Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 18, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14992-14996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04838]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0327; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-161-AD; 
Amendment 39-17794; AD 2014-05-21]
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 superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-11-04 for 
all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes. AD 2008-11-04 required repetitive inspections for 
cracking in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward 
entry and forward galley service doorways, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This new AD reduces the inspection threshold for cracking in 
and around the galley service doorway hinge cutouts, adds inspections 
of certain repaired structure at the forward entry and galley service 
doorway upper and lower hinge cutouts, expands the inspection area at 
the forward entry and galley service doorway upper and lower hinge 
cutouts, and removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD 
was prompted by multiple reports of cracks in the skin and/or bear 
strap at the forward galley service doorway hinge cutouts, and multiple 
reports of cracking under the repairs installed at the hinge cutouts. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could 
result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective April 22, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 22, 
2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of June 
25, 2008 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008).

ADDRESSES: 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; phone: 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane

[[Page 14993]]

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0327; 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 Docket 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: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, 
May 21, 2008). AD 2008-11-04 applied to all The Boeing Company Model 
737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on April 16, 2013 (78 FR 22439). The 
NPRM was prompted by multiple reports of cracks in the skin and/or bear 
strap at the forward galley service doorway hinge cutouts, and multiple 
reports of cracking under the repairs installed at the hinge cutouts. 
The NPRM proposed to reduce the inspection threshold for cracking in 
and around the galley service doorway hinge cutouts, add inspections of 
certain repaired structure at the forward entry and galley service 
doorway upper and lower hinge cutouts, expand the inspection area at 
the forward entry and galley service doorway upper and lower hinge 
cutouts, and remove certain airplanes from the applicability. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result 
in rapid decompression of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request to Add Service Information

    Southwest Airlines (SWA) and Boeing requested we add a provision to 
the NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013) to specify that performing a 
repair in accordance with ``Boeing 737-300/ -400/-500 Structural Repair 
Manual (SRM) 53-10-01, Repair 14 and Repair 15'' is considered 
terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (j) of the NPRM 
for the repaired location. Boeing stated that the repairs are in the 
referenced SRM, and those repairs incorporate the procedures specified 
in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012.
    We agree that certain SRM repairs meet the conditions specified in 
Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012. However, to include SRM repairs 
in this final rule would unnecessarily delay issuance of the final 
rule. Boeing may apply for a global alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) on behalf of the affected operators in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this final rule. We have not 
changed this final rule in this regard.

Request to Allow Terminating Action for Inspections

    All Nippon Airways (ANA) stated that no further action should be 
necessary if the repair meets the conditions specified in Note 10 of 
paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated 
September 12, 2012, and that this should be addressed in paragraph 
(k)(3) of the NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013), which terminates 
paragraph (g) of the NPRM.
    We agree with the commenter's request. The conditions provided in 
Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, ensure that the non-SRM repairs 
were developed to preclude further cracking.
    We note that there is no paragraph (k)(3) in the NPRM (78 FR 22439, 
April 16, 2013), and infer that ANA meant to request that a new 
paragraph (k)(3) be added to this final rule. Instead, we have added 
new paragraph (n) to this final rule and redesignated subsequent 
paragraphs accordingly. New paragraph (n) of this final rule states 
that the inspections required by paragraph (j) of this final rule may 
be terminated at areas with repairs installed prior to the effective 
date of this final rule if those repairs meet the conditions specified 
in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012.

Request to Include AMOC Approval

    Boeing requested that we modify paragraph (o)(4) of the NPRM (78 FR 
22439, April 16, 2013) (paragraph (p)(4) in this final rule) to include 
the additional conditions shown in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General 
Information,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012. Boeing 
stated that the paragraph should state that AMOCs approved previously 
for paragraphs (f) and (i) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 
29421, May 21, 2008), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of paragraphs (g) and (i) of the NPRM, provided that the 
repairs meet the criteria of Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General 
Information,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012. Boeing 
stated that the conditions provided in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., 
``General Information,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, 
ensure that the repairs were developed to preclude post-modification 
cracking.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. The commenter's 
concerns are adequately addressed in paragraph (k)(2) of this final 
rule, which requires additional actions when repairs do not meet the 
conditions specified in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General 
Information,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, whether or 
not the repair was approved previously as an AMOC for AD 2008-11-04, 
Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008). We have not changed 
this final rule in this regard.

