Document ID: FAA-2012-0994-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2012-09-20T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 183 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58330-58334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23218]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0994; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-119-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 supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, 
-800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently 
requires repetitive inspections of the aft attach lugs of the elevator 
tab control mechanisms, and replacement of any discrepant elevator tab 
control mechanism. Since we issued that AD, Boeing has developed a 
modification of the aft attach lugs of the elevator tab control 
mechanisms, which will adequately address the unsafe condition. This 
proposed AD would require replacing the left and right elevator tab 
control mechanisms with elevator tab control mechanisms that have the 
modified attach lugs, which would terminate the existing requirements. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent discrepancies in the aft attach 
lugs of the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result in 
severe elevator and tab vibration. Consequent structural failure of the 
elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of structural 
integrity and aircraft control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 
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 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, WA. 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: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6490; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
kelly.mcguckin@faa.gov.

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-2012-0994; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-119-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

    On August 11, 2010, we issued AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 
FR 52242, August 25, 2010), for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -
700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. That AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the aft attach lugs of the elevator tab 
control mechanisms, and replacement of any discrepant elevator tab 
control mechanism. That AD was prompted by reports of failure of the 
aft attach lugs on the elevator tab control mechanisms, which resulted 
in severe elevator vibration. That AD also was prompted by reports of 
gaps in elevator tab control mechanisms and analysis that additional 
elevator tab control mechanisms might have bearings that will come 
loose. We issued that AD to detect and correct discrepancies in the aft 
attach lugs of the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result 
in elevator and tab vibration. Consequent structural failure of the 
elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of structural 
integrity and aircraft control.

Actions Since Existing AD (AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 
52242, August 25, 2010)) Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, 
August 25, 2010), specifies that we consider the requirements ``interim 
action'' and that the manufacturer is developing a modification to 
address the unsafe condition. That AD explains that we might consider 
further rulemaking if a modification is developed, approved, and 
available. The manufacturer now has developed such a modification, and 
we have determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary; this 
proposed AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-27-1300, dated April 16, 
2012, which describes procedures for replacing elevator tab control 
mechanisms that have sheet metal aft attach lugs with elevator tab 
control mechanisms that have new machined aft attach lugs.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 737-27-1300, dated April 16, 2012, has been 
approved as an alternative method of compliance with the requirements 
of paragraphs (g) through (t) of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 
FR 52242, August 25, 2010).

Clarification of Part Name

    The elevator tab control mechanism is incorrectly identified as the 
``elevator control tab mechanism'' in certain

[[Page 58331]]

paragraphs of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 
25, 2010). We have corrected that part name in this proposed AD.

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 retain all requirements of AD 2010-17-19, 
Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). This proposed AD 
would also require replacement of the left and right elevator tab 
control mechanisms with elevator tab control mechanisms that have new 
machined aft attach lugs, which would terminate the existing 
requirements.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,096 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                    Labor cost           Parts cost                Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions................  7 work-hours x $85   $0.................  $595 per inspection cycle.
                                   per hour = $595
                                   per inspection
                                   cycle.
Mechanism replacement (one        12 work-hours x $85  $58,579 \1\........  $60,739 per airplane.
 option for proposed terminating   per hour = $1,020.  $1,140
 action).                                               (installation kit).
Mechanism modification and        24 work-hours x $85  $5,858 (for the      $11,183 per airplane.
 replacement (one option for       per hour = $2,040.   modification).
 proposed terminating action).                         $1,140
                                                        (installation kit).
                                                       $2,145 (tooling
                                                        \2\).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This is the estimated cost for both a left and right mechanism. Boeing is planning a seed/exchange program
  so operators are not forced to purchase a new mechanism.
\2\ Per the Boeing service information, tooling is available from Boeing for $90 per day.

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 have 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 that the 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 removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0994; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-119-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 5, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 
52242, August 25, 2010).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the aft attach 
lugs on the elevator tab control mechanisms, which resulted in 
severe elevator vibration. This AD also results from reports of gaps 
in elevator tab control mechanisms and analysis that additional 
elevator tab control mechanisms might have bearings that will come 
loose. We are issuing this AD to prevent discrepancies in the aft 
attach lugs of the elevator tab control mechanism, which could 
result in severe elevator and tab vibration. Consequent structural 
failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in 
loss of structural integrity and aircraft control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections for Group 1 Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (m) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010), with 
revised terminating action. For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010: 
Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, within 12 days after

[[Page 58332]]

April 29, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-09-05), do a detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard aft attach 
lugs of the left and right elevator tab control mechanisms, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours. 
Doing the replacement specified in paragraph (l) of this AD before 
September 9, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 
39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010)), terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph. Doing the inspection required by 
paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the requirements of this 
paragraph.

