Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 174 (Monday, September 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42581-42586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19039]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-7270; Product Identifier 2015-NM-116-AD; Amendment 
39-19025; AD 2017-18-16]
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 and -700C series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a report that, for certain airplanes, the nose-up pitch 
trim limit and associated warning will allow the horizontal stabilizer 
position to be set outside acceptable limits for a mis-trimmed takeoff 
condition. This AD requires, depending on airplane configuration, 
replacing certain pitch trim light plates, relocating certain position 
warning horn switches, revising certain software, removing a certain 
placard, and doing related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 16, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 16, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For Aviation Partners Boeing service information identified 
in this final rule, contact Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd 
Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 206-830-7699; fax: 206-
767-3355; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com.
    For Boeing service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7270.

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-2016-
7270; 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: Fnu Winarto, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6659; fax: 425-917-
6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 737-700 and -700C series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 28, 2016 (81 FR 41894). The NPRM was prompted 
by a report that, for airplanes with blended winglets, the nose-up 
pitch trim limit and associated warning for the horizontal stabilizer 
control system will allow the stabilizer position to be set outside 
acceptable limits for a mis-trimmed takeoff condition. The NPRM 
proposed to require, depending on airplane configuration, replacing the 
pitch trim light plates on the flight deck control stand, relocating 
the position warning horn switches of the horizontal stabilizer, 
revising the software, removing the placard, and doing related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent a stabilizer position set outside acceptable limits for a 
mis-trimmed takeoff condition. Settings outside of the appropriate 
pitch trim limits could result in loss of controllability of the 
airplane during takeoff.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

[[Page 42582]]

Support for the NPRM

    Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) stated its 
support for the NPRM. United Airlines stated that it has no technical 
objections with the NPRM.

Request To Use the Latest Service Information

    Aviation Partners Boeing requested that the NPRM be updated to 
include the latest service information, which is Aviation Partners 
Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 3, dated July 19, 2016.
    We agree with the commenter's request. Since the NPRM was issued, 
we have reviewed Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017, which provides minor changes. We 
have updated this AD to refer to Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017. We have also 
added credit for Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002, Revision 3, dated July 19, 2016.

Request To Revise Boeing Service Information

    Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, be revised to reference 
revised Aviation Partners Boeing service information. SWA stated that 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, 
specifies concurrent accomplishment of Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737-27-002, March 31, 2015. SWA stated that this concurrent 
requirement should call for the use of Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016, as stated 
throughout the NPRM.
    We acknowledge the commenter's request. After we issued the NPRM, 
Boeing published Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, 
dated December 14, 2016, which identifies Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletins ``AP737-27-002, Original Issue, Revision 1, Revision 
2, or Revision 3,'' as concurrent requirements. Aviation Partners 
Boeing has since published Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017. We have revised 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to refer to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, as revised by Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2016. As 
we stated previously, Aviation Partners Boeing has published Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 
24, 2017. Paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD also refer to 
Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, 
dated April 24, 2017.

Request To Make Service Information Available or Revise the 
Applicability

    Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested that we either make Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015, 
available to all operators or revise paragraph (c)(3) of the 
applicability in the proposed AD to identify specifically affected 
airplanes. DAL stated that, during its review of the NPRM, it was not 
able to obtain a copy of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015. DAL commented that it requested 
Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 
2015, from Boeing and was advised that the Aviation Partners Boeing 
service information was not applicable to DAL airplanes, and, 
therefore, the service information would not be made available to DAL. 
DAL stated that, as a result, it was unable to independently verify 
that there are no DAL airplanes identified in Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015. DAL commented that 
paragraph 1.A.1., ``Aircraft Affected,'' of Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016, does 
identify airplanes having line numbers 384 and 3128 as affected by 
Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 
2015. DAL stated that, however, paragraph (c)(3) of the proposed AD 
does not mention Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016, as a method to identify 
airplanes.
    DAL commented that it would prefer that Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015, be available to all 
operators so that each operator can determine whether or not their 
airplanes are affected. DAL also stated that if the manufacturer cannot 
support this, DAL suggested that paragraph (c)(3) in the AD should 
indicate that Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, 
dated July 17, 2015, is only applicable to airplanes having line 
numbers 384 and 3128.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request. We disagree with 
revising the applicability of this AD. However, the service information 
specified in paragraphs (c), (g), and (h) of this AD is incorporated by 
reference in this AD, and it should be available to all operators, as 
well as the general public, after the AD is published. We have provided 
availability information for the required service information in both 
the preamble and regulatory text of this AD.
    We have also clarified the actions for the airplane having line 
number 3128. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 
10, 2015, as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, also references 
line number 3128. Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD refers to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, for 
accomplishing actions. Paragraph (h) of this AD refers to Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015, for 
accomplishing actions. For line number 3128, the actions in paragraph 
(h) of this AD should be done instead of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. 
We have revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to exclude line number 
3128.
    In addition, we have clarified the actions for airplanes identified 
in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD by excluding those airplanes from 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Paragraph (g)(1) of this AD specifies 
actions for airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, which 
includes airplanes that are identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD. 
However, for airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, the 
actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD must be done.

