[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41931-41934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17391]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0032; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-236-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

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

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, 
and -900 series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require inspecting the 
orientation of both sides of the coil cord connector keyways of the 
number 2 windows on the flight deck; re-clocking the connector keyways 
to 12 o'clock, if necessary; and replacing the coil cord assemblies on 
both number 2 windows on the flight deck. That NPRM was prompted by 
reports of arcing and smoke at the left number 2 window in the flight 
deck. This action revises that NPRM by changing the keyway position of 
certain receptacle connectors and adding airplanes to the 
applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to 
prevent arcing, smoke, and fire in the flight deck, which could lead to 
injuries to or incapacitation of the flightcrew. Since these actions 
impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are 
reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment 
on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by August 31, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis Natsiopoulos, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0032; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-236-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that 
would apply to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and 
-900 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010. That NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on January 26, 2011 (76 FR 4567). 
That NPRM proposed to require inspecting the orientation of both sides 
of the coil cord connector keyways of the number 2 windows on the 
flight deck; re-clocking the connector keyways to 12 o'clock, if 
necessary; and replacing the coil cord assemblies on both number 2 
windows on the flight deck.

Actions Since Previous NPRM (76 FR 4567, January 26, 2011) Was Issued

    Since we issued the previous NPRM (76 FR 4567, January 26, 2011), 
we have received three reports by operators of wire connectors at the 
two ends of the coil cord rubbing each other. These operators had 
accomplished the actions described in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010 (or earlier 
revisions), which was referred to in the previous NPRM as the 
appropriate source of service information. The rub condition occurs 
when the window opens or is in the fully open position. The rub 
condition can possibly cause damage to the wire connector and the coil 
cord and cause arcing, smoke, and fire in the flight deck, which could 
lead to injuries to or incapacitation of the

[[Page 41932]]

flightcrew. As a result of these findings, Boeing has issued Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 
2011, to correct the rubbing condition. The SNPRM will specify Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 
2011 as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing 
the proposed actions.
    This SNPRM also adds airplanes to the applicability, which includes 
Model 737-900ER airplanes and airplanes that have accomplished the 
actions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, 
Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010, in production.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous NPRM 
(76 FR 4567, January 26, 2011). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for Previous NPRM (76 FR 4567, January 26, 2011)

    American Airlines (American) and Delta Airlines (Delta) stated they 
have no objections to the previous NPRM (76 FR 4567, January 26, 2011).

Request To Use Revised Clocking Positions

    Boeing requested that clocking of the connectors for the left 
window be changed to the 9 o'clock position, and the 3 o'clock position 
for the right window. Boeing stated that this will provide better 
separation between the two ends of the coiled cord when the windows are 
in the open position. Boeing stated that Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010, will be revised 
to reflect this change.
    We agree. The proposed change prevents coil cord damage resulting 
from the close proximity of the two ends of the cord when the windows 
are in the open position. Without this change, the unsafe condition 
that originally prompted the previous NPRM (76 FR 4567, January 26, 
2011) would not be corrected. We have changed the SNPRM to reference 
the actions specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011.

Request To Revise Certain Service Information

    American stated that Paragraph 1.K.1. of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010, states 
that the only affected publication is the Boeing Model 737 illustrated 
parts catalog (IPC). But American pointed out that the wiring diagram 
manual (WDM) also needs to be revised, because Figures 2 and 7 of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 3, 
dated July 7, 2010, show the new wiring diagram after the installation 
of the new coil cord assembly.
    We agree that the WDM is affected by wiring changes shown in 
Figures 2 and 7 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-
1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010. As previously described, we have 
updated this supplemental NPRM to refer to Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011. 
Paragraph 1.K.1. of that service bulletin does include the WDM as an 
affected reference.

Request To Revise Service Information Reference

    American stated that, in Figures 4 and 9 of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010, 
Section 20-10-11 of the standard wiring practices manual (SWPM) is 
referenced as an accepted procedure for adjusting the connector keyway 
if it needs to be re-clocked. American pointed out that this SWPM 
section does mention connectors, but does not reference clocking of 
keyways. Therefore, the more appropriate reference would be Section 20-
60-06 of the SWPM, which covers the installation of electrical 
connectors.
    We agree that Section 20-10-11 of the SWPM does not provide 
instructions for setting the keyway or re-clocking the connectors. 
Those instructions are included in Section 20-60-06 of the SWPM. 
However, re-clocking or resetting the connector keyway is a misnomer of 
the intended action. According to Boeing, the intended action in 
Figures 4 and 9 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-
1058, Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010, is the repositioning of the 
connector, not re-clocking or resetting the connector keyway. Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated 
November 3, 2011, deletes the wording ``re-clocking or resetting the 
connector keyway,'' and replaces it with text more clearly describing 
the intended action. As explained previously, we have changed the SNPRM 
to reference Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, 
Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this SNPRM because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. 
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the previous NPRM 
(76 FR 4567, January 26, 2011). As a result, we have determined that it 
is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional 
opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 712 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                     Cost per        Number of     Cost on U.S.
            Action                 Labor cost       Parts cost        product        airplanes       operators
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Keyway inspection and           6 work-hours x            $1,608          $2,118             712      $1,508,016
 installation of new cord        $85 per hour =
 assemblies on both sides of     $510.
 the flight deck (Group 1,
 Configuration 1 airplanes).
Adjustment of receptacles on    4 work-hours x                 0             340             404         137,360
 both sides of the flight deck   $85 per hour =
 (Group 1, Configuration 1,      $340.
 and Group 2 airplanes).
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue

[[Page 41933]]

rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs'' 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0032; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-236-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 31, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain Protection.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke at the left 
number 2 window in the flight deck. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent arcing, smoke, and fire in the flight deck, which could lead 
to injuries to or incapacitation of the flightcrew.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Replacement for Group 1, Configuration 1 Airplanes

    For Group 1, Configuration 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated 
November 3, 2011: Within 48 months after the effective date of this 
AD, do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of the orientation of the 
coil cord connector keyways on the captain's and first officer's 
sides of the flight compartment, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011. If the 
orientation is not at the specified position, before further flight, 
turn the receptacle connector to the correct position, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011.
    (2) Replace the coil cords with new coil cords on both sides of 
the flight deck, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 
4, dated November 3, 2011.

(h) Inspection and Replacement for Group 1, Configuration 2, and Group 
2 Airplanes

    For Group 1, Configuration 2, and Group 2 airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, 
Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011: Within 48 months after the 
effective date of this AD, install the receptacle connector with 
changed keyway position on both sides of the flight deck, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 
3, 2011.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the replacement required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if the replacement was performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), or (i)(4) of this AD, 
provided that the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are 
done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-30-1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011, for Group 1, 
Configuration 2, and Group 2 airplanes.
    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, dated July 27, 2006, 
which is not incorporated by reference.
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 1, dated June 
18, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference.
    (3) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, Revision 2, dated 
February 13, 2009, which is not incorporated by reference.
    (4) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-1058, 
Revision 3, dated July 7, 2010, which is not incorporated by 
reference.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Louis 
Natsiopoulos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton,

[[Page 41934]]

WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17391 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P