[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 89 (Monday, May 10, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24963-24964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11617]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 89 / Monday, May 10, 1999 / Proposed
Rules
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-253-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400,
and -500 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-100, -
200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposal would require
repetitive inspections to detect damage of certain taxi light
assemblies, and replacement with a new or serviceable part, if
necessary. This proposal also would require eventual replacement of
certain taxi light assemblies with improved parts, which would
constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This
proposal is prompted by a report that a damaged taxi light detached
from an airplane and was ingested into the airplane engines. The
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent damage to
the taxi light assembly, which could result in detachment of the taxi
light assembly from the airplane, ingestion of taxi light debris into
an engine, and consequent loss of thrust from one or both engines.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 24, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-253-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-253-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-253-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports indicating that certain taxi light
assemblies mounted on the nose landing gear assemblies of certain
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes have
been found to be damaged. That damage has been attributed to contact
between the light assembly and the tow bar during towing operations.
Such contact occurs due to the proximity of the taxi lights to the
fitting for towing operations. In one incident, a damaged taxi light
assembly detached from the airplane, and debris from the taxi light
assembly was ingested into both engines of a Boeing Model 737 series
airplane during takeoff. That ingestion resulted in a loss of thrust,
which forced the flightcrew to make an emergency landing. A damaged
taxi light assembly, if not corrected, could result in detachment of
the taxi light from the airplane, ingestion of taxi light debris into
an engine, and consequent loss of thrust from one or both engines. Such
loss of thrust could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require repetitive detailed visual inspections to
detect damage (including cracking, corrosion, deformation, or evidence
of impact) of certain taxi light assemblies, and replacement with a new
or serviceable part, if necessary. The proposed AD also would require
eventual replacement of certain taxi light assemblies with improved
parts, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance
with the applicable maintenance manual.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 2,857 airplanes of the affected design in
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,159 airplanes of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed inspection on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $69,540, or $60 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the proposed replacement, at an average
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labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost
approximately $549 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$775,371, or $669 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
Boeing: Docket 98-NM-253-AD.
Applicability: Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes; that are not equipped with a Grimes Aerospace taxi light
assembly having part number (P/N) 50-0199-9, 50-0199-11, 50-0128-1A,
50-0128-1MA, 50-0128-3A, or 50-0128-3MA; 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 (d) 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 damage to the taxi light assembly, which could result
in detachment of the taxi light from the airplane, ingestion of taxi
light debris into an engine, and consequent loss of thrust from one
or both engines; accomplish the following:
Initial and Repetitive Inspections
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including cracking,
corrosion, deformation, or evidence of impact) of the taxi light
assembly mounted on the nose landing gear of the airplane. Repeat
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1 day, until
the requirements of paragraph (c) have been accomplished.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as an intensive visual inspection of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of lighting at an
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirrors, magnifying glasses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be necessary.
Replacement
(b) If any damage of the taxi light assembly is detected during
any inspection performed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this
AD, prior to further flight, replace the existing taxi light
assembly with a new or serviceable taxi light assembly in accordance
with the applicable maintenance manual. If the existing taxi light
assembly is replaced with a Grimes Aerospace taxi light assembly
having P/N 50-0199-9, 50-0199-11, 50-0128-1A, 50-0128-1MA, 50-0128-
3A, or 50-0128-3MA: no further action is required by this AD.
Terminating Action
(c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD: Replace
the existing taxi light assembly with a Grimes Aerospace taxi light
assembly having P/N 50-0199-9, 50-0199-11, 50-0128-1A, 50-0128-1MA,
50-0128-3A, or 50-0128-3MA; in accordance with the applicable
maintenance manual. Such replacement constitutes terminating action
for the repetitive inspection requirement of paragraph (a) of this
AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) 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 3: 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
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 3, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-11617 Filed 5-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U