[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 1 (Monday, January 4, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5-8]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34097]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-72-AD; Amendment 39-10967; AD 98-26-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100 and -200 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-100 and -200 series 
airplanes, that

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currently requires replacement of certain outboard and inboard wheel 
halves with improved wheel halves; cleaning and inspecting certain 
outboard and inboard wheel halves for corrosion, missing paint in large 
areas, and cracks; and repair or replacement of the wheel halves with 
serviceable wheel halves, if necessary. That AD was prompted by a 
review of the design of the flight control systems on Model 737 series 
airplanes. This amendment requires that the actions be accomplished in 
accordance with revised service information. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the wheel flanges, which 
could result in damage to the hydraulics systems, jammed flight 
controls, loss of electrical power, or other combinations of failures; 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective February 8, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of Allied Signal Service Bulletin 
737-32-026, dated June 27, 1988, including Attachment 1, dated January 
17, 1978, and Attachment 2, dated June 27, 1988, is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of February 8, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of September 16, 1997 (62 FR 43067, August 12, 
1997).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Allied Signal Aerospace Company, Bendix Wheels and Brakes 
Division, South Bend, Indiana 46624; and Bendix, Aircraft Brake and 
Strut Division, 3520 Westmoor Street, South Bend, Indiana 46628-1373. 
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: David Herron, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2672; fax (425) 
227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 97-17-01, 
amendment 39-10102 (62 FR 43067, August 12, 1997), which is applicable 
to certain Boeing Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on July 9, 1998 (63 FR 37072). The 
action proposed to continue to require replacement of certain outboard 
and inboard wheel halves with improved wheel halves; cleaning and 
inspecting certain outboard and inboard wheel halves for corrosion, 
missing paint in large areas, and cracks; and repair or replacement of 
the wheel halves with serviceable wheel halves, if necessary. The 
action also proposed to require that the actions be accomplished in 
accordance with revised service information.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the three comments received.
    The commenters support the proposed rule.

Explanation of Changes Made to This Final Rule

    The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) references Allied Signal 
Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated June 27, 1998, including 
Attachment 1, dated January 17, 1978, and Attachment 2, dated June 27, 
1988, as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (a)(1) of the 
NPRM. However, the FAA intended to give credit to any operator that may 
have accomplished the actions previously in accordance with Allied 
Signal Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated April 26, 1988 (which was 
referenced as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishment of certain actions in AD 97-17-01). Reference to Allied 
Signal Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated April 26, 1988, was 
inadvertently omitted from paragraph (a)(1) of the NPRM. Therefore, the 
FAA has revised the final rule to specify that accomplishment of the 
actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) 
of this AD in accordance with Allied Signal Service Bulletin No. 737-
32-026, dated April 26, 1988, or Allied Signal Service Bulletin No. 
737-32-026, dated June 27, 1988, including Attachment 1, dated January 
17, 1978, and Attachment 2, dated June 27, 1988; prior to the effective 
date of this AD; is acceptable for compliance with the applicable 
requirements of this AD.

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 change described 
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 634 Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes 
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 
241 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    Because this AD merely requires that the actions currently required 
by AD 97-17-01 be accomplished in accordance with revised service 
information, the AD adds no additional costs and requires no additional 
work to be performed by affected operators. The current costs 
associated with this amendment are reiterated in their entirety (as 
follows) for the convenience of affected operators.
    The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 4 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required replacement of wheel halves, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $20,212 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the required replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$4,928,932, or $20,452 per airplane.
    The FAA also estimates that it will take approximately 2 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish the required cleaning and inspection, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the required cleaning and inspection on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $28,920, or $120 per airplane.

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.
    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

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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

    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 39-10102 (62 FR 
43067, August 12, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-10967, to read as follows:

98-26-24  Boeing: Amendment 39-10967. Docket 98-NM-72-AD. Supersedes 
AD 97-17-01, Amendment 39-10102.

