[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34639-34641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12068]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-402-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 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 757-200 
series airplanes with stowage bins installed forward of door 2 at 
Station 680. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to 
determine if a certain intercostal is installed for support of the 
overhead stowage bin(s) at Station 680, and follow-on actions, if 
necessary. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the stowage 
bin attachment fitting at Station 680, which could result in the 
overhead stowage bin falling onto the passenger seats below and 
injuring passengers or impeding the evacuation of passengers in an 
emergency. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-402-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-402-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.

[[Page 34640]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical Information: John Piccola, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-1509; fax (425) 227-1181.
    Other Information: Judy Golder, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Editor/Writer; telephone (425) 227-1119, fax (425) 227-1232. Questions 
or comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following 
address: [email protected]. Questions or comments sent via the 
Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft 
Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.

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-402-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-402-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report that the airplane manufacturer's 
review of the support structure on Boeing Model 757-200 series 
airplanes in passenger-carrying configuration revealed inadequate 
support structure for the overhead stowage bin(s) at Station 680. Due 
to this inadequate support structure, the attachment fitting for the 
overhead stowage bin does not have an adequate load path. Under certain 
conditions (i.e., 9G forward acceleration with the overhead stowage bin 
at maximum weight), the stowage bin attachment fitting at Station 680 
could fail. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the 
overhead stowage bin falling onto the passenger seats below and 
injuring passengers or impeding the evacuation of passengers in an 
emergency.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-
0194, dated February 11, 1999, which describes procedures for a one-
time visual inspection to determine if an intercostal is installed 
between stringers 8 and 9 at Station 680 on the left and right sides of 
the airplane. That intercostal would provide the support for the 
overhead stowage bin(s). As follow-on actions if no intercostal is 
installed, the service bulletin specifies a visual inspection for 
cracking or damage of stringer 8 and the tie rod mounting assembly, and 
installation of a new intercostal between stringers 8 and 9. If any 
cracking or damage is found during the visual inspection, the service 
bulletin specifies to contact the airplane manufacturer for repair 
instructions. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition.

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 bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note the following differences between this 
proposed AD and the service bulletin:
     Though the service bulletin specifies that the 
manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of certain repair 
conditions, this proposal would require the repair of those conditions 
to be accomplished per a method approved by the FAA, or per data 
meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a 
Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been 
authorized by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, to 
make such findings.
     The service bulletin recommends that the actions therein 
be done ``at the next scheduled maintenance time when personnel and 
material are available.'' However, the FAA finds that such a compliance 
time may not ensure that the proposed actions are accomplished in a 
timely manner. Therefore, this proposed AD would require that the 
proposed actions be done within 24 months after the effective date of 
the AD.
     The service bulletin specifies a visual inspection for 
cracking or damage of stringer 8 and the tie rod mounting assembly, if 
no intercostal is installed between stringers 8 and 9 at Station 680. 
The FAA has determined that the procedures for this inspection 
constitute a ``detailed inspection.'' Therefore, the proposed AD 
identifies the inspection for cracking or damage as a ``detailed 
inspection'' and Note 3 of this proposed AD defines such an inspection.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 403 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 219 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The proposed inspection would take up to 2 work hours per airplane 
(1 work hour per side of the airplane), at the average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be up 
to $26,280, or $120 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.

[[Page 34641]]

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.
    Should an operator be required to do the proposed installation, it 
would take up to 2 work hours per airplane (1 work hour per side of the 
airplane), at the average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $1,310 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the installation proposed by this AD is 
estimated to be $1,430 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-402-AD.

    Applicability: Model 757-200 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0194, 
dated February 11, 1999, and having stowage bins installed forward 
of door 2 at Station 680.

    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 failure of the stowage bin attachment fitting at 
Station 680, which could result in the overhead stowage bin falling 
onto the passenger seats below and injuring passengers or impeding 
the evacuation of passengers in an emergency, accomplish the 
following:

One-Time Inspection

    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
one-time general visual inspection to determine if an intercostal is 
installed between stringers 8 and 9 for support of the overhead 
stowage bin at Station 680, on the left and right sides of the 
airplane, as applicable, according to Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
25-0194, dated February 11, 1999. If an intercostal is installed on 
each side that has an overhead stowage bin at Station 680, no 
further action is necessary.

    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.''

Follow-On Actions

    (b) For each side of the airplane that has an overhead stowage 
bin at Station 680 but no intercostal installed: Before further 
flight after the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, do 
a one-time detailed inspection for cracking or damage of stringer 8 
and the tie rod mounting assembly, and install a new intercostal 
between stringers 8 and 9, according to Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
25-0194, dated February 11, 1999.

    Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination 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 good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Repair of Cracking or Damage

    (c) If any cracking or damage is found during the detailed 
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further 
flight, and before installation of the intercostal, repair per a 
method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis 
of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering 
Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, 
to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved, the 
approval must specifically reference 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 ACO. 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 4: 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 
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 May 8, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-12068 Filed 5-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P