Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 737-200, and 737-200C Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 103 (Thursday, May 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31965-31968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13117]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-19-AD; Amendment 39-13162; AD 2003-11-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 737-200, and 
737-200C Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 737-200, and 737-200C 
series airplanes, that requires one-time inspections to determine the 
part numbers of hydraulic accumulators installed in various areas of 
the airplane, and follow-on corrective actions if necessary. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent high-velocity 
separation of a barrel, piston, or end cap from a hydraulic 
accumulator. Such separation could result in injury to personnel in the 
accumulator area; loss of cabin pressurization; loss of affected 
hydraulic systems; or damage to plumbing, electrical installations, or 
structural members. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 3, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,

[[Page 31966]]

Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Mudrovich, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6477; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 
737-200, and 737-200C series airplanes was published as a supplemental 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on January 
3, 2003 (68 FR 311). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require one-
time inspections to determine the part numbers of hydraulic 
accumulators installed in various areas of the airplane, and follow-on 
corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.

Request To Remove a Certain Part Number

    The commenter, the manufacturer, asks that Boeing part number (P/N) 
BACA11E4S (vendor P/N 60857-4) be removed from paragraphs (b)(3) and 
(c)(3) of the proposed AD. The commenter states that the proposed AD 
specifies replacement of the existing clamps and mounting hardware with 
stronger clamps and hardware if a hydraulic accumulator having P/N 
BACA11E4S is installed. The commenter adds that Boeing P/N BACA11E4S is 
an acceptable alternative to the suspect accumulators and was 
identified in the service bulletins referenced in those paragraphs as 
needing no work if installed. The commenter concludes that it is not 
necessary to replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting hardware 
for these accumulators, as the existing clamps and mounting hardware 
have been analyzed and found to be sufficient for the anticipated 
loads.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter. The referenced service bulletins 
specify that no action is required if the subject part number is 
installed. Hydraulic accumulators having vendor P/N 60857-4 are 
equivalent to P/N BACA11E4S; these accumulators have aluminum end caps 
but are an acceptable alternative to the discrepant accumulators. We 
have removed P/N BACA11E4S from paragraphs (b)(3) and (c)(3) of this 
final rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,832 Model 727 series airplanes and 1,033 
Model 737 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide 
fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,294 Model 727 series airplanes and 376 
Model 737 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this 
AD.
    We estimate that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish each one-time inspection, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
each one-time inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $100, 
$200, or $60 per airplane.

Cost Impact: On-Condition Actions

    For an airplane subject to the replacement per Service Bulletin 
727-29-0064, we estimate that it will take approximately 5 work hours 
per accumulator (two hydraulic system accumulators per airplane) to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost between $1,400 (new part) and $2,810 (vendor-modified 
part) per accumulator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
replacement, if necessary, will be between $1,700 and $3,110 per 
accumulator.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement of both the mounting 
clamps and hardware and the hydraulic accumulator per Service Bulletin 
727-32-0410, we estimate that it will take approximately 6 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish (one landing gear brake accumulator per 
airplane), at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost between $2,500 (new part) and $3,975 (vendor-modified 
part) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
replacement, if necessary, will be between $2,860 and $4,335 per 
airplane.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement of both the mounting 
clamps and hardware and the hydraulic accumulator per Service Bulletin 
727-52-0148, we estimate that it will take approximately 6 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish (one aft airstairs hydraulic accumulator per 
airplane), at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost between $2,500 (new part) and $3,975 (vendor-modified 
part) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
replacement, if necessary, will be between $2,860 and $4,335 per 
airplane.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement per Service Bulletin 
737-32-1334, we estimate that it will take approximately 5 work hours 
per accumulator to accomplish (two landing gear hydraulic brake 
accumulators per airplane), at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost between $2,175 (operator-modified part) 
and $2,410 (vendor-modified part) per accumulator. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of this replacement, if necessary, will be 
between $2,475 and $2,710 per accumulator.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement per Service Bulletin 
737-78-1068, we estimate that it will take approximately 5 work hours 
per accumulator to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost between $2,175 (operator-modified part) 
and $2,410 (vendor-modified part) per accumulator. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of this replacement, if necessary, will be 
between $2,475 and $2,710 per accumulator.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this 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 adopted herein will 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

[[Page 31967]]

determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-11-03 Boeing: Amendment 39-13162. Docket 2002-NM-19-AD.

    Applicability: Model 727 series airplanes, line numbers (L/N) 1 
through 1832 inclusive; and Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series 
airplanes, L/N 1 through 1033 inclusive; certificated in any 
category.

