[Federal Register: April 30, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 82)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 21083-21086]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30ap07-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27558; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-053-AD;
Amendment 39-15036; AD 2007-06-52]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-800 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-06-52 that was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Boeing Model 737-
800 series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires inspecting
spoilers to determine spoiler position after every landing and after
any rejected takeoff maneuvers. For airplanes on which any spoiler is
found in the up position with the speedbrake handle in the down
position, this AD requires replacement of the flight spoiler actuator
with a flight spoiler actuator having a certain part number. This AD
also requires an operational test of the speedbrake control system
after any maintenance actions that operate the spoiler system and
replacement of the flight spoiler actuator if necessary. This AD also
provides for optional terminating action for those requirements. In
addition, this AD requires you to report to the manufacturer any
spoiler panel that is found in the up position with the speedbrake
handle in the down position. This AD results from a report of seven
flight spoiler actuator jams on Model 737-800 Short Field Performance
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any spoiler
panel that is found in the up position with the speedbrake handle in
the down position, which could result in a spoiler actuator hardover,
and could cause the spoiler surface to jam in the fully extended
position. Two or more hardover failures of the spoiler surfaces in the
up direction on the same wing, if undetected prior to takeoff, can
cause significant roll and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 7, 2007 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD
2007-06-52, issued March 14, 2007, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 7,
2007.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 29, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6490; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 14, 2007, we issued emergency AD
2007-06-52, which applies to certain Boeing Model 737-800 series
airplanes.
Background
On March 13, 2007, the FAA issued emergency AD 2007-06-51 for
certain Boeing Model 737-800 series airplanes. That AD requires
inspecting spoilers to determine spoiler position after every landing
and after any rejected takeoff maneuvers. For airplanes on which any
spoiler is found in the up position with the speedbrake handle in the
down position, that AD requires replacement of the flight spoiler
actuator with a flight spoiler actuator having a certain part number.
That AD also requires an operational test of the speedbrake control
system after any maintenance actions that operate the spoiler system
and replacement of the flight spoiler actuator if necessary. That AD
also provides for optional terminating action for those requirements.
In addition, that AD requires you to report to the manufacturer any
spoiler panel that is found in the up position with the speedbrake
handle in the down position.
That AD resulted from a report of seven flight spoiler actuator
jams on Model 737-800 Short Field Performance (SFP) airplanes. Two
reports involved in-service airplanes that were discovered during a
routine maintenance walk-around and were believed to have occurred on
the previous landing during auto speedbrake extension. Five other
reports occurred during spoiler system testing at Boeing prior to
delivery. An additional two reports of spoiler actuator input lever
binding were identified during bench testing after Boeing began to
investigate this issue.
The two in-service failures of flight spoilers resulted in the
spoilers not retracting after the speedbrake handle was moved to the
DOWN position after landing, on a Boeing Model 737-800 airplane
equipped with an SFP package. In both of these cases, the spoiler was
discovered in the full-extended position during a routine maintenance
walk-around. The spoiler remained in the full-extended position after
cycling of the speedbrake handle.
Further investigation revealed that the spoiler actuator failure is
most likely to occur when the speedbrakes are deployed on the ground
(automatically or manually) for either a rejected takeoff or normal
landing. The takeoff
[[Page 21084]]
configuration warning will not sound if any flight spoiler remains
extended with the speedbrake handle in the DOWN position. The cause of
the failure has been identified as interference within the actuator
main control valve.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in a spoiler
actuator hardover, which could cause the spoiler surface to jam in the
fully extended position. Two or more hardover failures of the spoiler
surfaces in the up direction on the same wing, if undetected prior to
takeoff, can cause significant roll and consequent loss of control of
the airplane.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous AD
Since that AD was issued, we have become aware of two incorrect
part numbers identified throughout emergency AD 2007-06-51. The
identified incorrect part numbers do not exist. The incorrect part
numbers were for the replacement flight spoiler actuator and the flight
spoiler actuator that may no longer be installed.
In light of this, we have determined that emergency AD 2007-06-51
must be superseded to reflect the correct part numbers.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing 737 Flight Crew Operations Manual Bulletin
No. TBC-67, dated March 5, 2007. The bulletin describes procedures for
inspecting spoilers to determine spoiler position after landing and
after any rejected takeoff maneuvers. For airplanes on which any
spoiler is found in the up position with the speedbrake handle in the
down position, the bulletin specifies to contact maintenance.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other airplanes of the same type design, we issued emergency AD
2007-06-52 to detect and correct any spoiler panel that is found in the
up position with the speedbrake handle in the down position, which
could result in a spoiler actuator hardover, and could cause the
spoiler surface to jam in the fully extended position. Two or more
hardover failures of the spoiler surfaces in the up direction on the
same wing, if undetected prior to takeoff, can cause significant roll
and consequent loss of control of the airplane. This new AD supersedes
emergency AD 2007-06-51. This new AD requires the actions specified in
emergency AD 2007-06051, but corrects certain part numbers. This AD
requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as described in ``Differences Between This
AD and the Service Information.''