[[Page 14994]]

Request to Add AMOC Approval for Paragraph (g) of the NPRM (78 FR 
22439, April 16, 2013)

    ANA requested that we add a new paragraph (o)(5) to the NPRM (78 FR 
22439, April 16, 2013) to clarify that AMOCs approved previously for 
the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 
(73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008), are approved as AMOCs for paragraph (g) of 
the NPRM. ANA stated that if the repair meets the criteria specified in 
Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, then the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of the NPRM should be terminated even if an AMOC 
statement in FAA Form 8100-9 (Statement of Compliance with 
Airworthiness Standards) is not the same as paragraph (o)(4) of the 
NPRM. ANA asserted that a new AMOC to the NPRM will be necessary if the 
AMOC statement only refers to paragraph (f) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 
39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008).
    We do not agree. Paragraph (p)(4) of this final rule (which was 
designated as paragraph (o)(4) of the NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 
2013)), as currently worded, addresses ANA's concern. A repair which 
has an AMOC for only paragraph (f) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 
(73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008), would be approved as an AMOC for the 
corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this final rule.
    Further, we understand ANA to mean that this particular repair 
satisfies the conditions specified in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., 
``General Information,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012. If 
this is the case, then new paragraph (n) of this final rule, discussed 
previously, means that this repair satisfies the requirements of 
paragraph (j) of this final rule, which would terminate the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (f) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 
FR 29421, May 21, 2008) in the repaired area. We have not changed this 
final rule in this regard.

Request to Change Optional Terminating Action Paragraph (i) of the NPRM 
(78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013)

    SWA requested that we delete Note 1 to paragraph (i) of the NPRM 
(78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013), which states that ``Guidance on repairs 
can be found in Boeing 737-100/-200 SRM 53-30-1, Figure 20, 21, 31, or 
32; or Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 SRM 53-10-01, Repair 5, 6, or 8; as 
applicable.'' SWA noted that Boeing 737-300/-500 SRM 53-10-01, Repairs 
5, 6, and 8 have been removed as they are no longer applicable. SWA 
stated that the NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013) is in error when it 
states that guidance on repairs can be found in these locations.
    We agree with SWA's request. Subsequent to the issuance of AD 2008-
11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008), Boeing removed 
the noted SRM repairs from the 737-300/-400/-500 SRMs. For the Boeing 
737-100/200 SRM, the noted repairs were not removed, but each page was 
watermarked OBSOLETE. For clarity, we have deleted Note 1 to paragraph 
(i) of this final rule.
    Boeing requested that we not retain paragraph (i) from AD 2008-11-
04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008). Boeing asserted 
that paragraph (i) of AD 2008-11-04 provides terminating actions for 
airplanes on which areas were repaired in accordance with ``Boeing 737-
100/ -200 SRM 53-30-1, Figures 20, 21, 31, or 32; or Boeing 737-300/-
400/-500 SRM 53-10-01, Repair 5, 6, or 8.'' Boeing stated that allowing 
the repairs listed in paragraph (i) of the NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 
2013) as terminating action would conflict with Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, and paragraph (k) of 
the NPRM. Boeing added that Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, requires follow-on inspections 
for SRM repairs, which are required based on fleet reports showing 
crack susceptibility after the repair has been installed. Boeing stated 
that new repairs are now provided in the SRM.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. Paragraph (i) of AD 2008-
11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008), is not retained 
as written in AD 2008-11-04, but rather it is retained ``. . . with 
revised method of compliance language. . . .'' Paragraph (i) states, 
``The inspections specified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be 
terminated at areas repaired using a method approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (p) [AMOC] of this AD.'' Thus, 
operators cannot continue to install the noted obsolete/removed repairs 
specified previously in AD 2008-11-04. Boeing has addressed repairs 
installed previously by providing inspections for them in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012. 
These inspections are mandated by paragraph (k) of this final rule. We 
have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 22439, April 16, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 547 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections [actions retained      Up to 73 work-hours              $0  Up to $6,205 per     Up to $3,394,135
 from AD 2008[dash]11[dash]04,      x $85 per hour =                     inspection cycle.    per inspection
 Amendment 39[dash]15526 (73 FR     $6,205 per                                                cycle.
 29421, May 21, 2008)].             inspection cycle.
Inspection [new action]..........  Up to 34 work-hours               0  Up to $2,890 per     Up to $1,580,830
                                    x $85 per hour =                     inspection cycle.    per inspection
                                    $2,890 per                                                cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 14995]]

    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

    We have determined that 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008), and adding 
the following new AD:

2014-05-21 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17794; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0327; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-161-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 22, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 
29421, May 21, 2008).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks in the skin 
and/or bear strap at the forward galley service doorway hinge 
cutouts, and multiple reports of cracking under the repairs 
installed at the hinge cutouts. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct such cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD 
2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008). Except 
as provided by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, at the applicable times 
specified in paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, do external detailed, 
low frequency eddy current (LFEC), high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC), and HFEC rotary probe inspections, as applicable, for cracks 
in and around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the forward entry 
and forward galley service doorways, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, except as provided by paragraphs 
(h)(2) and (i) of this AD. Do not exceed the applicable repetitive 
interval for the previous inspection, as specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 13, 2006, as Option A or 
Option B. Repair any crack before further flight using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(p) of this AD. Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 
2008).
    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 
13, 2006, specifies a compliance time after the release date of that 
service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after June 25, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-
11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008)).
    (2) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated 
April 13, 2006, specifies contacting Boeing for information about 
installing an optional preventive modification that would terminate 
the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, 
this AD requires that any terminating action be done by using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (p) of this AD.

(i) Retained Optional Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the optional terminating action 
specified paragraph (i) of AD 2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 
29421, May 21, 2008), with revised method of compliance language and 
removal of note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD. The inspections 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be terminated at areas 
repaired using a method approved in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (p) of this AD.

(j) New Repetitive Inspections and Repair

    Except as required by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, at the 
applicable times specified in Paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 
2012: Do an external and internal detailed inspection, HFEC 
inspection, and HFEC hole probe inspection, at the forward entry and 
galley service doorway upper and lower hinge cutouts for cracking in 
the skin, bonded doubler, bearstrap, and frame outer chord, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, except 
as required by paragraph (m) of this AD. Options provided in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, 
for accomplishing the inspections are acceptable for compliance with 
the corresponding requirements of this paragraph. Repeat the 
applicable inspections thereafter at the applicable times specified 
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012. If any crack is 
found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this 
AD. Accomplishment of the initial

[[Page 14996]]

inspections terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) New Actions for Airplanes With Certain Repairs Installed

    (1) For airplanes with any structural repair manual (SRM) repair 
specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) through (k)(1)(vii) of this AD 
installed, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, 
dated September 12, 2012: Do an external and internal detailed 
inspection, HFEC inspection, and LFEC inspection, at the forward 
entry and galley service doorway upper and lower hinge cutouts for 
cracking in the skin, bearstrap, and frame outer chord, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012, except 
as required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, 
dated September 12, 2012. If any crack is found, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this AD.
    (i) Repair specified in Boeing 737-100/ -200 SRM 53-30-03, 
Figure 21.
    (ii) Repair specified in Boeing 737-100/200 SRM 53-30-03, Figure 
31.
    (iii) Repair 5 specified in Boeing 737-300 SRM 53-10-01; Repair 
5 specified in Boeing 737-400 SRM 53-10-01; or Repair 5 specified in 
Boeing 737-500 SRM 53-10-01; installed at the upper or lower hinge 
cutout.
    (iv) Repair specified in Boeing 737-100/200 SRM 53-30-03, Figure 
20.
    (v) Repair 6 specified in Boeing 737-300 SRM 53-10-01; Repair 6 
specified in Boeing 737-400 SRM 53-10-01; or Repair 6 specified in 
Boeing 737-500 SRM 53-10-01.
    (vi) Repair 8 specified in Boeing 737-300 SRM 53-10-01; Repair 8 
specified in Boeing 737-400 SRM 53-10-01; or Repair 8 specified in 
Boeing 737-500 SRM 53-10-01.
    (vii) Repair specified in Boeing 737-100/200 SRM 53-30-03, 
Figure 32.
    (2) For airplanes with any repair installed at the forward entry 
doorway or forward galley doorway, upper or lower hinge cutout, that 
does not meet the conditions specified in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., 
``General Information,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 
2012: Except as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, at the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 
2012, contact the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, for instructions, using 
the procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this AD, and do the 
actions required by the FAA.

(l) New Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated 
September 12, 2012, specifies a compliance time after the issue date 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 1, dated July 7, 
2011, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance 
time after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated 
September 12, 2012, specifies to contact Boeing for further 
instructions, this AD requires contacting the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, for instructions and doing 
the actions required by the FAA, using the procedures specified in 
paragraph (p) of this AD.

(m) Exception for Group 5 Airplanes

    For Group 5 airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1200, Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012: Before further 
flight, contact the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, for instructions, 
using the procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this AD, and do 
the actions required by the FAA.

(n) Terminating Actions

    The inspections required by paragraph (j) of this AD may be 
terminated at areas with repairs installed prior to the effective 
date of this AD, provided the repairs meet the conditions specified 
in Note 10 of paragraph 3.A., ``General Information,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, 
Revision 2, dated September 12, 2012.

(o) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (j) and (k) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 1, dated July 7, 2011, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(p) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 paragraph 
(q)(1) 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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for paragraphs (f) and (i) of AD 
2008-11-04, Amendment 39-15526 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008), are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) 
and (i) of this AD.

(q) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (r)(5) and (r)(6) of this AD.

(r) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 22, 2014.
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, Revision 2, dated 
September 12, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 25, 2008 (73 FR 29421, May 21, 2008).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1200, dated April 13, 
2006.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) 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; phone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this 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.
    (7) 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 February 19, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04838 Filed 3-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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