(h) Retained ETOPS Flight Provisions

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010), with a 
terminating action provision. For Group 1 airplanes as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010: 
Beginning 7 days after April 29, 2010 (the effective date of AD 
2010-09-05), no person may operate an airplane on an extended twin 
operations (ETOPS) flight unless the initial inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD has been accomplished. Doing the inspection 
required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
this paragraph.

(i) Retained One-Time Inspection for Group 2, Configuration 1, 
Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010), with 
revised terminating action provisions. For Group 2, Configuration 1, 
airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1297, dated April 16, 2010: Within 30 days after April 29, 2010 
(the effective date of AD 2010-09-05), do a one-time detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard aft attach 
lugs of the left and right elevator tab control mechanisms, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010. Doing the 
inspection required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(j) Corrective Actions for Paragraphs (g), (i), and (k) of This AD

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (p) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010). If, 
during any inspection required by paragraph (g), (i), or (k) of this 
AD, any discrepancy is found, before further flight, replace the 
elevator tab control mechanism by doing the actions specified in 
paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the 
replacement elevator tab control mechanism; and, if no discrepancy 
is found, install the replacement elevator tab control mechanism; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010. If any 
discrepancy is found, then that elevator tab control mechanism 
cannot be installed and the actions specified in this paragraph must 
be done before further flight on another replacement elevator tab 
control mechanism.
    (2) Re-inspect the installed elevator tab control mechanism 
using the inspection procedure specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.

(k) Retained Repetitive Inspections for Certain Group 2, Configuration 
1, Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (q) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010), with 
revised terminating action provisions. For Group 2, Configuration 1, 
airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1297, dated April 16, 2010, on which the elevator tab control 
mechanism is replaced with a mechanism other than a new, Boeing-
built mechanism: Within 300 flight hours after doing the 
replacement, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the 
inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the left and right elevator 
tab control mechanisms, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated 
April 16, 2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 300 flight hours. Doing the replacement specified in 
paragraph (l) of this AD before September 9, 2010 (the effective 
date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 
2010)), is terminating action for this paragraph. Doing the 
inspection required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(l) Terminating Action Credit for Paragraphs (g), (i), and (k) of This 
AD

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (r) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010), with 
revised terminating action provisions. Replacing an elevator tab 
control mechanism with a new, Boeing-built mechanism before 
September 9, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 
39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010)), as specified in paragraphs 
(l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections required by 
paragraphs (g), (i), and (k) of this AD. Replacement of the elevator 
tab control mechanism on or after September 9, 2010 (the effective 
date of AD 2010-17-19), does not terminate the inspections required 
by paragraphs (g), (i), and (k) of this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (l) of this AD: Additional guidance can be 
found in paragraphs 3.B.7.b.(1)(a)1) and 3.B.7.b.(1)(a)2) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1297, dated April 16, 2010, for establishing whether the 
mechanism is Boeing-built.

    (1) Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the new, 
Boeing-built replacement elevator tab control mechanism; and, if no 
discrepancy is found, install the replacement elevator tab control 
mechanism; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010. If 
any discrepancy is found, then that elevator tab control mechanism 
cannot be installed and the actions specified in this paragraph must 
be done on another new, Boeing-built replacement elevator tab 
control mechanism.
    (2) Re-inspect the installed elevator tab control mechanism 
using the inspection procedure specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.

(m) Retained Reporting for Paragraphs (g), (i), and (k) of This AD

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (s) of AD 
2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, April 26, 2010). For 
airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, 
dated April 16, 2010: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(m)(1) or (m)(2) of this AD, submit a report of any findings 
(positive and negative) of the first inspection required by 
paragraphs (g), (i), and (k) of this AD, and any positive findings 
from the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (k) 
of this AD, to Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group, Attention: 
Manager, Airline Support, email: rse.boecom@boeing.com. The report 
must include the inspection results including a description of any 
discrepancies found, the airplane line number, and the total number 
of flight cycles and flight hours accumulated on the airplane.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after April 29, 2010 (the 
effective date of AD 2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, 
April 26, 2010)): Submit the report within 10 days after the 
inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before April 29, 2010 (the 
effective date of AD 2010-09-05, Amendment 39-16270 (75 FR 21499, 
April 26, 2010)): Submit the report within 10 days after April 29, 
2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-09-05).

(n) Retained Repetitive Inspections

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). For 
airplanes having line numbers 1 through 3909 inclusive: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (n)(1), (n)(2), or (n)(3) of 
this AD, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the inboard 
and outboard aft attach lugs of the left and right elevator tab 
control mechanisms, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 
1, dated August 2, 2010. For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 
2, 2010, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
300 flight hours, except as provided by paragraph (t)(2) of this AD. 
For Group 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,800 flight hours, except as 
required by paragraphs (p) and (t)(2) of this AD. Doing the 
inspection specified in this paragraph terminates the requirements 
of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (k) of this AD.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010: Within 300 
flight hours after doing an inspection in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 2010, or within 
30 days after September 9, 2010

[[Page 58333]]

(the effective date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 
52242, August 25, 2010)), whichever occurs later.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010: At the later 
of the times specified in paragraphs (n)(2)(i) and (n)(2)(ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 2,000 total flight cycles or 
4,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 14 days after September 9, 2010 (the effective date 
of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 
2010)).
    (3) For Group 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010: Within 180 
days or 1,800 flight hours after September 9, 2010 (the effective 
date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 
2010)), whichever occurs first.

