Document ID: FAA-2011-0384-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Boeing Co. Model 737-700 Series Airplanes
Posted Date: 2011-04-25T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22828-22830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9894]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 22828]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0384; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-058-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-700 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Model 737-700 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require, 
for certain airplanes, replacing the seat track pivot link assemblies, 
seat track sections, and floor panels. For certain airplanes, this 
proposed AD would also require moving certain rows of passenger seats. 
For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require inspecting 
certain areas of the seat tracks for damage and corrective actions if 
necessary, and moving certain rows of passenger seats. This proposed AD 
results from reports that the aft seat leg fittings span the station 
(STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure 
of the seat attachment structure and possible injury to passengers 
during an emergency landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 9, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; 
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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-917-6429; fax 425-917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0384; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-058-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 that the aft seat leg fittings span the 
station (STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. The STA 521.45 stay-out zone 
defines the flex area of the airplane while in flight and defines 
fatigue loading of the airplane structure. On some airplanes, the 
passenger seat leg shear plunger is installed across the seat track 
pivot joint at approximately STA 521. The existing passenger seat track 
and pivot link design was not intended to carry seat leg plunger point 
loads at this location. This condition, if not corrected, could result 
in failure of the seat attachment structure and possible injury to 
passengers during an emergency landing.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins 737-25-
1598, dated December 8, 2009; and 737-25-1599, dated January 20, 2010. 
Those special attention service bulletins describe procedures for doing 
a general visual inspection of the seat tracks in the area of STA 
521.45 for damage, and corrective actions if necessary, and moving 
certain rows of seats. The corrective actions include modifying the 
seat tracks.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009, which describes 
procedures for:
     Replacing floor panels with new floor panels between STA 
500C and STA 540;
     Replacing seat track pivot link assemblies with new 
assemblies; and
     Replacing seat track sections between STA 500C + 9.25 and 
STA 520 with new seat track sections.
    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1596, dated November 20, 2008, which describes procedures for, among 
other things, moving certain airplane seats to the correct location on 
the seat tracks.

[[Page 22829]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. 
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and a Service Bulletin.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and a Service Bulletin

    Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1596, dated 
November 20, 2008, specifies the accomplishment of Recaro Service 
Bulletin 4400-25DC052, this proposed AD would not require that action.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 50 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. 
operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                 Table--Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  Number of U.S.-
    Boeing Service Bulletin        Work hours     Average labor           Parts              Cost per product       registered          Fleet cost
                                                  rate per hour                                                      airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-53-1286....................              96             $85  Up to $28,258..........  Up to $36,418.........              50  Up to $1,820,900.
737-25-1596....................               4              85  None...................  340...................              12  4,080.
737-25-1598....................               3              85  None...................  255...................               1  255.
737-25-1599....................               3              85  None...................  255...................              14  3,570.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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), 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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

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 AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0384; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-058-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by June 9, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-700 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in the 
service bulletins specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) 
of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1286, 
Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009.
    (2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1598, dated 
December 8, 2009.
    (3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1599, dated 
January 20, 2010.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: 
Equipment/Furnishings.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports that the aft seat leg fittings 
span the station (STA) 521.45 stay-out zone. The Federal Aviation 
Administration is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the seat 
attachment structure and possible injury to passengers during an 
emergency landing.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Modifying Seat Track Structure

    (g) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009: Within 72 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace, with new 
components, certain floor panels, seat track pivot link assemblies, 
and seat track sections with new components, and modify certain seat 
tracks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated 
December 14, 2009.

Moving Seat Rows After Modifying Seat Track Structure

    (h) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1596, dated November 20, 2008: Move certain seat 
rows in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1596, dated November 20, 
2008, at the applicable time required in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) 
of this AD.

[[Page 22830]]

    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009: After 
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD but 
within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes not identified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1286, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2009: 
Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.

Moving Seat Rows and General Visual Inspection of Seat Tracks

    (i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1598, dated December 8, 2009: Within 72 months after 
the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of 
certain areas of the seat tracks for damage, all applicable 
corrective actions, and move certain seat rows, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1598, dated December 8, 2009. Do all applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.
    (j) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1599, dated January 20, 2010: Within 72 months after 
the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of 
certain areas of the seat tracks for damage, do all applicable 
corrective actions, and move certain seat rows, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1599, dated January 20, 2010. Do all applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(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 e-mailed 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.

Related Information

    (l) For more information about this AD, contact Patrick 
Gillespie, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental 
Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-917-6429; fax 425-917-6590; e-mail 
patrick.gillespie@faa.gov.
    (m) 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; e-mail 
me.boecom@boeing.com; 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 April 15, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9894 Filed 4-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P