[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 166 (Monday, August 27, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51724-51729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20880]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0258; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-191-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company

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, -
900, and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require, for 
certain airplanes, installing two warning level indicator lights on 
each of the P1-3 and P3-1 instrument panels in the flight compartment. 
That NPRM also proposed to require revising the airplane flight manual 
to remove certain requirements of previous AD actions, and to advise 
the flightcrew of the following changes: revised non-normal procedures 
to use when a cabin altitude warning or rapid depressurization occurs, 
and revised cabin pressurization procedures for normal operations. That 
NPRM was prompted by a design change in the cabin altitude warning 
system that would address the identified unsafe condition. This action 
revises that NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability; adding 
airplanes to the installation requirement, including, for certain 
airplanes, replacing the existing P5-16 and P5-10 panels; and, for 
certain airplanes, replacing the basic P5-16 panel with a high altitude 
landing P5-16 panel. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent 
failure of the flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin 
altitude warning horn, which could result in incapacitation of the 
flightcrew due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the body), and consequent 
loss of control of the airplane. 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 October 
11, 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, Washington 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, Washington. 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: Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: (425) 917-6472; 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-2011-0258; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-191-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite

[[Page 51725]]

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 certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 24, 2011 (76 FR 16579). That NPRM proposed to 
require installing two warning level indicator lights on each of the 
P1-3 and P3-1 instrument panels in the flight compartment. That NPRM 
also proposed to require revising the airplane flight manual to remove 
certain requirements of previous AD actions, and to advise the 
flightcrew of the following changes: Revised non-normal procedures to 
use when a cabin altitude warning or rapid depressurization occurs, and 
revised cabin pressurization procedures for normal operations.

Actions Since Previous NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011) Was Issued

    Since we issued the previous NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011), we 
have determined that additional airplanes are affected by the 
identified unsafe condition, the installation of two warning level 
indicator lights must be done on additional airplanes (i.e., airplanes 
with the high altitude landing configuration of the cabin altitude 
warning system), and for certain airplanes, a replacement of the basic 
P5-16 panel with a high altitude landing P5-16 panel must be done. And 
for certain other airplanes replacement of the existing P5-16 and P5-10 
panels must be done.

Revised Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, 
Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012. The previous NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 
24, 2011), referred to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, 
Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010, as the appropriate source of service 
information for doing the proposed actions. Boeing has revised this 
service information to add airplanes to the effectivity (including the 
airplanes that were identified in table 1 of the previous NPRM) and 
clarify certain actions and figures. We have changed paragraph (c) of 
this supplemental NPRM to refer to the airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012. 
We have also included Revision 3 as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing the required actions of this supplemental 
NPRM. We have also included credit for actions accomplished using 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 
2010; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 2, dated 
August 18, 2011; provided certain actions have been done on certain 
airplanes.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 
28, 2012, includes concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-21-1171, dated February 12, 2009, for certain airplanes. Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-21-1171, dated February 12, 2009, describes 
procedures for replacing the basic P5-16 panel with a high altitude 
landing P5-16 panel.

Related Rulemaking

    On August 7, 2009, we issued AD 2009-16-07, Amendment 39-15990 (74 
FR 41607, August 18, 2009), for certain Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, and -900 series airplanes. That AD requires replacing brackets 
that hold the P5 panel to the airplane structure, the standby compass 
bracket assembly, the generator drive and standby power module, and the 
air conditioning module. That AD also requires among other actions, 
inspecting for wire length and for damage of the connectors and the 
wire bundles and doing applicable corrective actions if necessary. That 
AD also requires an additional operational test of the P5-14 panel.
    For airplanes on which the modification specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010; or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 2, dated August 18, 
2011; was done, those actions could result in non-compliance with the 
actions required by AD 2009-16-07, Amendment 39-15990 (74 FR 41607, 
August 18, 2009). For airplanes on which the modification in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012, 
was done, those actions comply with the actions required by AD 2009-16-
07. In light of these factors, operators should ensure compliance with 
AD 2009-16-07.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous NPRM 
(76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011)

    Air Line Pilot's Association International supports the previous 
NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011).

