Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 72 (Monday, April 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22178-22180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08192]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1042; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-094-AD; 
Amendment 39-17413; AD 2013-07-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series 
airplanes, Model 747-400F series airplanes, and Model 767-200 and -300 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that 
certain crew oxygen mask stowage box units were possibly delivered with 
a burr in the inlet fitting. The burr might break loose during test or 
operation, and might pose an ignition source or cause an inlet valve to 
jam. This final rule adds a step to identify and label certain crew 
oxygen mask stowage box units that have already been inspected and 
reworked by the supplier, and allows operators to install new or 
serviceable crew oxygen mask stowage box units, and requires a general 
visual inspection for affected serial numbers of the crew oxygen mask 
stowage box units, and replacement or re-identification as necessary. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source, which could 
result in an oxygen-fed fire; or an inlet valve jam in a crew oxygen 
mask stowage box unit, which could result in restricted flow of oxygen.

DATES: This AD is effective May 20, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 20, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For Boeing 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. For Intertechnique service information 
identified in this AD, contact Zodiac, 2, rue Maurice Mallet--92137 
Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex France; telephone +33 1 41 23 23 23; fax +33 
1 46 48 83 87; Internet http://www.zodiac.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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6457; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that 
would apply to the specified products. That SNPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 7, 2012 (77 FR 55159). The original NPRM 
(75 FR 67637, November 3, 2010) proposed to require an inspection for 
affected serial numbers of the crew oxygen mask stowage box units; and 
replacement of the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a new crew 
oxygen mask stowage box unit, if necessary. The SNPRM proposed to 
revise the NPRM by adding a step to identify and label certain crew 
oxygen mask stowage box units that have already been inspected and 
reworked by the supplier, and allowing operators to install new or 
serviceable crew oxygen mask stowage box units.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Support for the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012)

    Boeing stated that it supports the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 
2012).

Request for Clarification of Determination of the Affected Units

    American Airlines (AA) requested that we revise the SNPRM (77 FR 
55159, September 7, 2012) to clarify the method used by the 
manufacturer to determine the affected units, and the potential that 
those units could have been inadvertently installed on other airplanes. 
AA explained that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, dated 
December 14, 2009, provides limited background information as to how 
Boeing determined which aircraft

[[Page 22179]]

had defective crew oxygen mask stowage box units installed, and how 
operators could ensure that those affected crew oxygen mask stowage box 
units had not been inadvertently reinstalled on other airplanes. AA 
reasoned that the affected crew oxygen mask stowage box unit (MXP147-X) 
is installed on multiple fleets that are operated by AA, and at times, 
these crew oxygen mask stowage box units are loaned between other 
operators.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Therefore, the Seattle 
ACO is evaluating the associated risk to airplanes outside the 
applicability of this AD, and the need for additional action. We might 
consider further rulemaking to address our findings. Since it is not in 
the interest of public safety to further delay this action, no changes 
have been made to this AD regarding this issue at this time.

Clarification of Paragraph (g)(3) of This AD

    We have clarified paragraph (g)(3) of this AD by specifying that 
the reinstallation is not required if a records review was done to 
determine the serial number of the crew oxygen stowage box unit.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the change described previously--and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 40 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
         Action                 Labor cost              Parts cost         Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.............  1 work-hour x $85 per    None..................                $85              $3,400
                          hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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),
    (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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2013-07-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17413 ; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1042; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-094-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 20, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) 
of this AD.
    (1) Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, 
dated November 7, 2011.
    (2) Model 747-400F series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 
2011.
    (3) Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated 
November 17, 2011.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain crew 
oxygen mask stowage box units were possibly delivered with a burr in 
the inlet fitting. The burr might break loose during test or 
operation, and might pose an ignition source or cause an inlet valve 
to jam. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source, which 
could result in an oxygen-fed fire; or an inlet valve jam in a crew 
oxygen mask stowage box unit, which could result in restricted flow 
of oxygen.

[[Page 22180]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection to determine if the serial number of the 
crew oxygen mask stowage box unit is identified in the Appendix of 
Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175,
    Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this 
AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu 
of this inspection if the serial number of the crew oxygen mask 
stowage box unit can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in table 1 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before 
further flight, replace the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a 
new or serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert service bulletin 
specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD.
    (2) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in table 2 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before 
further flight, add the letter ``I'' to the end of the serial number 
(identified as ``SER'') on the identification label, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011; and 
reinstall in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable Boeing alert service bulletin specified in paragraph 
(c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD.
    (3) If no crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/
4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Unless a records review 
was done to determine the serial number, before further flight, 
reinstall the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert 
service bulletin specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of 
this AD.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a serial number listed in the 
Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 
2, dated May 10, 2011, on any airplane.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6457; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated 
November 7, 2011.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, Revision 1, 
dated September 29, 2011.
    (iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, 
dated November 17, 2011.
    (iv) Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, 
dated May 10, 2011.
    (3) For Boeing 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. For Intertechnique service 
information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac, 2, rue Maurice 
Mallet--92137 Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex, France; telephone +33 1 41 
23 23 23; fax +33 1 46 48 83 87; Internet http://www.zodiac.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 29, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-08192 Filed 4-12-13; 8:45 am]
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