Request To Exclude Certain Airplanes From the Applicability

    SWA requested that any airplane modified per Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE, Amendment dated April 21, 2015, dated 
August 26, 2015, or subsequent be excluded from the applicability of 
the proposed AD. SWA stated that it has recently incorporated STC 
ST00830SE (Amendment dated April 21, 2015) on airplanes that have not 
previously had blended winglets installed. SWA commented that the 
Amendment dated April 21, 2015, of the STC incorporates the intent of 
Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002. SWA stated that 
it is currently incorporating STC ST00830SE, Amendment dated August 26, 
2015, on airplanes that have not previously had blended winglets 
installed.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request. We concur with the 
assertion that installation of STC ST00830SE at Amendment dated April 
21, 2015, fulfills the equivalent actions specified in Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 
24, 2017. In

[[Page 42583]]

addition, there are later amendments that apply to Model 737-700 series 
airplanes that fulfill the actions specified in Aviation Partners 
Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017. 
We have revised paragraph (c) of this AD to exclude airplanes on which 
winglets are installed as specified in STC ST00830SE, Amendment dated 
on or after April 21, 2015.

Request To Include Certain Line Numbers in the Applicability

    SWA requested that we include certain line numbers in the 
applicability of the proposed AD. SWA stated that paragraph 1.A.1., 
``Aircraft Affected,'' of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-27-002 defines the effectivity of Group 2 airplanes as ``. . . 
manufacturing line number 3100 and on . . . .'' SWA commented that it 
is unclear if this modification is being incorporated on the Boeing 
production line. SWA stated that, if this modification is being 
incorporated on the Boeing production line, then the manufacturing line 
number should be identified as the upper end of the effectivity of 
Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002 and in the upper 
end of the proposed applicability.
    We agree that operators need to know which airplanes are affected. 
However, we disagree with including line numbers in the applicability 
of this AD, because the Aviation Partners Boeing kit configuration 
identified in section 1.A.1., ``Aircraft Affected,'' of Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002 clearly identifies the 
airplanes that need the modification. Airplanes delivered from Boeing 
with other kit configuration numbers are outside the effectivity, and 
therefore, do not require the accomplishment of Aviation Partners 
Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002. We have not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Revise the Description of the Unsafe Condition

    Boeing requested that we revise the unsafe condition statement 
throughout the NPRM, so that it is more consistent with the description 
specified in the service information. Boeing clarified that 
accomplishing the proposed requirements will not prevent takeoffs with 
incorrect trim settings, but rather allows for acceptable takeoff 
limits at specific airplane configurations in which the stabilizer trim 
has been set at a maximum mis-trim, as specified in 14 CFR part 25.
    We agree to revise the unsafe condition statement as suggested by 
Boeing for the reason provided. We have revised this final rule 
accordingly.

Request To Revise the Proposed Compliance Time

    ALPA requested that we reduce the proposed compliance time from 
``72 months after the effective date of this AD'' to ``36 months after 
the effective date of this AD.'' ALPA commented that it is of the 
upmost importance to ensure the airplane is taking off in the correct 
trim setting and the associated warning system has to work properly in 
order to alert the flight crew of a possible misconfiguration before 
takeoff.
    We do not agree to reduce the compliance time for the requirements 
of this AD. We agree that it is important to have the correct 
configuration of the airplane for takeoff, because of the potential 
unsafe conditions that incorrect configurations might pose. However, 
this AD does not address that safety concern. After considering the 
available information, we have determined that the compliance time, as 
proposed, represents an appropriate interval of time in which the 
required actions can be performed in a timely manner within the 
affected fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety. In 
developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the safety 
implications, parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for 
timely accomplishment of the modifications. Further, we arrived at the 
proposed compliance time with the manufacturer's concurrence. To reduce 
the proposed compliance time would necessitate (under the provisions of 
the Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing the notice, reopening the 
period for public comment, considering additional comments subsequently 
received, and eventually issuing a final rule. In light of this, and in 
consideration of the amount of time that has already elapsed since 
issuance of the original notice, we have determined that further delay 
of this final rule is not appropriate. However, if additional data are 
presented that would justify a shorter compliance time, we may consider 
further rulemaking on this issue. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Request To Clarify Certain Acceptable Operator-Supplied Parts

