[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 53 (Tuesday, March 19, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12466-12468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-6328]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-356-AD; Amendment 39-12679; AD 2002-06-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and 
-800 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 
series airplanes. This action requires measurement of clearance between 
a certain retention bracket for the elevator power control unit (PCU) 
and a quadrant on the inboard side of the right elevator PCU, 
inspection for loose fasteners in certain retention bracket assemblies 
for the left and right elevator PCUs, and corrective action, if 
necessary. This action is necessary to prevent jamming of the elevator 
flight controls, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective April 3, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 3, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 20, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-356-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. 2001-NM-356-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 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 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: Kenneth J. Fairhurst, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-1118; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports of loose 
fasteners in certain retention bracket assemblies for the left and 
right elevator power control units (PCUs) on certain Boeing Model 737-
600, -700, -700C, and -800 series airplanes. Such loose fasteners could 
separate from the bracket and interfere with adjacent systems, 
including the elevator flight controls. A loose bracket

[[Page 12467]]

could also cause such interference. Also, operators have found 
inadequate clearance between a particular retention bracket for the 
elevator PCU and a quadrant on the inboard side of the right elevator 
PCU. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in jamming of the 
elevator flight controls, which could result in reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-27A1234, dated March 27, 2000, and Revision 1, dated August 10, 
2000. Both service bulletins describe procedures for measurement of 
clearance between a certain retention bracket for the elevator PCU and 
a quadrant on the inboard side of the right elevator PCU, and rework of 
the bracket, if necessary. The service bulletins also describe 
procedures for a visual inspection for loose fasteners in certain 
retention bracket assemblies for the left and right elevator PCUs, and 
torquing of the fasteners, if necessary. The visual inspection for 
loose fasteners consists of inspecting for inadequate thread 
protrusion, gaps between the fastener heads and brackets, or loose 
brackets. Revision 1 differs from the original issue of the service 
bulletin in that the effectivity listing of Revision 1 includes 
airplanes not listed in the original issue of the service bulletin. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent jamming of the elevator flight controls, which 
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD 
requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletin described previously.
    The FAA acknowledges that many operators have already accomplished 
the actions required by this AD on their fleets in accordance with the 
original issue or Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
27A1234, which had a recommended compliance time of 10 days after 
receipt of the service bulletin. No further action is necessary for 
those airplanes on which the actions in the referenced service 
bulletins have been accomplished. However, the FAA finds that issuance 
of an AD is warranted at this time to ensure that the actions in the 
service bulletin are accomplished and the identified unsafe condition 
is addressed on all affected airplanes.

Difference Between This AD and the Service Bulletin

    The service bulletin described previously identifies only Boeing 
Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series airplanes as being affected by the 
actions therein. However, we find that the effectivity listing of the 
service bulletin also includes Model 737-700C series airplanes. 
Therefore, this AD applies to certain Model 737-700C series airplanes 
in addition to certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series 
airplanes.

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.
    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 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 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 2001-NM-356-AD.'' The postcard will be date-stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

[[Page 12468]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2002-06-03  Boeing: Amendment 39-12679. Docket 2001-NM-356-AD.

    Applicability: Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series 
airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1234, 
Revision 1, dated August 10, 2000; 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 (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 jamming of the elevator flight controls, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Measurement of Clearance and General Visual Inspection

    (a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, do 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, according to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1234, dated March 27, 2000, or Revision 1, 
dated August 10, 2000.
    (1) Measure the clearance between a certain retention bracket 
for the elevator power control unit (PCU) and a quadrant on the 
inboard side of the right elevator PCU. If clearance is less than 
0.10 inch, before further flight, accomplish rework according to the 
service bulletin.
    (2) Perform a one-time general visual inspection for loose 
fasteners or brackets in certain retention bracket assemblies for 
the left and right elevator PCUs. If any loose fastener or bracket 
is found, before further flight, torque affected fasteners, 
according to the service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

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 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

    (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 actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1234, dated March 27, 2000, or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-27A1234, Revision 1, dated August 10, 2000. 
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.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 3, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 11, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-6328 Filed 3-18-02; 8:45 am]
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