(o) Retained Corrective Actions for Paragraphs (n) and (p) of This AD

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 
2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). If, 
during any inspection required by paragraph (n) or (p) of this AD, 
any discrepancy is found, before further flight, replace the 
elevator tab control mechanism by doing the actions specified in 
paragraphs (o)(1) and (o)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the 
replacement elevator tab control mechanism; and, if no discrepancy 
is found, install the replacement elevator tab control mechanism; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010. If 
any discrepancy is found, then that elevator tab control mechanism 
cannot be installed and the actions specified in this paragraph must 
be done before further flight on another replacement elevator tab 
control mechanism.
    (2) Re-inspect the installed elevator tab control mechanism 
using the inspection procedure specified in paragraph (n) of this 
AD.

(p) Retained Reduced Repetitive Inspection Interval for Group 3 
Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (p) of AD 
2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). For 
Group 3 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010, on which the elevator 
tab control mechanism is replaced during the actions required by 
paragraph (o) of this AD: Within 300 flight hours after doing the 
replacement, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the 
inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the replaced elevator tab 
control mechanism, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 
1, dated August 2, 2010. Repeat the inspection of the replaced 
elevator tab control mechanism thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
300 flight hours, except as provided by paragraph (t)(2) of this AD.

(q) Retained Credit for Initial Inspection Done in Accordance With the 
Original Issue of the Service Bulletin

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (q) of AD 
2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). For 
Group 1 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-27A1297, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2010: Inspections done in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated 
April 16, 2010, are acceptable for compliance with only the initial 
inspection required by paragraph (n) of this AD.

(r) Retained Reporting for Paragraphs (n) and (p) of This AD

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (r) of AD 
2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). For 
airplanes having line numbers 1 through 3909 inclusive: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (r)(1) or (r)(2) of this AD, 
submit a report of any findings (positive and negative) of the first 
inspection required by paragraphs (n) and (p) of this AD, except for 
airplanes on which a report required by paragraph (m) of this AD has 
been submitted, only submit positive findings; and submit a report 
of any positive findings from the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraphs (n) and (p) of this AD; to Boeing Commercial Airplanes 
Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, email: 
rse.boecom@boeing.com. The report must include the inspection 
results including a description of any discrepancies found, the 
airplane line number, and the total number of flight cycles and 
flight hours accumulated on the airplane.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after September 9, 2010 
(the effective date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 
52242, August 25, 2010)): Submit the report within 10 days after the 
inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before September 9, 2010 (the 
effective date of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, 
August 25, 2010)): Submit the report within 10 days after September 
9, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-19).

(s) Retained Provision Regarding Return of Parts

    This paragraph restates the provision specified in paragraph (s) 
of AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). 
Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, dated April 16, 
2010; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1297, Revision 1, 
dated August 2, 2010; specify to return the affected elevator tab 
control mechanism to the manufacturer, this AD does not require the 
return of the part to the manufacturer.

(t) Retained Parts Installation Limitations

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (t) of AD 
2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 52242, August 25, 2010). As of 
September 9, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-19), and until 
the effective date of this new AD, comply with the conditions 
specified in paragraphs (t)(1) and (t)(2) of this AD.
    (1) No person may install an elevator tab control mechanism, 
part number 251A2430-( ), on any airplane, unless the mechanism has 
been inspected before and after installation using the inspection 
procedures specified in paragraphs (o)(1) and (o)(2) of this AD, and 
no discrepancies have been found.
    (2) An elevator tab control mechanism, part number 251A2430-( ), 
may be installed, provided that the inspection specified in 
paragraph (n) of this AD is done within 300 flight hours after doing 
the installation, and that the inspection specified in paragraph (n) 
of this AD is repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 
flight hours.

(u) New Replacement

    For airplanes having line numbers 1 through 3909 inclusive: 
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 
left and right elevator tab control mechanisms with elevator tab 
control mechanisms that have new machined aft attach lugs, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-27-1300, dated April 16, 2012. This replacement 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) through (t) of this 
AD.

(v) New Parts Installation Prohibition

    For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install, on any airplane, an elevator tab control 
mechanism having P/N 251A2430-13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -18, -101, -
102, -103, -104, -105, or -106.

(w) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(x) 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.

[[Page 58334]]

    (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) AMOCs approved for AD 2010-17-19, Amendment 39-16413 (75 FR 
52242, August 25, 2010), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of this AD.

(y) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6490; fax: 425-917-
6590; email: kelly.mcguckin@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, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23218 Filed 9-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P