    DAL requested that we clarify the NPRM to specify whether certain 
alternative lockwire part numbers (P/Ns) are acceptable alternatives to 
those specified in Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002. DAL stated that table 3 of Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737-27-002 calls for the use of lockwire having P/N 
MS20995NC20 and P/N MS20995NC32. DAL stated that review of parts 
available on MyBoeingFleet Part Page shows that those part numbers are 
no longer available. DAL commented that the Part Page provides 
substitute P/Ns M000200850 and P/N M000320850, respectively. DAL stated 
that Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002 includes a 
note in the Accomplishment Instructions, which refers operators to 
chapter 51 of the Boeing 737 Structural Repair Manual (SRM) for use of 
approved fastener and process material substitutions. DAL commented 
that this SRM reference does not detail any substitutes for the 
lockwire. DAL stated that, lacking an approval source other than the 
Boeing Part Page, an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) would be 
required to use lockwire having P/N M000200850 and P/N M000320850. DAL 
commented that specifying these would facilitate operator procurement 
efforts and minimize potential AMOC requests.
    We agree to clarify. Part Number M000200850 and P/N M000320850 are 
the Boeing stock numbers, which meet the MS20995 lockwire 
specifications in Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002. In addition, specific lockwire part numbers are not included in 
the Required for Compliance (RC) steps of Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-27-002. Therefore, we find that it is not 
necessary to revise this AD to address this issue, and we have not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify Recordkeeping Requirements

    DAL requested that we exclude the explicit instruction in Note 3 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016, that specifies 
making a recordkeeping entry in the airplane records once the service 
information is completed. DAL requested that, if the exclusion of Note 
3 cannot be granted in the AD, the final rule provide an allowance for 
operators to use their existing recordkeeping procedures to record 
completion of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016.
    DAL commented that its recordkeeping process would track compliance 
with a specific engineering document number used to embody a specified 
service bulletin on the airplane. DAL stated that it would not 
typically record service bulletin accomplishment using a phrase similar

[[Page 42584]]

to that given in Note 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 2, dated March 
1, 2016. DAL commented that the requirement to show compliance with the 
subject service information does not require such explicit 
requirements. DAL stated that recording the service information exactly 
as detailed in the note does not improve airplane safety, and 
therefore, latitude should be given to operators regarding their method 
for recording compliance with Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-27-002, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016. DAL stated that this 
will prevent the need for future AMOC requests.
    We agree that operators may use their existing recordkeeping 
processes to document maintenance actions performed using Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002. For this AD, 
recordkeeping is not a critical step that addresses the unsafe 
condition. As DAL pointed out, the actions specified in Note 3 are not 
called out in an RC step in the Accomplishment Instructions. We have 
added paragraph (j)(2) to this AD to clarify that recordkeeping is not 
required by this AD.

Request To Clarify the Requirements for the Onboard Performance Tool 
(OPT)

    DAL requested that we clarify the requirements for incorporating 
the OPT. DAL stated that Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-27-002 specifies concurrent actions recommending that users of 
the OPT contact Boeing for an updated database and instructions on how 
to incorporate this database into the OPT. DAL commented that it does 
not use the OPT and that the proposed AD does not give any guidance 
with respect to this concurrent requirement. DAL commented that the 
concurrent requirement is actually written as a recommendation, which 
would imply that it is not a mandatory action and that compliance is 
optional.
    We agree to provide clarification regarding the OPT. We infer that 
DAL meant to refer to Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-
34-005, as there are no concurrent actions specified in Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002. The usage of the OPT, as 
specified in the concurrent requirements section of Aviation Partners 
Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015, is optional 
and is not a requirement of this AD. We have not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Use Later-Approved Software Versions