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    American Airlines (AAL) stated that it started a program for 
accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010. AAL added that adoption 
of a 36-month accomplishment schedule will result in six airplanes on 
which the actions cannot be completed during its normal heavy 
maintenance schedule; therefore, a special higher-cost visit will have 
to be scheduled for those airplanes. AAL noted that the current flight 
manual procedures will remain in place until all airplanes are 
modified. We infer that AAL is asking that the compliance time be 
extended to coincide with its normal heavy maintenance schedule.
    We partially agree with the commenter.
    We agree with the commenter's intention to keep its current flight 
manual procedures in place until all airplanes in its fleet have been 
modified. This will maintain continuous standardization of operating 
procedures across the operator's fleet, allowing operation of all 
airplanes in its fleet under one common set of operating procedures at 
all times. Since the previous NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011) 
proposed to require airplane flight manual changes before further 
flight after accomplishing the required airplane modification, 
increasing the compliance time requirement for the airplane flight 
manual changes is necessary in order to allow operators the ability to 
provide this standardization of operating procedures. We have 
determined that since all airplanes are required to be modified within 
36 months, those airplanes must also have the required airplane flight 
manual changes incorporated within the same time frame, but not before 
the required airplane modifications have been accomplished. We have 
increased the compliance time for the airplane flight manual revision 
required by paragraph (j) of this supplemental NPRM to within 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD and after doing the airplane

[[Page 51726]]

modifications required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    We do not agree to increase the compliance time for the 
modification. We acknowledge that in some cases it may be necessary to 
accomplish AD requirements outside of normal maintenance schedules and 
that additional cost can be incurred. However, we performed a risk 
assessment which indicates that a 36-month compliance time for 
accomplishing the modification is the longest acceptable compliance 
time allowed, in order to provide continued operational safety. In 
developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the safety 
implications and normal maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment 
of the actions. In light of this, we have determined that a 36-month 
interval is appropriate. Under the provisions of paragraph (m)(1) of 
the supplemental NPRM, we will consider requests for approval of an 
extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that the extension would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. We have made no change to the compliance time requirement in 
paragraph (g) of the supplemental NPRM.
    Delta Airlines (DAL) asked that the previous NPRM (76 FR 16579, 
March 24, 2011) include a provision specifying that airplanes on which 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, dated January 7, 2010, has 
been done are in compliance with the proposed requirements. DAL stated 
that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 
24, 2010, indicates that no more work is necessary on airplanes changed 
in accordance with the original issue of that service bulletin. DAL 
added that although it has not done the actions in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-31A1332, dated January 7, 2010, there may be other 
operators that have. DAL suggested that the previous NPRM include a 
paragraph to address those airplanes.
    We do not agree with the commenter. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-31A1332, dated January 7, 2010, was only approved for use on one 
airplane to validate the Accomplishment Instructions. That validation 
revealed that extensive corrections to the instructions were necessary 
to accomplish the modification; therefore, it did not receive FAA 
approval for fleetwide use. In light of this, no credit is allowed for 
prior accomplishment of the actions required by this supplemental NPRM 
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, dated January 7, 2010. 
If any operators incorporated the actions specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, dated January 7, 2010, affected operators 
may request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under the 
provisions of paragraph (m)(1) of this supplemental NPRM by submitting 
data substantiating that the change would provide an acceptable level 
of safety. We have not changed the supplemental NPRM in this regard.

Request To Clarify Certain Notes in the Service Information

    DAL asked that we clarify the instructions in certain notes 
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, 
dated June 24, 2010. DAL stated that paragraph (g) of the previous NPRM 
(76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011) requires operators to install warning 
level indicator lights in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, 
dated June 24, 2010. DAL added that Figure 1, Note (b), and Figure 2, 
Note (b) of that service bulletin specify that operators can get the 
new part by reworking the existing part; Figure 3, Notes (a) and (b) 
also specify reworking the panels. DAL noted that these figures specify 
that the rework is done by using the procedures in the referenced BAE 
Systems service bulletins. DAL added that Figure 1, Note (b) states 
``You can get the new part by reworking the existing part as given in 
BAE Systems SB 233A2221-31-01, BAE Systems SB 233A2221-31-02, and BAE 
Systems SB 233A2221-31-03.'' DAL stated that rework of the panel in 
accordance with only one of the three BAE Systems service bulletins is 
required, based on the number of the panel to be modified. DAL noted 
that it is not possible to accomplish all three of the BAE Systems 
service bulletins on one panel since each service bulletin is 
applicable to a unique set of part numbers.
    We do not agree with the commenter. The manufacturer has not 
identified the dash level of the part numbers in the subject notes of 
the referenced figures specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010. The intent of the notes is to 
allow rework of the applicable dash number part according to the 
applicable BAE component service bulletin, not by using all three BAE 
component service bulletins. We have made no change to the supplemental 
NPRM in this regard.

