[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 5, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59559-59562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-22355]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19245; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, 
-700, -700C, -800 and -900 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 59560]]


ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800 
and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the 
wiring for the master dim and test system. For certain airplanes, this 
proposed AD would also require related concurrent actions as necessary. 
This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the master dim and test 
system circuit does not have wiring separation of the test ground 
signal for redundant equipment in the flight compartment. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent a single fault failure inflight from 
simulating a test condition and showing test patterns instead of the 
selected radio frequencies on the communications panels, which could 
inhibit communication between the flightcrew and the control tower, 
affecting the continued safe flight of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 19, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    sbull By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Technical information: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and 
Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19245; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-108-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that the master dim and test 
system circuit does not have wiring separation of the test ground 
signal for redundant equipment in the flight compartment on certain 
Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 
series airplanes. This condition could allow a single fault to simulate 
a test condition in the annunciators, switches, and displays in the 
flight compartment. A single fault failure could also simulate a test 
condition on the communications panels and show test patterns instead 
of the selected radio frequencies. The flightcrew needs to know the 
selected radio frequencies so they can communicate with the control 
tower. In flight, if test patterns appear instead of the selected radio 
frequencies on the communications panels, communication between the 
flightcrew and the control tower could be inhibited, and the continued 
safe flight of the airplane could be affected.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1132, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2004 (for Model 737-300, -400, and-500 
series airplanes). We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
33-1133, Revision 2, dated December 4, 2003 (for Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes). These service bulletins 
describe procedures for modifying the wiring for the master dim and 
test system. The modification includes re-routing existing wiring, 
creating splices, and performing operational testing.
    For certain airplanes, Service Bulletin 737-33-1132 specifies prior 
or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-77-1022, 
currently at Revision 1, dated October 26, 1989. Service Bulletin 737-
77-1022 describes procedures for installing an engine instrument system 
(EIS), and specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-77-1023,

[[Page 59561]]

currently at Revision1, dated November 9, 1989. Service Bulletin 737-
77-1023 describes procedures for modifying the advisory system for the 
EIS. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-77-1023 references Smiths Industries 
Service Bulletin 311EDP-77-348 as an additional source of service 
information for modifying the existing EIS unit.
    For certain other airplanes, Service Bulletin 737-33-1133 specifies 
prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
26A1083, currently at Revision 1, dated November 15, 2001; and Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-33-1121, currently at Revision 1, December 19, 
2002. Service Bulletin 737-26A1083 describes procedures for installing 
a smoke detection and fire extinguishing system in the cargo 
compartment. Service Bulletin 737-33-1121 describes procedures for 
installing wiring for the test system for the audio control panel lamp.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require modifying the wiring for the master dim and test system. 
The proposed AD would require you to use the service information 
described previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 2,868 airplanes worldwide, and 
1,181 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the 
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Average
         Boeing service bulletin            Work  hours   labor rate              Parts               Cost per
                                                           per hour                                   airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-33-1132, Revision 1..................            14           $65  Nominal....................          $910
737-33-1133, Revision 2..................             3            65  Nominal....................           195
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                       Estimated Concurrent Service Bulletin Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Average
        Boeing service bulletin                   Work  hours             labor rate             Parts                      Cost per  airplane
                                                                           per hour
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-26A1083, Revision 1 (Only one       185............................           $65  Between $30,000 and       Between $42,025 and $48,425.
 airplane affected).                                                                    $36,400.
737-33-1121, Revision 1...............  Between 5 and 6................            65  Between $200 and $340...  Between $525 and $730.
737-77-1022, Revision 1 (Only four      72.............................            65  No charge...............  $4,680.
 airplanes affected).
737-77-1023, Revision 1...............  Between 1 and 3................            65  Nominal.................  Between $65 and $195.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19245; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
108-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by November 19, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes listed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-33-1132, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2004; and Model 737-600, -
700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes listed in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-33-1133, Revision 2, dated December 4, 2003; 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report that the master dim and 
test system circuit does not have wiring separation of the test 
ground signal for redundant equipment in the flight compartment. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent a single fault failure inflight from 
simulating a test condition and showing test patterns instead of the 
selected radio frequencies on the communications panels, which could 
inhibit communication between the flightcrew and the control tower, 
affecting the continued safe flight of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within

[[Page 59562]]

the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been 
done.

Modification

    (f) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the wiring for the master dim test system in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-33-1132, Revision 1, dated March 4, 2004 (for Model 
737-300, -400, -500 series airplanes); and Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-33-1133, Revision 2, dated December 4, 2003 (for Model 737-600, 
-700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes); as applicable.

Actions Required To Be Accomplished Prior to or Concurrently With 
Paragraph (f) of This AD

    (g) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph 
(f) of this AD, do the actions specified in Table 1 of this AD, as 
applicable.

                    Table 1--Prior/Concurrent Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Accomplish all     According to the
              For--               actions associated    Accomplishment
                                        with--         Instructions of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 57 airplanes identified in  Installing an       Boeing Service
 Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-   engine instrument   Bulletin 737-77-
 1132, Revision 1, dated March     system (EIS) and.   1022, Revision 1,
 4, 2004.                                              dated October 26,
                                                       1989.
                                  Modifying the       Boeing Service
                                   advisory system     Bulletin 737-77-
                                   for the EIS.        1023, Revision 1,
                                                       dated November 9,
                                                       1989.
Group 4, 5, 7, 15, 16, 20, 24,    Installing wiring   Boeing Service
 25, 29, 30, 33, 37, 39, 40, 41,   for the test        Bulletin 737-33-
 and 46 airplanes identified in    system for the      1121, Revision 1,
 Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-   audio control       dated December
 1133, Revision 2, dated           panel lamp.         19, 2002.
 December 4, 2003.
Group 2 airplanes identified in   Installing splice   Boeing Service
 Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-   SP896.              Bulletin 737-
 1121, Revision 1, dated                               26A1083, Revision
 December 19, 2002.                                    1, dated November
                                                       15, 2001.
Group 39 airplanes identified in  Installing a smoke  Boeing Service
 Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-   detection and       Bulletin 737-
 1133, Revision 2, dated           fire                26A1083, Revision
 December 4, 2003.                 extinguishing       1, dated November
                                   system in the       15, 2001.
                                   cargo compartment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actions Accomplished per Previous Issue of Service Bulletins

    (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-33-
1132, dated March 20, 2003; Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1133, 
dated December 19, 2002; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-33-1133, 
Revision 1, dated April 17, 2003, as applicable, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified 
in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22355 Filed 10-4-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P