    SWA requested that the proposed AD allow for the installation of 
later-approved versions of the Flight Management Computer (FMC) Model 
Engine Database (MEDB) and/or FMC Operational Program Software (OPS). 
SWA stated that Part 4 of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-27-002, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016, specifies the 
installation of FMC MEDB software having P/N BCG-01T-A0 with compatible 
FMC OPS Versions U10.8A, U11, or U12. SWA commented that if any later 
versions of FMC MEDB or FMC OPS are installed at a future date an AMOC 
would be needed to stay in compliance with the AD.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. This AD requires, for 
certain airplanes, the actions specified in Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017, which 
identifies specific software that must be installed. That software must 
be installed to address the identified unsafe condition. However, under 
the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider requests 
for approval of new software if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that the new software would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. We have not changed the 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following Aviation Partners Boeing service 
information.
    <bullet> Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for replacing the pitch trim light plates on the flight deck 
control stand, relocating the horizontal stabilizer position warning 
horn switches, and updating the software for the MEDB of the FMC.
    <bullet> Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, 
dated July 17, 2015. This service information describes procedures for 
updating the software in the MEDB for the FMC and removing a certain 
placard on the control stand.
    We also reviewed the following Boeing service information.
    <bullet> Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 
10, 2015. This service information describes procedures for replacing 
the pitch trim light plates on the flight deck control stand, 
relocating the position warning horn switches of the horizontal 
stabilizer, and installing new software for the MEDB for the FMC.
    <bullet> Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, 
dated December 14, 2016. This service information is a short form 
revision that specifies changes to the concurrent requirements and the 
affected publications identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1306, dated September 10, 2015.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 569 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relocation.................................  Up to 4 work[dash]hours x                $0  Up to $340....................  Up to $193,460.
                                              $85 per hour = $340.
Replacement................................  Up to 3 work[dash]hours x             1,973  Up to $2,228..................  Up to $1,267,732.
                                              $85 per hour = $255.
Software installation......................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour               0  $170..........................  $96,730.
                                              = $170.

[[Page 42585]]

 
Placard removal (2 airplanes)..............  1 work-hour x $85 per hour                0  $85...........................  $170.
                                              = $85.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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):

2017-18-16 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19025; Docket No. FAA-
2016-7270; Product Identifier 2015-NM-116-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 16, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-700 and -700C 
series airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) 
of this AD, certificated in any category, except for airplanes on 
which winglets are installed as specified in Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE, Amendment dated on or after April 21, 
2015.
    (1) Airplanes having STC ST00830SE installed (Aviation Partners 
Boeing blended winglets), as identified in Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017.
    (2) Airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, as revised by Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2016.
    (3) Airplanes identified in Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737-34-005, dated July 17, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls; Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that for airplanes with blended 
winglets, the nose-up pitch trim limit and associated warning for 
the horizontal stabilizer control system will allow the stabilizer 
position to be set outside acceptable limits for a mis-trimmed 
takeoff condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent takeoff with a 
stabilizer position set outside acceptable limits for a mis-trimmed 
takeoff condition. Settings outside of the appropriate pitch trim 
limits could result in loss of controllability of the airplane 
during takeoff.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement, Relocation, and Applicable Related Investigative and 
Corrective Actions

    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, 
except for airplanes also identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD: 
Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, relocate the 
position warning horn switches of the horizontal stabilizer, replace 
the pitch trim light plates on the flight deck control stand, revise 
the software, and do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017, except as specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions before further flight.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, 
except for the airplane having line number 3128: Within 72 months 
after the effective date of this AD, relocate the position warning 
horn switches of the horizontal stabilizer, replace the pitch trim 
light plates on the flight deck control stand, revise the software, 
and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, as revised 
by Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, dated 
December 14, 2016; and Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin 
AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017; except as specified 
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Do all applicable

[[Page 42586]]

related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.

(h) Software Revision and Placard Removal

    For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD: Within 
72 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the software 
and remove the placard, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-
005, dated July 17, 2015.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD for Aviation Partners Boeing 
Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017, if 
those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD 
using the service information specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i), 
(i)(1)(ii), (i)(1)(iii), or (i)(1)(iv) of this AD.
    (i) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
dated March 31, 2015.
    (ii) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
Revision 1, dated August 6, 2015.
    (iii) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2016.
    (iv) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
Revision 3, dated July 19, 2016.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD for Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1306, dated September 10, 2015, as revised by Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, dated December 14, 2016, 
if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD 
using the service information specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 10, 2015.

(j) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-
002, Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017, specifies to contact Boeing 
for appropriate action, and specifies that action as Required for 
Compliance (RC): Before further flight, repair using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(k) of this AD.
    (2) Although Note 3 of paragraph 3.A., ``General,'' Aviation 
Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, Revision 4, dated 
April 24, 2017, specifies to make an entry into the airplane's 
records, that action is not required by this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (l)(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, modification, or alteration 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 Branch, to make those findings. For a repair 
method to be approved, the repair, modification deviation, or 
alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the 
provisions of paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Fnu Winarto, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6659; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3), (m)(4), and (m)(5) of this AD.

(m) 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) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-27-002, 
Revision 4, dated April 24, 2017.
    (ii) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737-34-005, 
dated July 17, 2015.
    (iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, dated September 
10, 2015.
    (iv) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1306, Revision 1, 
dated December 14, 2016.
    (3) For Aviation Partners Boeing service information identified 
in this AD, contact Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd 
Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 206-830-7699; fax: 206-
767-3355; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com.
    (4) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (6) 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 August 30, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19039 Filed 9-8-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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