Request To Clarify Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) Reference

    DAL asked that we clarify the CMM reference specified in paragraph 
1.K. ``Publications Affected'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010. DAL stated that this section 
refers to CMM 31-53; however, the correct references should be CMM 31-
11-30 and CMM 31-11-59. DAL notified Boeing of this discrepancy; Boeing 
agreed that the reference in this service bulletin is incorrect and 
indicated that it would be corrected in a future revision.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern; however, the list of 
publications does not affect the actions required by the AD. In 
addition, Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated 
March 28, 2012, changed note (c) in Figures 1 and 2 to provide the 
correct BAE Systems CMM references. We have made no change to the 
supplemental NPRM in this regard.

Request To Include Contact Information for BAE Systems

    DAL asked that we include contact information in the AD so 
operators can obtain the applicable BAE Systems service bulletins 
referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, 
dated June 24, 2010, for reworking the existing part. DAL noted that 
the BAE service bulletins contain procedures for reworking the existing 
P1-3 and P3-1 panels. DAL added that paragraph (m) of the previous NPRM 
(76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011) identifies Boeing contact information, 
but does not include BAE Systems contact information.
    We do not agree with the commenter. The BAE Systems service 
bulletins are not referred to in this supplemental NPRM; therefore, the 
BAE Systems contact information is not included. Operators should 
contact Boeing for any additional documents referred to in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010; Revision 
2, dated August 18, 2011, or Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012. We have 
made no change to the supplemental NPRM in this regard.

Request To Remove Certain Language in the Limitations Section of the 
AFM

    Boeing asked that we change paragraph (h)(3)(ii) of the previous 
NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011), paragraph (j)(3)(ii) of this 
supplemental NPRM, to remove the language ``For normal operations, the 
pressurization mode selector should be in AUTO prior to takeoff.'' 
Boeing stated that this step is already included in the Boeing Flight

[[Page 51727]]

Crew Operations Manual Preflight Checklist for the First Officer.
    We do not agree with the commenter. We find that there is relevant 
accident history associated with incorrect setting of this specific 
switch; therefore, continued emphasis on the proper positioning of the 
switch prior to takeoff is required in the airplane flight manual. We 
have made no change to the supplemental NPRM in this regard.

Request To Increase Work-Hours

    AAL asked that we increase the work hours specified in the previous 
NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 2011). AAL stated that an evaluation of 
the referenced service information on its prototype airplane resulted 
in a work-hour requirement of 2.5 times greater than the 64 hours 
specified in the previous NPRM. AAL added that a better estimate for 
completing the entire modification would be 140 work-hours.
    We do not agree with the commenter. The cost information in this 
supplemental NPRM describes only the direct costs of the specific 
required actions. Based on the best data available, the manufacturer 
provided the number of work hours necessary to do the required actions. 
This number represents the time necessary to perform only the actions 
actually required by this supplemental NPRM. We recognize that, in 
doing the actions required by an AD, operators might incur incidental 
costs in addition to the direct costs. But the cost analysis in AD 
rulemaking actions typically does not include incidental costs such as 
the time necessary for planning, airplane down time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions. Those incidental costs, 
which might vary significantly among operators, are almost impossible 
to calculate. We have made no change to the supplemental NPRM in this 
regard.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this supplemental NPRM 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 
original NPRM (76 FR 16579, March 24, 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 supplemental 
NPRM.

Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM

    This supplemental NPRM would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 870 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                 Table--Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                                     Number of U.S.-
              Action                    Work hours        Average labor          Parts           Cost per product      registered         Fleet cost
                                                          rate per hour                                                 airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation of warning indicator  Between 34 and 84...             $85  Between $2,172 and    Between $5,062 and               870  Between $4,403,940
 lights.                                                                  $5,238.               $12,378.                              and $10,768,860.
AFM revision.....................  2...................              85  $0..................  $170................             870  $147,900.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue 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-2011-0258; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-191-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 11, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), 
and (b)(3) of this AD. This AD does not supersede the requirements 
of these ADs.

[[Page 51728]]

    (1) AD 2003-14-08, Amendment 39-13227 (68 FR 41519, July 14, 
2003).
    (2) AD 2006-13-13, Amendment 39-14666 (71 FR 35781, June 22, 
2006).
    (3) AD 2008-23-07, Amendment 39-15728 (73 FR 66512, November 10, 
2008).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category; identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, 
Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a design change in the cabin altitude 
warning system that would address the identified unsafe condition. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the flightcrew to 
recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning horn, which 
could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to hypoxia 
(lack of oxygen in the body) and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
two warning level indicator lights on each of the P1-3 and P3-1 
instrument panels in the flight compartment, and as applicable, 
replace the existing P5-16 and P5-10 panels, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012.

