[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47364-47366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-23862]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-168-AD; Amendment 39-10123; AD 97-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes 
Equipped With Manual


IPECO Captain and First Officer Seats

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, that 
currently requires an inspection to determine whether the bearings of 
the tracklock bracket assemblies of the pilot and co-pilot seats are 
secure, modification of loose bearings, and marking of the seat 
identification labels. This AD requires a visual inspection to 
determine whether the modification and marking of the crew seats were 
accomplished; and, if not, accomplishment of these actions, which 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. This 
amendment is prompted by a report indicating that a first officer's 
crew seat on an in-service airplane failed to lock horizontally. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent the captain and 
first officer crew seats from sliding freely on the track, which could 
result in uncommanded movement of the seats and reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 24, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of IPECO Service Bulletin A001-25-
92, Issue 1, dated June 2, 1997, as listed in the regulations is 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 
1997.
    The incorporation by reference of IPECO Service Bulletin A001-25-
74, Issue 2, dated May 6, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
August 24, 1993 (58 FR 42192, August 9, 1993).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 10, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-168-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
IPECO, Inc., 3882 Del Amo Boulevard, suite 604, Torrance, California 
90503. This information may be examined 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monica L. Nemecek, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S; FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; telephone (425) 227-2773; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 2, 1993, the FAA issued AD 93-15-
08, amendment 39-8654 (58 FR 42192, August 9, 1993), applicable to 
certain Boeing Model 737 airplanes, to require an inspection to 
determine whether the bearings of the tracklock bracket assemblies of 
the pilot and co-pilot seats are secure, modification of loose 
bearings, and marking of the seat identification label. [A correction 
of the rule was published in the Federal Register on September 14, 1993 
(58 FR 47986).] That action was prompted by reports of pilot seats 
failing to lock horizontally due to the tracklock pin bearing becoming 
detached from its housing and wedged in the mechanism. The actions 
required by that AD are intended to prevent the pilot and co-pilot 
seats from sliding freely on the track, which could lead to the 
inability of the pilots to control the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 93-15-08 R1, the FAA has received a report 
indicating that a first officer's crew seat on a Boeing Model 737 
series airplane,

[[Page 47365]]

which had been inspected previously in accordance with IPECO Service 
Bulletin A001-25-74, Issue 2, dated May 6, 1993, failed to lock 
horizontally because the tracklock pin bearing of the tracklock bracket 
assembly detached from its housing and wedged in the tracklock 
mechanism. In addition, four reports were received of captain and first 
officer crew seats becoming loose after being inspected previously. 
Migration of the tracklock bearing from the tracklock bracket 
assemblies, if not corrected, could cause the crew seats to slide 
horizontally on the track during acceleration and takeoff of the 
airplane, which could result in uncommanded movement of the seats and 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Since the issuance of the previous rule, the FAA has reviewed and 
approved IPECO Service Bulletin A001-25-92, Issue 1, dated June 2, 
1997, which specifies procedures for a visual inspection of the seat 
identification label to determine whether the modification and marking 
of the captain and first officer crew seats were accomplished in 
accordance with the previously referenced IPECO service bulletin (A001-
25-74); and, if not, procedures for such modification and marking to 
ensure that the seats are secure. Modification of the crew seats 
requires the installation of a bearing retaining pin in the tracklock 
bracket assemblies of the captain and first officer crew seats to 
ensure that these seats remain in a secure position during acceleration 
and takeoff of the airplane. Marking of the crew seats is accomplished 
by vibro etch or a similar method on the seat pan structure, beneath 
the pin cushion, or on the aft face of the seat base structure, 
following installation of the retaining pin.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes AD 93-15-08 R1 to require a visual inspection to determine 
whether the modification and marking of crew seats have been 
accomplished; and, if not, accomplishment of such modification and 
marking to ensure that the seats are secure, which constitutes 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD. These actions are 
to be done in accordance with the IPECO service bulletins referenced 
previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-168-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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 it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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

    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

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8686 (58 FR 
47986, September 14, 1993), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-10123, to read as follows:

97-19-03  BOEING: Amendment 39-10123. Docket 97-NM-168-AD. 
Supersedes AD 93-15-08 R1, Amendment 39-8686.

    Applicability: Model 737 series airplanes equipped with IPECO 
Model 093 captain and first officer crew seats, having seat serial 
numbers up to and including 21121; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not

[[Page 47366]]

been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed 
actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the captain and first officer crew seats from sliding 
freely on the track, which could result in uncommanded movement of 
the seats and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection of the seat identification labels of the captain 
and first officer crew seats to determine whether these seats were 
modified by installing a bearing retaining pin in the tracklock 
bracket assembly of the seats, and whether the seats were marked by 
an identification label, in accordance with IPECO Service Bulletin 
A001-25-74, Issue 2, dated May 6, 1993, or IPECO Service Bulletin 
A001-25-92, Issue 1, dated June 2, 1997.
    (i) If the modification and marking of the crew seats were 
accomplished in accordance with service bulletin A001-25-74 or A001-
25-92, no further action is required by this AD.
    (ii) If the modification and marking were not accomplished in 
accordance with either service bulletin, within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, accomplish the modification (installation 
of a bearing retaining pin in the tracklock bracket assembly of the 
captain and first officer crew seats), and the marking of the seat 
identification label; in accordance with IPECO Service Bulletin 
A001-25-92, Issue 1, dated June 2, 1997.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a pilot/co-pilot (captain/first officer) crew seat 
that does not bear the marking ``A001-25-74'' or ``A001-25-92'' on 
the seat identification label.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained 
from the Seattle ACO.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with IPECO Service 
Bulletin A001-25-92, Issue 1, dated June 2, 1997; or IPECO Service 
Bulletin A001-25-74, Issue 2, dated May 6, 1993.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of IPECO Service Bulletin 
A001-25-92, ssue 1, dated June 2, 1997, is approved by the Director 
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of IPECO Service Bulletin 
A001-25-74, Issue 2, dated May 6, 1993, was approved previously by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of August 24, 1993 (58 FR 
42192, August 9, 1993).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from IPECO, Inc., 3882 Del Amo 
Boulevard, suite 604, Torrance, California 90503. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 24, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-23862 Filed 9-8-97; 8:45 am]
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