    Applicability: Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes equipped 
with Bendix main wheel assemblies having part number (P/N) 2601571-
1, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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)(1) 
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 been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the wheel flanges, which could result in 
damage to the hydraulics systems, jammed flight controls, loss of 
electrical power, or other combinations of failures; and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane; accomplish the following:

    Note 2: Allied Signal, Aircraft Landing Systems, Service 
Information Letter (SIL) # 619, dated February 26, 1997, is an 
additional source of service information for appropriate wheel half 
serial numbers.

    (a) For airplanes equipped with a Bendix main wheel assembly 
having P/N 2601571-1 with an inboard wheel half with serial number 
(S/N) B-5898 or lower, or S/N H-1721 or lower; or with an outboard 
wheel half with S/N B-5898 or lower, or S/N H-0863 or lower; 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Within 180 days after September 16, 1997 (the effective date 
of AD 97-17-01, amendment 39-10102, 62 FR 43067), and thereafter at 
each tire change until the replacement required by paragraph (b) of 
this AD is accomplished: Accomplish the actions specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Allied Signal 
Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated April 26, 1988, or Allied 
Signal Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated June 27, 1988, 
including Attachment 1, dated January 17, 1978, and Attachment 2, 
dated June 27, 1988. After the effective date of this AD, only 
Allied Signal Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated June 27, 1998, 
including Attachment 1, dated January 17, 1978, and Attachment 2, 
dated June 27, 1988, shall be used.
    (i) Clean any inboard and outboard wheel half specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD. And
    (ii) Inspect the wheel halves for corrosion or missing paint. If 
any corrosion is found, or if any paint is missing in large areas, 
prior to further flight, strip or remove paint, and remove any 
corrosion. And
    (iii) Perform an eddy current inspection to detect cracks of the 
bead seat area.
    (2) If any cracking is found during the inspections required by 
this paragraph, prior to further flight, repair or replace the wheel 
halves with serviceable wheel halves in accordance with procedures 
specified in the Component Maintenance Manual.
    (b) For airplanes equipped with a Bendix main wheel assembly 
having P/N 2601571-1 with an inboard wheel half with S/N B-5898 or 
lower, or S/N H-1721 or lower; or with an outboard wheel half with 
S/N B-5898 or lower, or S/N H-0863 or lower; accomplish the 
following: Within 2 years after September 16, 1997, accomplish the 
actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with Bendix Service Information Letter 392, Revision 1, 
dated November 15, 1979. Accomplishment of the replacement 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (1) Remove any inboard wheel half specified in paragraph (b) of 
this AD, and replace it with an inboard wheel half having P/N 
2607046, S/N 5899 or greater, or S/N H-1722 or greater. And
    (2) Remove any outboard wheel half specified in paragraph (b) of 
this AD, and replace it with an outboard wheel half having P/N 
2607047, S/N B-5899 or greater, or S/N H-0864 or greater.
    (c)(1) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 97-17-01, amendment 39-10102, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 3: 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) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with Bendix Service Information 
Letter 392, Revision 1, dated November 15, 1979; Allied Signal 
Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated April 26, 1988; or Allied 
Signal Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated June 27, 1998; 
including Attachment 1, dated January 17, 1978, and Attachment 2, 
dated June 27, 1988; which contains the following list of effective 
pages:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Revision level
          Page No.             shown on page       Date shown on page
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1-6.........................  Original.......  June 27, 1988.
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                              Attachment 1
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7-14........................  Original.......  January 17, 1978.
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                              Attachment 2
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15..........................  Original.......  June 27, 1988.
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    (1) The incorporation by reference of Allied Signal Service 
Bulletin 737-32-026, dated June 27, 1988, including Attachment 1, 
dated January 17, 1978, and Attachment 2, dated June 27, 1988, 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 Bendix Service Information 
Letter 392, Revision 1, dated November 15, 1979; and Allied Signal 
Service Bulletin No. 737-32-026, dated April 26, 1988; was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 
16, 1997 (62 FR 43067, August 12, 1997).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from Allied Signal Aerospace Company, 
Bendix Wheels and Brakes Division, South Bend, Indiana 46624; and 
Bendix Aircraft Brake and Strut Division, 3520 Westmoor Street, 
South Bend, Indiana 46628-1373. 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 February 8, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 17, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-34097 Filed 12-31-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P