(h) Concurrent Requirements

    For Group 21, Configuration 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 
2012: Prior to or concurrently with doing the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the basic P5-16 panel with a high 
altitude landing P5-16 panel, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-21-1171, dated February 
12, 2009.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For Group 1 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010; except Groups 
24, 25, and 27 through 33 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012: This 
paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
31A1332, Revision 1, dated June 24, 2010, which is not incorporated 
by reference.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-31A1332, Revision 2, dated August 18, 2011; except airplanes 
identified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD and Groups 24, 25, and 27 
through 33 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2012: This paragraph 
provides credit for the corresponding actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, 
Revision 2, dated August 18, 2011, which is not incorporated by 
reference.
    (3) For Group 21, Configuration 2 airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 3, dated March 28, 
2012: This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 2, dated August 18, 2011, which is 
not incorporated by reference; and provided that Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-21-1171, dated February 12, 2009, was accomplished 
prior to or concurrently with the actions in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-31A1332, Revision 2, dated August 18, 2011.

(j) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, and after 
doing the installation required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this 
AD.
    (1) Revise the Limitations Section of the applicable Boeing 737 
AFM by doing the following action: Delete the ``CABIN ALTITUDE 
WARNING TAKEOFF BRIEFING'' added by AD 2008-23-07, Amendment 39-
15728 (73 FR 66512, November 10, 2008).
    (2) Revise the Non-Normal Procedures Section of the applicable 
Boeing 737 AFM by doing the actions specified in paragraphs 
(j)(2)(i), (j)(2)(ii), (j)(2)(iii), and (j)(2)(iv) of this AD.
    (i) Delete the procedure titled ``WARNING HORN--CABIN ALTITUDE 
OR CONFIGURATION'' added by AD 2006-13-13, Amendment 39-14666 (71 FR 
35781, June 22, 2006). If the title of this procedure has been 
changed according to FAA alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
Letter 130S-09-134a, dated April 28, 2009, delete the procedure that 
was approved according to this AMOC letter.
    (ii) Delete the procedure titled ``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR 
RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION'' added by AD 2003-14-08, Amendment 39-13227 
(68 FR 41519, July 14, 2003).
    (iii) If the procedure titled ``CABIN ALTITUDE (Airplanes with 
the CABIN ALTITUDE lights installed)'' is currently contained in the 
applicable Boeing 737 AFM, delete the procedure titled ``CABIN 
ALTITUDE (Airplanes with the CABIN ALTITUDE lights installed).''
    (iv) Add the following statement. This may be done by inserting 
a copy of this AD into the applicable AFM.

``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION

    Condition: The CABIN ALTITUDE warning light illuminates or the 
intermittent warning horn sounds in flight above 10,000 ft MSL.

RECALL
Oxygen Masks and Regulators..............  ON, 100%
Crew Communications......................  ESTABLISH
REFERENCE
Pressurization Mode Selector.............  MANUAL
Outflow Valve Switch.....................  CLOSE
If Cabin Altitude is uncontrollable:
Emergency Descent (If Required)..........  INITIATE
Passenger Oxygen Switch..................  ON
Thrust Levers............................  CLOSE
Speed Brakes.............................  FLIGHT DETENT
Target Speed.............................  MO/MMO''
 

    Note 1 to paragraphs (j)(2)(iv) and (j)(3)(ii) of this AD: When 
statements identical to those specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(iv) and 
(j)(3)(ii) of this AD have been included in the general revisions of 
the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the 
copies of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
    (3) Revise the Normal Procedures Section of the applicable 
Boeing 737 AFM by doing the actions specified in paragraphs 
(j)(3)(i) and (j)(3)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Delete the procedure titled ``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING TAKEOFF 
BRIEFING'' procedure added by AD 2008-23-07, Amendment 39-15728 (73 
FR 66512, November 10, 2008).
    (ii) Add the following statement. This may be done by inserting 
a copy of this AD into the applicable AFM.
    For normal operations, the pressurization mode selector should 
be in AUTO prior to takeoff.

(k) Terminating Action for Affected ADs

    Accomplishing the requirements of this AD terminates the 
requirements of the ADs identified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and 
(k)(3) of this AD for only the airplanes identified in paragraph (c) 
of this AD.

[[Page 51729]]

    (1) AD 2003-14-08, Amendment 39-13227 (68 FR 41519, July 14, 
2003): The requirements specified in Table 1 and Figure 1 of that 
AD.
    (2) AD 2006-13-13, Amendment 39-14666 (71 FR 35781, June 22, 
2006): All requirements of that AD.
    (3) AD 2008-23-07, Amendment 39-15728 (73 FR 66512, November 10, 
2008): All requirements of that AD.

(l) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey W. 
Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6472; 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, Washington 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, Washington. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 10, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20880 Filed 8-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P