[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 311-315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-23]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-19-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 737-200, and 
737-200C Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, (DOT).

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 737-
200, and 737-200C series airplanes. That proposed AD would have 
required a one-time inspection to determine the part number of 
hydraulic accumulators installed in various areas of the airplane, and 
follow-on corrective actions if necessary. This new action revises the 
proposed rule by adding an inspection of an additional area of the 
airplane, and follow-on corrective actions if necessary. This new 
action also clarifies what actions are necessary for accumulators with 
certain part numbers. This action is necessary to prevent high-velocity 
separation of a barrel, piston, or end cap from a hydraulic 
accumulator. Such separation could result in injury to personnel in the 
accumulator area; loss of cabin pressurization; loss of affected 
hydraulic systems; or damage to plumbing, electrical installations, or 
structural members. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-19-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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. 2002-NM-19-AD'' in 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, PO 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: Barbara Mudrovich, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2983; 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:
    [sbull] 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.

[[Page 312]]

    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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 2002-NM-19-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. 200-NM-19-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
certain Boeing Model 727, 737-100, 737-200, and 737-200C series 
airplanes, was published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in 
the Federal Register on May 20, 2002 (67 FR 35464). That NPRM would 
have required a one-time inspection to determine the part number of 
hydraulic accumulators installed in various areas of the airplane, and 
follow-on corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by 
reports of several incidents on various Boeing Model 747 series 
airplanes, and one incident on a Boeing Model 737-200 series airplane, 
in which aluminum end caps on hydraulic accumulators have fractured. 
That condition, if not corrected, could result in high-velocity 
separation of a barrel, piston, or end cap from a hydraulic 
accumulator. Such separation could result in injury to personnel in the 
accumulator area; loss of cabin pressurization; loss of affected 
hydraulic systems; or damage to plumbing, electrical installations, or 
structural members.

Comments

    Due consideration has been given to the comments received in 
response to the NPRM. Certain comments, as discussed below, have 
resulted in changes to the proposed AD.

Support for the Proposed AD

    One commenter concurs with the proposed AD, and another commenter 
states that it has no technical objection to the proposed AD because it 
does not operate any affected airplanes.

Include Additional Requirements

    One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, requests that the FAA 
revise the proposed AD to include additional requirements. The 
commenter points out that Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-78-1068, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2001, addresses a hydraulic 
accumulator, Boeing part number (P/N) BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 2660472-2 or 
2660472M2), installed in the thrust reverser actuation system on 
certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and ``200C series airplanes. Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1334, Revision 1, dated March 
1, 2001, which is one of the service bulletins that would be required 
by the proposed AD, addresses the same hydraulic accumulator as 
installed in the landing gear brake system.
    The FAA concurs with the commenter's request. We have reviewed and 
approved Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, 
Revision 1. That service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection to determine the part number of the hydraulic accumulator in 
the thrust reverser actuation system, and follow-on corrective actions. 
Corrective actions include replacing the existing hydraulic accumulator 
with an improved or modified accumulator having stainless steel end 
caps. The service bulletin refers to Parker Service Bulletin 2660472-
29-63, dated December 12, 2000, as the appropriate source of service 
information for modification of the hydraulic accumulator.
    We have added a new paragraph, paragraph (e), to this supplemental 
NPRM to propose to require accomplishment of the actions in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, Revision 1. Also, we 
have added Note 6 to this supplemental NPRM to state that the service 
bulletin refers to Parker Service Bulletin 2660472-29-63 as the 
appropriate source of service information for modification of the 
hydraulic accumulator.

Remove Requirement to Replace Certain Accumulators

    One commenter requests that we revise paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2) 
of the proposed AD to remove certain P/Ns. The commenter points out 
that the accumulators with those particular P/Ns have steel end caps. 
The only necessary action is installation of new accumulator clamps and 
mounting hardware. The commenter suggests that we move the specified P/
Ns to a separate paragraph to clarify that replacement of these 
accumulators with new accumulators is not necessary.
    We concur that moving the specified part numbers to separate 
paragraphs would more clearly state our intent. We acknowledge that the 
P/Ns identified by the commenter do not need to be replaced. Therefore, 
we have revised paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2) of this supplemental NPRM 
to remove the subject P/Ns, and have included those P/Ns in new 
paragraphs (b)(3) and (c)(3) of this supplemental NPRM. Those 
paragraphs would require replacing existing accumulator clamps and 
mounting hardware with stronger accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware, per the referenced service bulletin.