We found that immediate corrective action was required; therefore,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices
issued on March 14, 2007, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Boeing Model 737-800 series airplanes. These conditions still exist,
and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment
to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to
make it effective to all persons.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
In addition to the inspection specified in the service information,
this AD also requires that, after any maintenance action that operates
the spoiler system, the ``Speedbrake Control System Operational Test''
specified in Chapter 27-62-00 of the Boeing 737-600/700/800/900
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) be accomplished. This AD also
specifies that the Master Minimum Equipment List Item 27-7, ``Auto
Speed Brake System,'' is no longer applicable to Model 737-800 series
airplanes equipped with an SFP package. This AD also provides an
optional terminating action of installing flight spoiler actuator, part
number (P/N) P665A0001-01 or higher dash number, in all eight flight
spoiler positions.
Although the service information specifies that operators may
contact maintenance for disposition if any spoiler remains in the up
position with the speedbrake handle in the down position, this AD
requires operators to replace the flight spoiler actuator with a flight
spoiler actuator, having P/N P665A0001-01 or higher dash number, using
a method approved by the FAA.
Operators should note that the service information specifies doing
an inspection. However, this AD requires doing a ``visual check,''
which may be done by qualified ground personnel or flightcrew. We have
determined that these visual checks may be properly performed by
flightcrew because the checks do not require tools, precision measuring
equipment, training, or pilot logbook endorsements, or the use of or
reference to technical data that are not contained in the body of the
AD.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. We are currently considering
requiring the replacement of the flight spoiler actuator, which will
constitute terminating action for the visual checks and operational
tests required by this AD action.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
27558; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-053-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
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
[[Page 21085]]
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If this
emergency regulation is later deemed significant under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures, we will prepare a final regulatory evaluation
and place it in the AD Docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation, if filed.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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):
2007-06-52 Boeing: Amendment 39-15036. Docket No. FAA-2007-27558;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-053-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 7, 2007, to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency
AD 2007-06-52, issued on March 14, 2007, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes emergency AD 2007-06-51, issued March 13,
2007.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Boeing Model 737-800 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 32685, 34277
through 34281 inclusive, 34474, 34475, 34654 through 34656
inclusive, 34690, 34948, 34949, 35091 through 35093 inclusive,
35103, 35134, 35176 through 35183 inclusive, 35330, 35331, 35558,
35559, and 36323 through 36328 inclusive.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of seven flight spoiler
actuator jams on Model 737-800 Short Field Performance (SFP)
airplanes. The cause of the failure has been identified as
interference within the actuator main control valve. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct any spoiler panel that is found in the
up position with the speedbrake handle in the down position, which
could result in a spoiler actuator hardover, and could cause the
spoiler surface to jam in the fully extended position. Two or more
hardover failures of the spoiler surfaces in the up direction on the
same wing, if undetected prior to takeoff, can cause significant
roll and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Visual Check and Corrective Action
(f) Within 24 clock hours after the effective date of this AD,
do the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of
this AD, as applicable. The visual checks required by paragraphs
(f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD may be performed by qualified personnel
or flightcrew, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(b) and 14 CFR
121.363 and 121.380.
(1) After every landing, visually check the spoilers to
determine spoiler position, in accordance with Boeing 737 Flight
Crew Operations Manual Bulletin No. TBC-67, dated March 5, 2007.
(i) If all spoilers are determined to be properly stowed, no
further action is required by this paragraph.
(ii) If any spoiler is found to be improperly stowed (in the up
position with the speedbrake handle in the down position), before
further flight, replace the flight spoiler actuator with a flight
spoiler actuator, having part number (P/N) P665A0001-01 or higher
dash number, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. The ``Flight
Spoiler Actuator Removal'' task and the ``Flight Spoiler Actuator
Installation'' task in Chapter 27-61-51 of the Boeing 737-600/700/
800/900 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) are approved methods for
the replacement (removal and installation) of the flight spoiler
actuator.
(2) After any rejected takeoff maneuver, do the visual check
specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(3) After any maintenance action that operates the spoiler
system, do an operational test of the speedbrake control system in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA.
The ``Speedbrake Control System Operational Test'' specified in
Chapter 27-62-00 of the Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 AMM is one
approved method for the operational test of the speedbrake control
system. If any spoiler panel is found to be fully extended with the
speedbrake handle down, or if any spoiler panel is found fully
retracted when the speedbrake handle is up, before further flight,
replace the flight spoiler actuator in accordance with the actions
specified in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.
Master Minimum Equipment List Item
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, the Master Minimum
Equipment List Item 27-7, ``Auto Speed Brake System,'' is no longer
applicable to Model 737-800 series airplanes equipped with an SFP
package.
Optional Terminating Action
(h) Installation of flight spoiler actuator, P/N P665A0001-01 or
higher dash number, in all eight flight spoiler positions ends the
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Reporting
(i) If any spoiler is found to be improperly stowed during any
visual check required by this AD, at the applicable time specified
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, report the following
information electronically to Boeing using the established Boeing
Communications System (BCS): Airplane serial number, jam position,
spoiler panel number or wing position of the spoiler that jammed,
date of visual check, and flight hours accumulated on the airplane.
(1) For visual checks done before the effective date of this AD:
Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For visual checks done after the effective date of this AD:
Within 7 days after doing the inspection.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
flight spoiler actuator, having P/N P665A0001-00, on any airplane.
Special Flight Permit
(k) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
[[Page 21086]]
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Boeing 737 Flight Crew Operations Manual
Bulletin No. TBC-67, dated March 5, 2007, to perform the actions
that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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 April 18, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-7850 Filed 4-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P