    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 (j) 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 high-velocity separation of a barrel, piston, or end 
cap from a hydraulic accumulator, which could result in injury to 
personnel in the accumulator area; loss of cabin pressurization; 
loss of affected hydraulic systems; or damage to plumbing, 
electrical installations, or structural members; accomplish the 
following:

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 727-29-0064

    (a) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-29-0064, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2001: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the part 
numbers (P/Ns) of hydraulic accumulators in hydraulic systems ``A'' 
and ``B,'' per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletin.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with Parker P/N 1356-603303 is 
installed: No further action is required by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with Parker P/N 1356-603303 is 
installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever is first, replace the subject 
hydraulic accumulator with a new or modified accumulator, per the 
service bulletin.

    Note 2: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-29-0064, 
Revision 1, refers to Parker Service Bulletin 1356-603303-29-60, 
dated January 9, 2001, as the appropriate source of service 
information for modification of the hydraulic accumulators that are 
subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 727-29-0064, Revision 1.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 727-32-0410

    (b) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-32-0410, Revision 2, dated January 24, 2002: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/N of 
the hydraulic accumulator in the landing gear brake system, per the 
service bulletin.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399, 3780078-
104, BACA11E4S, BACA11E4SA, 60857-4-1, or BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 
2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399 or 
BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware, and replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new 
or modified accumulator, per the service bulletin.
    (3) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 3780078-104, 
BACA11E4SA, or 60857-4-1 is installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting hardware 
with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting hardware, per the 
service bulletin.

    Note 3: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0410, 
Revision 2, refers to Parker Service Bulletins 1356-603399-29-61 and 
2660472-29-63, both dated December 12, 2000, as the appropriate 
sources of service information for modification of the hydraulic 
accumulators that are subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 
727-32-0410, Revision 2.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 727-52-0148

    (c) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-52-0148, Revision 2, dated January 24, 2002: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/N of 
the hydraulic accumulator in the aft airstairs, per the service 
bulletin.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399, 3780078-
104, BACA11E4S, BACA11E4SA, 60857-4-1, or BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 
2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399 or 
BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware, and replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new 
or modified accumulator, per the service bulletin.
    (3) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 3780078-104, 
BACA11E4SA, or 60857-4-1 is installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting hardware 
with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting hardware, per the 
service bulletin.

    Note 4: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-52-0148, 
Revision 2, refers to Parker Service Bulletins 1356-603399-29-61 and 
2660472-29-63, both dated December 12, 2000, as the appropriate 
sources of service information for modification of the hydraulic 
accumulators that are subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 
727-52-0148, Revision 2.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 737-32-1334

    (d) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1334, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2001: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/Ns 
of the hydraulic accumulators in the landing gear brake system, per 
the service bulletin.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new or

[[Page 31968]]

modified accumulator, per the service bulletin.

    Note 5: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1334, 
Revision 1, refers to Parker Service Bulletin 2660472-29-63, dated 
December 12, 2000, as the appropriate source of service information 
for modification of the hydraulic accumulators that are subject to 
replacement per Service Bulletin 737-32-1334, Revision 1.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 737-78-1068

    (e) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-78-1068, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2001: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the
P/Ns of the hydraulic accumulators in the thrust reverser actuation 
system, per the service bulletin.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new or 
modified accumulator, per the service bulletin.

    Note 6: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, 
Revision 1, refers to Parker Service Bulletin 2660472-29-63, dated 
December 12, 2000, as the appropriate source of service information 
for modification of the hydraulic accumulators that are subject to 
replacement per Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, Revision 1.

Inspections Accomplished per Previous Issues of Service Bulletins

    (f) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-29-0064, dated June 8, 2000, are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding action required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD.
    (g) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1334, dated May 11, 2000, are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding actions required by paragraph 
(d) of this AD.
    (h) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-78-1068, dated June 8, 2000, are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding action required by paragraph 
(e) of this AD.

Part Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no one may install a 
hydraulic accumulator with a P/N listed in paragraph (a)(2), (b)(2), 
(c)(2), (d)(2), or (e)(2) of this AD on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (j) 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 7: 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

    (k) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (l) Unless provided otherwise in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
727-29-0064, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2001; Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 727-32-0410, Revision 2, dated January 24, 2002; 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-52-0148, Revision 2, 
dated January 24, 2002; Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-32-1334, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2001; and Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, Revision 1, dated March 1, 
2001; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by 
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing 
Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (m) This amendment becomes effective on July 3, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 20, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13117 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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