[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 39 (Monday, March 1, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9908-9910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-4629]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-238-AD; Amendment 39-11052; AD 99-05-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 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 757-200 series airplanes, that 
requires replacement of the stringer clip(s) with a new stringer 
clip(s), and modification of the life raft support structure and/or 
life raft doors, as applicable. This amendment is prompted by by a 
report that certain life raft stowage compartments and certain life 
raft doors are understrength. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent a life raft falling from its stowage compartment, 
and consequently injuring nearby occupants or delaying or impeding the 
evacuation of passengers during an emergency landing.


[[Page 9909]]


DATES: Effective April 5, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 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, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2780; fax (425) 227-1181.

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 757-200 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 
1998 (63 FR 69569). That action proposed to require replacement of the 
stringer clip(s) with a new stringer clip(s), and modification of the 
life raft support structure and/or life raft doors, as applicable.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the five comments received.
    Three commenters support the proposed rule. Two commenters indicate 
that they are not affected by the proposed rule.

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 as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 256 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 139 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD.
    For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes (as specified in the service 
bulletin), it will take approximately 32 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $4,544 (for Group 1 
airplanes) or $4,801 (for Group 2 airplanes) per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on 
U.S. operators of Groups 1 and 2 airplanes is estimated to be $6,464 
(for Group 1 airplanes), or $6,721 (for Group 2 airplanes) per 
airplane.
    For Groups 3 and 4 airplanes, it will take approximately 30 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$3,668 (for Group 3 airplanes) or $3,530 (for Group 4 airplanes) per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions 
required by this AD on U.S. operators of Groups 3 and 4 airplanes is 
estimated to be $5,468 (for Group 3 airplanes), or $5,330 (for Group 4 
airplanes) per airplane.
    For Group 5 airplanes, it will take approximately 6 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $680 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions 
required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,040 per airplane.
    For Group 6 airplanes, it will take approximately 20 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,785 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions 
required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$3,985 per airplane.
    For Group 7 airplanes, it will take approximately 13 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,019 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions 
required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,799 per airplane.
    For Group 8 airplanes, it will take approximately 15 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,187 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions 
required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$3,087 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.

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 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-05-03 Boeing: Amendment 39-11052. Docket 98-NM-238-AD.

    Applicability: Model 757-200 series airplanes, as listed in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-0180, dated October 9, 1997, 
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

[[Page 9910]]

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 (b) 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 a life raft from falling from its stowage 
compartment, and consequently injuring nearby occupants or delaying 
or impeding the evacuation of passengers during an emergency 
landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the stringer clip(s) with a new stringer clip(s), and modify 
the life raft support structure and/or life raft door, as 
applicable, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0180, 
dated October 9, 1997.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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 Certfication 
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.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The replacement and modification shall be done in accordance 
with with Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0180, dated October 9, 
1997. 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 Airplane 
Group, 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 5, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 18, 1999.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-4629 Filed 2-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P