[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 247 (Friday, December 22, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 80794-80796]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-32764]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 247 / Friday, December 22, 2000 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 80794]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-156-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, and 777 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, 747, and 
777 series airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of the 
seat track fittings on all passenger seats with new, improved fittings. 
This action is necessary to prevent unrestrained movement of the 
passenger seats during high forward deceleration of the airplane, which 
could result in injury to the passengers or crew members during an 
emergency landing. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 5, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-156-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-156-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jan Risheim, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (425) 227-1675; 
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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-156-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. 2000-NM-156-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports from the manufacturer indicating that, 
on certain Model 737, 747, and 777 series airplanes, the shear plunger 
screws of certain seat track fittings broke during installation. 
Analysis of the broken screws revealed that various modifications had 
weakened the shear plunger screws. Further analysis revealed that high 
torque during seat installation resulted in broken shear plunger screws 
and subsequent disengagement of the shear plunger from the seat track. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in unrestrained movement 
of the passenger seats during high forward deceleration of the 
airplane, and possible injury to the passengers or crew members during 
an emergency landing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletins 737-25-
1371, Revision 2, dated December 9, 1999 (for Model 737 series 
airplanes); 747-25-3196, Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999 (for Model 747 
series airplanes); and 777-25-0111, Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999 (for 
Model 777 series airplanes). These service bulletins describe 
procedures for a one-time examination (inspection) to detect damaged or 
broken seat track fittings of the passenger seats, and replacement of 
the seat track fittings with serviceable or new, improved fittings. 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1407, dated December 9, 1999, describes 
procedures for replacement of the seat track fittings of the passenger 
seats with new, improved fittings. Accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletins is intended to adequately address 
the identified unsafe condition.

[[Page 80795]]

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 accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Service Bulletins and This Proposed AD

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletins specify 
replacement of the seat track fittings as soon as manpower, facilities 
and materials are available, the FAA has determined that an 18-month 
compliance for replacement of the seat track fittings would address the 
identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered not only 
the manufacturer's recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated 
with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization 
of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform the 
replacement. In light of all of these factors, the FAA finds an 18-
month compliance time for completion of the replacement to be 
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time 
allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without 
compromising safety.
    For certain airplanes, certain service bulletins provide for 
inspection and replacement of certain fittings with serviceable 
fittings if discrepancies are detected, then at a later date 
replacement with new, improved fittings. This proposed AD would mandate 
replacement of all seat track fittings on all the passenger seats of 
all affected airplanes with new, improved fittings. The FAA has 
determined that, due to the probability of defective shear plunger 
screws of the seat track fittings developing over time, mandating this 
replacement is necessary in order to maintain fleet safety.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 46 Model 737, 747, and 777 series airplanes 
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet.
    For Model 737 series airplanes (2 U.S.-registered airplanes): It 
would take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
proposed replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost approximately $15,100 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the replacement proposed by this AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $31,400, or $15,700 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.
    Currently, there are no affected Model 747 series airplanes on the 
U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require 
approximately 29 work hours to accomplish the proposed replacement, at 
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $43,000. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
replacement proposed by this AD would be $44,740 per airplane.
    Currently, there are no affected Model 777 series airplanes on the 
U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require 
approximately 24 work hours to accomplish the proposed replacement, at 
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $36,400. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
replacement proposed by this AD would be $37,840 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 2000-NM-156-AD.
    Applicability: Model 737, 747, and 777 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category; as specified in the Boeing service 
bulletins listed below:
    For Model 737 series airplanes: 737-25-1371, Revision 2, dated 
December 9, 1999;
    For Model 737 series airplanes: 737-25-1407, dated December 9, 
1999;
    For Model 747 series airplanes: 747-25-3196, Revision 1, dated 
May 13, 1999; or For Model 777 series airplanes: 777-25-0111, 
Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999.

    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 (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 unrestrained movement of the passenger seats during 
high forward deceleration of the airplane, which could result in 
injury to the passengers or crew members during an emergency 
landing, accomplish the following:

Replacement

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace all the seat track fittings on all the passenger seats with 
new, improved fittings, in accordance with the

[[Page 80796]]

Accomplishment Instructions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-25-1371 or 737-25-1407, both dated December 9, 1999 (for Model 
737 series airplanes); Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3196, Revision 
1, dated May 13, 1999 (for Model 747 series airplanes), or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-25-0111, Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999 (for 
Model 777 series airplanes); as applicable.

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 Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. 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 Permit

    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 18, 2000.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-32764 Filed 12-21-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U