Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1338-1340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00031]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0504; Project Identifier AD-2020-01380-T; 
Amendment 39-21876; AD 2021-26-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-
26, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2019-03-26 required 
modifying the passenger service units (PSUs) and life vest panels by 
replacing the existing inboard lanyard and installing two new lanyards 
on the outboard edge of the PSUs and life vest panels; measuring the 
distance between the hooks of the torsion spring of the lanyard 
assembly; replacing discrepant lanyard assemblies; and re-identifying 
serviceable lanyard assemblies. This AD was prompted by a determination 
that certain airplanes are listed in the wrong configuration and 
certain PSUs have not been correctly re-identified. This AD retains the 
requirements of AD 2019-03-26, and, for certain airplanes, requires an 
inspection to determine if the re-identified PSU part number is 
correct, and further re-identification if necessary. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 15, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For 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 service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0504.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0504; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is 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: Tony Koung, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3985; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-03-26, Amendment 39-19578 (84 FR 7266, 
March 4, 2019) (AD 2019-03-26). AD 2019-03-26 applied to certain The 
Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER 
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 
30, 2021 (86 FR 34653). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that 
certain airplanes are listed in the wrong configuration and certain 
PSUs have not been correctly re-identified. In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to continue to require the requirements of AD 2019-03-26, and, 
for certain airplanes, would require an inspection to determine if the 
re-identified PSU part number is correct, and further re-identification 
if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address PSUs and life vest 
panels detaching from the supporting airplane structure, which could 
lead to passenger injuries and impede passenger and crew egress during 
evacuation.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters, including The Boeing 
Company and an individual, who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from two other commenters, 
including All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Aviation Partners Boeing (APB). 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Allow Credit for Earlier Revision of Service Information

    ANA requested that the proposed AD be revised to add a note to 
allow use of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 1, dated May 
18, 2018. ANA stated that it has some airplanes that are identified as 
``Group 1'' airplanes in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
25-1707, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2020, and on which Revision 1 of 
the service bulletin was accomplished. ANA added that the changes 
described in Revision 2 of the service bulletin do not affect the work 
instructions for airplanes identified as ``Group 1'' and believed that 
Revision 1 could also be used to comply with the proposed requirements.
    The FAA disagrees with the request to revise this AD to allow use 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2018, 
as it is not necessary. Group 1 is divided into three configurations, 
depending on whether or not earlier revisions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 2, dated July 27, 
2020, have been done. Group 1 airplanes on which Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2018, has been done are 
defined as Group 1, Configuration 3 airplanes. The

[[Page 1339]]

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2020, specify for 
Group 1, Configuration 3 airplanes, that no further action is required, 
and therefore this AD does not require further action. The FAA has not 
revised this AD in this regard.

Effects of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    APB stated that the installation of winglets per Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not affect the accomplishment of the 
manufacturer's service instructions.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter that STC ST00830SE does not 
affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions. 
Therefore, the installation of STC ST00830SE does not affect the 
ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. The FAA has not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as 
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic 
burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1707, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2020. This service information 
specifies procedures for modifying the PSUs and life vest panels by: 
Replacing the existing inboard lanyard and installing two new lanyards 
on the outboard edge of the PSUs and life vest panels (secondary 
retention features); measuring the distance between the hooks of the 
torsion spring of the lanyard assembly; replacing any discrepant 
lanyard assemblies; and re-identifying serviceable lanyard assemblies. 
For some airplanes, the service information specifies procedures for 
inspecting PSUs for correct re-identification part numbers and, if 
necessary, re-identifying the PSU. 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 
ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 2,045 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Action                    Labor cost                  Parts cost                   Cost per product             Cost on U.S. operators
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Measurement and modification       Up to 70 work-hour x  Up to $13,000..................  Up to $18,950.................  Up to $38,752,750.
 (retained actions from AD 2019-    $85 per hour =
 03-26).                            $5,950.
Inspection of re-identified parts  1 work-hour x $85     $0.............................  $85...........................  $173,825.
 (per PSU) (new actions).           per hour = $85.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements or re-identifications that will be required based on the 
results of the inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number 
of aircraft that might need these replacements or re-identifications:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                  Labor cost                Parts cost                 Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement or re-               Up to 2 work-hour   Up to $196...................  Up to $366.
 identification (per PSU or       x $85 per hour =
 life vest panel).                $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 1340]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-26, Amendment 39-19578 
(84 FR 7266, March 4, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-26-17 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21876; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0504; Project Identifier AD-2020-01380-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 15, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-03-26, Amendment 39-19578 (84 FR 7266, 
March 4, 2019) (AD 2019-03-26).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, without a Boeing Sky Interior (BSI).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of passenger service units 
(PSUs) becoming detached from the supporting airplane structure in 
several Model 737 series airplanes during survivable accidents. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address PSUs and life vest panels 
detaching from the supporting airplane structure, which could lead 
to passenger injuries and impede passenger and crew egress during 
evacuation.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 60 months after April 8, 2019 (the effective date of AD 
2019-03-26), do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' 
(required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2020.

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) 
of this AD, no person may install on any airplane a PSU or life vest 
panel, unless the lanyard assembly has been modified (secondary 
retention features added) or re-identified, as applicable, as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have PSUs or life vest panels without the 
secondary retention features installed: After modification or re-
identification, as applicable, of the airplane as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have PSUs or life vest panels with the 
secondary retention features installed: As of the effective date of 
this AD.

(i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle 
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair 
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet 
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2019-03-26 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-25-1707, Revision 2, dated July 27, 2020, that are 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tony Koung, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3985; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-1707, 
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 13, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00031 Filed 1-10-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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