, 747–25–3244, 757–

25–0223, and 767–25–0288; all Revision

1; all dated May 17, 2001. These service

bulletins describe procedures for a onetime inspection of the attachment of the

shoulder restraint harness of certain

attendant or observer seats to the

mounting bracket to determine if a Cclip is used in the attachment. If the

shoulder restraint harness is looped

through the bracket and attached to

itself with a C-clip, the service bulletins

provide two alternatives for correcting

this condition. One method instructs

operators to attach the shoulder restraint

harness directly to the mounting bracket

by removing and discarding the C-clip,

removing the mounting bracket, putting

the mounting bracket through the loop

of the shoulder harness, and attaching

the mounting bracket in its original

position. In lieu of removal of the Cclip, the service bulletins also describe

an optional method that involves

installation of a second C-clip with the

clip’s opening positioned in the

opposite direction of the opening of the

existing C-clip. Accomplishment of

either of these actions given in the

service bulletins is intended to

adequately address the identified unsafe

condition.

Explanation of Requirements of

Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other products of this same

type design, the proposed AD would

require accomplishment of the actions

specified in the applicable service

bulletin described previously, except as

discussed below.

Differences Between The Service

Bulletins and This Proposed AD

Operators should note that, although

the service bulletins recommend

accomplishing the inspection ‘‘at the

next scheduled maintenance period

when manpower and equipment are

available,’’ the FAA has determined that

such an indefinite compliance time

would not address the identified unsafe

condition in a timely manner. In

developing an appropriate compliance

time for this AD, the FAA considered

not only the manufacturer’s

recommendation, but the degree of

urgency associated with addressing the

subject unsafe condition, the average

utilization of the affected fleet, and the

time necessary to perform the proposed

actions. In light of all of these factors,

the FAA finds an 18-month compliance

time for initiating the required actions

to be warranted, in that it represents an

appropriate interval of time allowable

for affected airplanes to continue to

operate without compromising safety.

In addition, the service bulletins do

not identify the type of inspection that

is involved in the procedures for

inspecting the attachment of the

shoulder restraint harness to determine

if a C-clip is used. The FAA refers to

this inspection in the proposed AD as a

‘‘general visual’’ inspection.

Cost Impact

The table below estimates the cost

impact of the inspection that would be

required by this proposed AD. The

average labor rate is $60 per work hour.

Base model Number of airplanes/

worldwide

Number of airplanes/

U.S. registry

Number of work hours

(@ 0.25 work hour/

seat)

Total cost per airplane Total cost fleet

707 250 21 1 $60 $1,260

727 1,986 881 1 60 52,860

737 921 437 2 120 52,440

747 533 83 5 300 24,900

757 262 257 2 120 30,840

767 573 207 3 180 37,260

The cost impact figures discussed

above are based on assumptions that no

operator has yet accomplished any of

the proposed requirements of this AD

action, and that no operator would

accomplish those actions in the future if

this proposed 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 proposed herein

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. Therefore,

it is determined that this proposal

would not have federalism implications

under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that 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); and (3) if

promulgated, 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 copy of the draft

regulatory evaluation prepared for this

action is contained in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it may be obtained by

contacting the Rules Docket at the

location provided under the caption

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration proposes to amend part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations

(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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

Boeing: Docket 2000–NM–115–AD.

Applicability: Airplanes as listed in the

table below; certificated in any category.

34130 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 27, 2001 / Proposed Rules

TABLE 1.

Models and series

As listed in the following Boeing service

bulletins

Model 707–100,

–100B, –300, and

–E3A (Military).

3499, Revision 1,

dated May 17,

2001

Model 727–100 and

727–200.

727–25–0295, Revision 1, dated May

17, 2001

Model 737 –200,

–200C, –300, –400,

and –500.

737–25–1412, Revision 1, dated May

17, 2001

Model 747SR,

747SP, and 747–

100B, –200B,

–200C, –200F,

–300, –400, and

–400D.

747–25–3244, Revision 1, dated May

17, 2001

Model 757–200 and

757–200PF.

757–25–0223, Revision 1, dated May

17, 2001

Model 767–200 and

–300.

767–25–0288, Revision 1, dated May

17, 2001

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

modified, altered, or repaired in the area

subject to the requirements of this AD. For

airplanes that have been modified, altered, or

repaired so that the performance of the

requirements of this AD is affected, the

owner/operator must request approval for an

alternative method of compliance in

accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD.

The request should include an assessment of

the effect of the modification, alteration, or

repair on the unsafe condition addressed by

this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not

been eliminated, the request should include

specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To prevent detachment of the shoulder

restraint harness of the attendant or observer

seat from its mounting bracket during

service, which could result in injury to the

occupant of the seat, accomplish the

following:

Inspection and Corrective Action

(a) Within 18 months after the effective

date of this AD, do a one-time general visual

inspection of the attachment of the shoulder

restraint harness of each observer or

attendant seat to determine if a C-clip is used

in the attachment. Do the inspection

according to Boeing Service Bulletin 3499,

727–25–0295, 737–25–1412, 747–25–3244,

757–25–0223, or 767–25–0288; all Revision

1; all dated May 17, 2001; as applicable. If

the shoulder harness is looped through the

bracket and attached to itself with a C-clip,

do paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.

(1) Remove and discard the C-clip, and

reattach the shoulder harness to the

mounting bracket, according to the service

bulletin.

Note 2: Removing and discarding the Cclip and reattaching the shoulder harness to

the mounting bracket; according to Boeing

Special Attention Service Bulletin 3499, 727–

25–0295, 737–25–1412, 747–25–3244, 757–

25–0233, or 767–25–0288; all dated April 27,

2000; as applicable; is acceptable for

compliance with the requirements of

paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.

(2) Install a second C-clip with the clip’s

opening positioned in the opposite direction

of the opening of the existing C-clip,

according to the optional method described

in Steps 19 and 20 of Figure 1 or 2 of the

applicable service bulletin.

Spares

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, do

not attach the shoulder restraint harness of

an observer or attendant seat on any airplane

to the mounting bracket using a C-clip,

unless the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of

this AD are done.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the compliance time that

provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if approved by the Manager, Seattle

Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA.

Operators shall submit their requests through

an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance

Inspector, who may add comments and then

send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

Note 3: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197

and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a

location where the requirements of this AD

can be accomplished.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 20,

2001.

Kalene C. Yanamura,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 01–16055 Filed 6–26–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000–NM–334–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing

Model 777–200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain Boeing Model 777–200 series

airplanes. This proposal would require

inspections for cracking of the web of

the horizontal and sloping pressure

decks of the fuselage and certain

stiffener splice angles and stiffener end

fittings, and repair, if necessary. This

proposal would also provide an optional

preventative modification, which ends

the repetitive inspections. This action is

necessary to find and fix cracking of the

web of the horizontal and sloping

pressure decks, which could result in

rapid in-flight decompression of the

airplane. This action is intended to

address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by

August 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–NM–

334–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, except Federal

holidays. Comments may be submitted

via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments

may also be sent via the Internet using

the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent

via fax or the Internet must contain

‘‘Docket No. 2000–NM–334–AD’’ in the

subject line and need not be submitted

in triplicate. Comments sent via the

Internet as attached electronic files must

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for

Windows or ASCII text.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule may be obtained from

Boeing Commercial Airplane Group,

P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington

98124–2207. This information may be

examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stan

Wood, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe

Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle

Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2772;

fax (425) 227–1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such

written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall

identify the Rules Docket number and

be submitted in triplicate to the address

specified above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained