Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 135 (Tuesday, July 15, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41087-41090]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15382]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0863; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-108-AD; 
Amendment 39-17883; AD 2014-13-07]
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 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, 
-900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a review of 
the tail strobe light installation, which revealed that the tail strobe 
light is not electrically bonded to primary structure of the airplane. 
This AD requires installing a new tail strobe light housing and a new 
disconnect bracket, and changing the wire bundles. This AD also 
requires, for certain airplanes, an inspection to determine if sealant 
is applied, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent, in case of a direct lightning strike to the tail strobe 
light, damage to the operation of other critical airplane systems due 
to electromagnetic coupling and large transient voltages, and damage to 
the control mechanisms or surfaces due to a fire, which could result in 
loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective August 19, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 19, 
2014.

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; telephone 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 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-2012-

[[Page 41088]]

0863; 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: Marie Hogestad, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, FAA, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6418; 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The 
Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, -
900, and -900ER series airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 12, 2014 (79 FR 13934). We preceded the SNPRM with a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal 
Register on September 6, 2012 (77 FR 54848). The NPRM proposed to 
require installing a new tail strobe light housing and a new disconnect 
bracket, and changing the wire bundles. The NPRM was prompted by a 
review of the tail strobe light installation, which revealed that the 
tail strobe light is not electrically bonded to primary structure of 
the airplane. The SNPRM proposed to add, for certain airplanes, an 
inspection to determine if sealant is applied and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent, in case of a direct 
lightning strike to the tail strobe light, damage to the operation of 
other critical airplane systems due to electromagnetic coupling and 
large transient voltages, and damage to the control mechanisms or 
surfaces due to a fire, which could result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM (79 FR 13934, March 12, 
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Clarification

    We have changed the paragraph heading for paragraph (h) of this AD 
to more accurately reflect the required actions therein.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (79 FR 13934, March 12, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (79 FR 13934, March 12, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,433 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action                 Labor cost        Parts cost       Cost per product    Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation for Model 737-     Up to 32 work-    Up to $14,886...  Up to $17,606......  Up to $6,971,976.
 300, -400, and -500 series      hours x $85 per
 airplanes, as identified in     hour = Up to
 Boeing Special Attention        $2,720.
 Service Bulletin 737-33-1149,
 dated April 13, 2012 (396
 U.S. registered airplanes).
Installation for Model 737-     Up to 21 work-    Up to $4,422....  Up to $6,207.......  Up to $2,886,255.
 600, -700, -700C, -800, -900,   hours x $85 per
 and -900ER series airplanes,    hour = Up to
 Group 1, as identified in       $1,785.
 Boeing Special Attention
 Service Bulletin 737-33-1146,
 Revision 1, dated July 9,
 2013 (465 U.S. registered
 airplanes).
Installation for Model 737-     Up to 21 work-    Up to $2,496....  Up to $4,281.......  Up to $355,323.
 600, -700, -700C, -800, -900,   hours x $85 per
 and -900ER series airplanes,    hour = Up to
 Group 2, as identified in       $1,785.
 Boeing Special Attention
 Service Bulletin 737-33-1146,
 Revision 1, dated July 9,
 2013 (83 U.S. registered
 airplanes).
Installation for Model 737-     Up to 20 work-    Up to $4,478....  Up to $6,178.......  Up to $154,450.
 600, -700, -700C, -800, -900,   hours x $85 per
 and -900ER series airplanes,    hour = Up to
 Group 3, as identified in       $1,700.
 Boeing Special Attention
 Service Bulletin 737-33-1146,
 Revision 1, dated July 9,
 2013 (25 U.S. registered
 airplanes).
Installation for Model 737-     Up to 21 work-    Up to $4,423....  Up to $6,208.......  Up to $2,880,512.
 600, -700, -700C, -800, -900,   hours x $85 per
 and -900ER series airplanes,    hour = Up to
 Group 4, as identified in       $1,785.
 Boeing Special Attention
 Service Bulletin 737-33-1146,
 Revision 1, dated July 9,
 2013 (464 U.S. registered
 airplanes).

[[Page 41089]]

 
Inspection for Model 737-600, - Up to 2 work-     $0..............  Up to $170.........  Up to $176,290.
 700, -700C, -800, -900 and -    hours x $85 per
 900ER series airplanes, as      hour = Up to
 identified in Boeing Special    $170.
 Attention Service Bulletin
 737-33-1146, Revision 1,
 dated July 9, 2013 (up to
 1,037 U.S. registered
 airplanes).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following cost to apply sealant, based on the 
results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this sealant application:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                Action                           Labor cost                   Parts cost             product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sealant application..................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =   Negligible...............             $85
                                        $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The parts cost to apply sealant between the disconnect bracket and 
the receptacle connector D44582J, and on the fasteners is not included 
in the estimate. It is considered ``Parts & Materials Supplied by the 
Operator,'' which is referenced in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-33-1146, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013.
    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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):

2014-13-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17883; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0863; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-108-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 19, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, 
dated April 13, 2012.
    (2) Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-33-1146, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013.
    (3) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST00830SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/da95c49000906c7086257be80044d3d9/$FILE/ST00830SE.pdf) 
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by 
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is 
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the 
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33, Lights.

[[Page 41090]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a review of the tail strobe light 
installation, which revealed that the tail strobe light is not 
electrically bonded to primary structure of the airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent, in case of a direct lightning strike to 
the tail strobe light, damage to the operation of other critical 
airplane systems due to electromagnetic coupling and large transient 
voltages, and damage to the control mechanisms or surfaces due to a 
fire, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Tail Strobe Light Installation for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes

    For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes on which the actions specified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-33-1146, dated November 2, 2011, have not been 
done before the effective date of this AD: Within 72 months after 
the effective date of this AD, install a new tail strobe light 
housing, install a new disconnect bracket, and change the wire 
bundles, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1146, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013, except as required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Where Figure 8, Flag Note 3, of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-33-1146, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013, refers 
to solder sleeve BACS13CT3C, the shield splice contained in splice 
kit D-150-0168 may be used in lieu of solder sleeve (BACS13CT3C), 
provided a ground wire is used.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: Guidance for wire-type 
information for the ground wires may be found in Boeing Standard 
Wiring Practices Manual (SWPM) D6-54446, Section 20-10-15.

    (2) Where the second sentence of note (c) of Figure 3 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-33-1146, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013, specifies to 
``Maintain a minimum of 1.7 Dimensions fastener edge margin on the 
disconnect bracket and the stiffener,'' instead ``Maintain a minimum 
of 1.7 diameter fastener edge margin on the disconnect bracket and 
the stiffener.''

(h) Inspection and Corrective Actions for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes

    For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes, on which the actions specified in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1146, dated November 2, 2011, have 
been done before the effective date of this AD: Within 72 months 
after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection 
to ensure there is fillet sealant between the disconnect bracket and 
the receptacle connector D44582J, and on the fasteners, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-33-1146, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Tail Strobe Light Installation for Model 737-300, -400, and -500 
Series Airplanes

    For Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes: Within 72 
months after the effective date of this AD, install a new tail 
strobe light housing, install a new disconnect bracket, and change 
the wire bundles, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, dated 
April 13, 2012.

(j) 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 paragraph (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Marie Hogestad, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, FAA, ANM-130S, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6418; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference 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 
view this 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.

(l) 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1146, 
Revision 1, dated July 9, 2013.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-1149, 
dated April 13, 2012.
    (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.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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 June 19, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-15382 Filed 7-14-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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