Remove a Certain Accumulator

    The same commenter requests that we remove a certain accumulator, 
P/N BACA11E4S, from paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2) of the proposed AD. 
The commenter states that, while that accumulator has aluminum end 
caps, the end caps are thicker and the design of the accumulator is 
different from that of the accumulators that have failed in service. 
The commenter notes that there have been no reported failures of that 
accumulator. The commenter asserts that no action is necessary if this 
accumulator is installed.
    We partially concur. We do not agree that no action is necessary if 
an accumulator with the subject P/N is installed. However, if an 
accumulator with the subject P/N is installed, it is necessary only to 
replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting hardware with new, 
stronger clamps and hardware. Therefore, we have removed the subject P/
N from paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2) of the proposed AD and instead have 
included it in new paragraphs (b)(3) and (c)(3) of this supplemental 
NPRM, which were described previously.

Explanation of Additional Changes

    Because the language in Notes 2 and 6 of the proposed AD is 
regulatory in nature, those notes have been

[[Page 313]]

redesignated as paragraphs (f) and (g) of this supplemental NPRM. 
Remaining notes have been renumbered accordingly.
    Also, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), have been revised in 
this supplemental NPRM to clarify that we do not intend to require 
completing the Evaluation Form attached to the service bulletin.

Conclusion

    Since certain changes described previously expand the scope of the 
originally proposed AD, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to 
reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for public 
comment.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,832 Model 727 series airplanes and 1,033 
Model 737 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide 
fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,294 Model 727 series airplanes and 376 
Model 737 series airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD.
    We estimate that it would take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed one-time inspection, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed one-time inspection on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $100,200, or $60 per airplane.

Cost Impact: On-Condition Actions

    For an airplane subject to the replacement per Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-29-0064, we estimate that it would take approximately 5 
work hours per accumulator (two hydraulic system accumulators per 
airplane), at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost between $1,400 (new part) and $2,810 (vendor-modified 
part) per accumulator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
replacement, if necessary, would be between $1,700 and $3,110 per 
accumulator.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement of both the mounting 
clamps and hardware and the hydraulic accumulator per Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-32-0410, we estimate that it would take approximately 6 
work hours per airplane to accomplish (one landing gear brake 
accumulator per airplane), at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would cost between $2,500 (new part) and $3,975 
(vendor-modified part) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of this replacement, if necessary, would be between $2,860 and 
$4,335 per airplane.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement of both the mounting 
clamps and hardware and the hydraulic accumulator per Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-52-0148, we estimate that it would take approximately 6 
work hours per airplane (one aft airstairs hydraulic accumulator per 
airplane) to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost between $2,500 (new part) and $3,975 (vendor-
modified part) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
this replacement, if necessary, would be between $2,860 and $4,335 per 
airplane.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement per Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1334, we estimate that it would take approximately 5 
work hours per accumulator (two landing gear hydraulic brake 
accumulators per airplane) to accomplish, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Required parts would cost between $2,175 (operator-
modified part) and $2,410 (vendor-modified part) per accumulator. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement, if necessary, 
would be between $2,475 and $2,710 per accumulator.
    For an airplane subject to the replacement per Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, we estimate that it would take 
approximately 5 work hours per accumulator to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost between 
$2,175 (operator-modified part) and $2,410 (vendor-modified part) per 
accumulator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
replacement, if necessary, would be between $2,475 and $2,710 per 
accumulator.
    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 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.

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 2002-NM-19-AD.
    Applicability: Model 727 series airplanes, line numbers (L/N) 1 
through 1832 inclusive; and Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series 
airplanes, L/N 1 through 1033 inclusive; 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 (j) 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.


[[Page 314]]


    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent high-velocity separation of a barrel, piston, or end 
cap from a hydraulic accumulator, which could result in injury to 
personnel in the accumulator area; loss of cabin pressurization; 
loss of affected hydraulic systems; or damage to plumbing, 
electrical installations, or structural members; accomplish the 
following:

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 727-29-0064

    (a) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-29-0064, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2001: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the part 
numbers (P/Ns) of hydraulic accumulators in hydraulic systems ``A'' 
and ``B,'' per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with Parker P/N 1356-603303 is 
installed: No further action is required by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with Parker P/N 1356-603303 is 
installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever is first, replace the subject 
hydraulic accumulator with a new or modified accumulator, per the 
service bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.

