[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29818-29821]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13336]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0480; Product Identifier 2019-NM-041-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-07-09, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700, 
-700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, Model 747-400F series 
airplanes, and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2013-07-09 
requires a general visual inspection for affected serial numbers of the 
crew oxygen mask stowage box units, and replacement or re-
identification as necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-07-09, the 
agency has determined that the affected parts may be installed on 
airplanes outside the original applicability of AD 2013-07-09. This 
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2013-07-09 and expand 
the applicability to include those other airplanes. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 9, 
2019.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0480.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0480; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information about this AD, 
contact Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and 
Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3570; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0480; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-041-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The agency specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The agency 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2013-07-09, Amendment 39-17413 (78 FR 22178, 
April 15, 2013) (``AD 2013-07-09''), for certain The Boeing Company 
Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, Model 747-400F 
series airplanes, and Model 767-200 and -300

[[Page 29819]]

series airplanes. AD 2013-07-09 requires a general visual inspection 
for affected serial numbers of the crew oxygen mask stowage box units, 
and replacement or re-identification as necessary. AD 2013-07-09 
resulted from reports indicating that certain crew oxygen mask stowage 
box units were possibly delivered with a burr in the inlet fitting. The 
burr might break loose during test or operation, and might pose an 
ignition source or cause an inlet valve to jam. The FAA issued AD 2013-
07-09 to address this possible ignition source, which could result in 
an oxygen-fed fire; or an inlet valve jam in a crew oxygen mask stowage 
box unit, which could result in restricted flow of oxygen.

Actions Since AD 2013-07-09 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2013-07-09, it has been determined that the 
affected parts may be installed as rotable spares on airplanes outside 
of the applicability of AD 2013-07-09, thereby subjecting those 
airplanes to the unsafe condition. Therefore, the applicability in this 
proposed AD has been expanded to include all The Boeing Company Model 
737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, Model 747-400F 
series airplanes, and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, 
Revision 1, dated November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; and 
Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 
10, 2011; which the Director of the Federal Register approved for 
incorporation by reference as of May 20, 2013 (78 FR 22178, April 15, 
2013). This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA evaluated all the 
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these 
same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2013-07-09, 
and expand the applicability to include all The Boeing Company Model 
737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, Model 747-400F 
series airplanes, and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information specified previously.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 2,140 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The agency estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (retained action from AD  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85          $3,400
 2013[dash]07[dash]09) (40            = $85.
 airplanes).
Inspection (new action) (2,100       1 work-hour x $85 per hour                0              85         178,500
 airplanes).                          = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the 
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified 
in this proposed AD.

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.
    The FAA is 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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-07-09, Amendment 39-17413 (78

[[Page 29820]]

FR 22178, April 15, 2013), and adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2019-0480; Product Identifier 
2019-NM-041-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 9, 
2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-07-09, Amendment 39-17413 (78 FR 22178, 
April 15, 2013) (``AD 2013-07-09'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes.
    (2) Model 747-400F series airplanes.
    (3) Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain crew 
oxygen mask stowage box units were possibly delivered with a burr in 
the inlet fitting. The burr might break loose during test or 
operation, and might pose an ignition source or cause an inlet valve 
to jam. We are issuing this AD to address this possible ignition 
source, which could result in an oxygen-fed fire; or an inlet valve 
jam in a crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, which could result in 
restricted flow of oxygen.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection and Corrective Action, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2013-07-09 with no changes. For The Boeing Company Model 737 
airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
35A1121, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2011; The Boeing Company 
Model 747 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; and The Boeing 
Company Model 767 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011: Within 24 
months after May 20, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-07-09); Do 
a general visual inspection to determine if the serial number of the 
crew oxygen mask stowage box unit is identified in the Appendix of 
Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 
10, 2011, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated 
November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, 
Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; as 
applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable 
in lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the crew oxygen 
mask stowage box unit can be conclusively determined from that 
review.
    (1) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in table 1 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before 
further flight, replace the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a 
new or serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 
1, dated November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; 
as applicable.
    (2) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in table 2 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before 
further flight, add the letter ``I'' to the end of the serial number 
(identified as ``SER'') on the identification label, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011; and 
reinstall in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated 
November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, 
Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; as 
applicable.
    (3) If no crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/
4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Unless a records review 
was done to determine the serial number, before further flight, 
reinstall the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; 
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated 
November 17, 2011; as applicable.

(h) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2013-07-09 with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraph 
(g) of this AD: As of May 20, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-
07-09), no person may install a crew oxygen mask stowage box unit 
with a serial number listed in the Appendix of Intertechnique 
Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011, on 
any airplane.

(i) New Inspection and Corrective Action

    For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection to determine if the serial number of the 
crew oxygen mask stowage box unit is identified in the Appendix of 
Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 
10, 2011, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated 
November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, 
Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; as 
applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable 
in lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the crew oxygen 
mask stowage box unit can be conclusively determined from that 
review.
    (1) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in table 1 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before 
further flight, replace the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a 
new or serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 
1, dated November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; 
as applicable.
    (2) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in table 2 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before 
further flight, add the letter ``I'' to the end of the serial number 
(identified as ``SER'') on the identification label, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Intertechnique Service 
Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011; and 
reinstall in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated 
November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, 
Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011; as 
applicable.
    (3) If no crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number 
identified in the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/
4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Unless a records review 
was done to determine the serial number, before further flight, 
reinstall the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2011; Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011; 
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated 
November 17, 2011; as applicable.

(j) New Parts Installation Prohibition

    For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
a crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a serial number listed in 
the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, 
Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011, on any airplane.

[[Page 29821]]

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (l)(1) 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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be 
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration 
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the 
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2013-07-09 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3570; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 12, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13336 Filed 6-24-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P