[Federal Register: February 18, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 32)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7553-7554]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18fe04-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-156-AD; Amendment 39-13478; AD 2004-03-34]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -
300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400,
and -500 series airplanes, that requires replacing existing screw, nut,
and washers that attach the latch cable assembly to the latch block
assembly of the door mounted escape slides, with new, improved screw,
nut, and washers. This action is necessary to prevent the latch cable
assembly from disconnecting from the latch block assembly of the door
mounted escape slide, which could result in an escape slide not
deploying in an emergency situation. This action is intended to address
the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective March 24, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 24, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Ladderud, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6435; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes was published in the
Federal Register on September 18, 2003 (68 FR 54684). That action
proposed to require replacing the existing screw, nut, and washers that
attach the latch cable assembly to the latch block assembly of the door
mounted escape slides, with the new, improved screw, nut, and washers.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Generally Agree With the Proposed AD
Two commenters generally agree with this proposed AD and have no
additional comments.
Extend Compliance Time
Three commenters request that the proposed compliance time for the
replacement be extended from 18 months to 36 months. The commenters
state that the extended compliance time would allow for the replacement
to be accomplished concurrently with the modification of the escape
slide compartment hinge assembly required by AD 2004-02-08, amendment
39-13443 (69 FR 4452, January 30, 2004). In addition, a compliance time
of 36 months will allow operators to perform the replacement during the
typical overhaul period for escape slides.
The FAA agrees with the commenters' request to extend the
compliance time for the replacement. Extending the compliance time by
18 months will not adversely affect safety and will allow the
replacement to be performed during regularly scheduled maintenance
visits. Paragraph (a) of the AD has been revised to specify a
compliance time of 36 months.
Clarify Applicability of Parts Installation Paragraph
Four commenters request that paragraph (b) of the proposed AD be
revised to state specifically that the nut, part number (P/N)
BACN10R10L, and screw, P/N NAS623-3-8, cannot be installed in the latch
assembly. The commenters state that the intent of the proposed AD is to
identify nuts, P/N BACN10R10L, and screws, P/N NAS623-3-8, that are not
to be installed
[[Page 7554]]
on the latch assembly. These parts are used elsewhere throughout the
airplane and are not exclusive to the latch assembly.
We agree with the commenters that the intent of the proposed AD is
to prevent nuts, P/N BACN10R10L, and screws, P/N NAS623-3-8, from being
installed on the latch assembly. We have revised paragraph (b) of the
AD to limit the use of nuts, P/N BACN10R10L, and screws, P/N NAS623-3-
8, on the latch block assembly. In addition, we removed the phrase
``that was removed from any airplane'' to clarify that any nut, P/N
BACN10R10L, may not be installed on the latch block assembly of any
airplane.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 2,919 airplanes of the affected design in
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,129 airplanes of U.S.
registry will be affected by this AD. The FAA estimates that it will
take approximately 2 work hours for each airplane specified as Group 1
in the referenced service bulletin, and approximately 1 work hour for
each airplane specified as Group 2 in the referenced service bulletin,
to accomplish the required actions; the average labor rate is estimated
to be $65 per work hour. Parts and materials are standard and are to be
supplied by the operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $130 per Group 1 airplane,
and $65 per Group 2 airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions. The manufacturer may cover the cost of
replacement parts associated with this AD, subject to warranty
conditions. Manufacturer warranty remedies may also be available for
labor costs associated with this AD. As a result, the costs
attributable to the AD may be less than stated above.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-03-34 Boeing: Amendment 39-13478. Docket 2001-NM-156-AD.
Applicability: Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-25-1434, dated March 22, 2001; certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the latch cable assembly from disconnecting from the
latch block assembly of the door mounted escape slides, which could
result in an escape slide not deploying in an emergency situation,
accomplish the following:
Replacement
(a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace existing screw, nut, and washers that attach the latch cable
assembly to the latch block assembly of the door mounted escape
slides, with new, improved screw, nut, and washers; per the Work
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-25-
1434, dated March 22, 2001.
Parts Installation
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
nut, part number (P/N) BACN10R10L; or install a screw, P/N NAS623-3-
8; on the latch block assembly of any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) for this AD.
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for repair of the latch cable assembly and the latch block
assembly for the door mounted escape slide, if it is approved by a
Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative (DER) who has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-25-1434, dated March 22, 2001. This incorporation by reference
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite
700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 5, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3202 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am]
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