    Note 2: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-29-0064, 
Revision 1, refers to Parker Service Bulletin 1356-603303-29-60, 
dated January 9, 2001, as the appropriate source of service 
information for modification of the hydraulic accumulators that are 
subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 727-29-0064, Revision 1.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 727-32-0410

    (b) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-32-0410, Revision 2, dated January 24, 2002: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/N of 
the hydraulic accumulator in the landing gear brake system, per the 
service bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399, 3780078-
104, BACA11E4S, BACA11E4SA, 60857-4-1, or BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 
2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399 or 
BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware, and replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new 
or modified accumulator, per the service bulletin, excluding the 
Evaluation Form.
    (3) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 3780078-104, 
BACA11E4S, BACA11E4SA, or 60857-4-1 is installed: Within 18 months 
or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
is first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting hardware 
with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting hardware, per the 
service bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.

    Note 3: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0410, 
Revision 2, refers to Parker Service Bulletins 1356-603399-29-61 and 
2660472-29-63, both dated December 12, 2000, as the appropriate 
sources of service information for modification of the hydraulic 
accumulators that are subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 
727-32-0410, Revision 2.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 727-52-0148

    (c) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-52-0148, Revision 2, dated January 24, 2002: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/N of 
the hydraulic accumulator in the aft airstairs, per the service 
bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399, 3780078-
104, BACA11E4S, BACA11E4SA, 60857-4-1, or BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 
2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 1356-603399 or 
BACA11E4 (vendor P/N 2660472-4 or 2660472M4) is installed: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting 
hardware, and replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new 
or modified accumulator, per the service bulletin, excluding the 
Evaluation Form.
    (3) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N 3780078-104, 
BACA11E4S, BACA11E4SA, or 60857-4-1 is installed: Within 18 months 
or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
is first, replace existing accumulator clamps and mounting hardware 
with new, stronger accumulator clamps and mounting hardware, per the 
service bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.

    Note 4: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-52-0148, 
Revision 2, refers to Parker Service Bulletins 1356-603399-29-61 and 
2660472-29-63, both dated December 12, 2000, as the appropriate 
sources of service information for modification of the hydraulic 
accumulators that are subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 
727-52-0148, Revision 2.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 737-32-1334

    (d) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1334, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2001: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/Ns 
of the hydraulic accumulators in the landing gear brake system, per 
the service bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new or 
modified accumulator, per the service bulletin, excluding the 
Evaluation Form.

    Note 5: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1334, 
Revision 1, refers to Parker Service Bulletin 2660472-29-63, dated 
December 12, 2000, as the appropriate source of service information 
for modification of the hydraulic accumulators that are subject to 
replacement per Service Bulletin 737-32-1334, Revision 1.

Inspection/Corrective Action: Service Bulletin 737-78-1068

    (e) For airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-78-1068, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2001: Within 18 
months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, do a one-time inspection to determine the P/Ns 
of the hydraulic accumulators in the thrust reverser actuation 
system, per the service bulletin, excluding the Evaluation Form.
    (1) If no hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: No further action is required 
by this paragraph.
    (2) If any hydraulic accumulator with P/N BACA11E2 (vendor P/N 
2660472-2 or 2660472M2) is installed: Within 18 months or 6,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, replace the subject hydraulic accumulator with a new or 
modified accumulator, per the service bulletin, excluding the 
Evaluation Form.

    Note 6: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, 
Revision 1, refers to Parker Service Bulletin 2660472-29-63, both 
dated December 12, 2000, as the appropriate source of service 
information for modification of the hydraulic accumulators that are 
subject to replacement per Service Bulletin 737-78-1068, Revision 1.

Inspections Accomplished Per Previous Issues of Service Bulletins

    (f) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-29-0064, dated June 8, 2000, are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding action required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD.
    (g) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1334, dated May 11, 2000, are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding actions required by paragraph 
(d) of this AD.
    (h) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-78-1068, dated June 8, 2000, are considered acceptable 
for compliance

[[Page 315]]

with the corresponding action required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

Part Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no one may install a 
hydraulic accumulator with a P/N listed in paragraph (a)(2), (b)(2), 
(c)(2), (d)(2), or (e)(2) of this AD on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (j) 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 7: 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

    (k) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 24, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-23 Filed 1-2-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P