[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73507-73510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26064]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; Project Identifier AD-2022-00198-T]
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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, 
and -900ER series airplanes, and certain Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded escape slide 
deployments in the passenger compartment, caused by too much tension in 
the inflation cable and the movement of the escape slide assembly in 
the escape slide compartment. This proposed AD would require inspecting 
all escape slide assemblies to identify affected parts, and applicable 
on-condition actions. 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 January 17, 
2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket

[[Page 73508]]

contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     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; website myboeingfleet.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1410.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3569; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00198-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental 
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3569; email: [email protected]. 
Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically 
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this 
rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA has received reports from Boeing of uncommanded escape 
slide deployments in the passenger compartment while the airplane was 
on the ground, caused by too much tension in the inflation cable 
(introduced during packing of the slide) and the movement of the escape 
slide assembly in the escape slide compartment during normal airplane 
operations. The escape slide is used in the door-mounted escape system 
of the forward and aft entry doors, and the forward and aft galley 
service doors on the affected airplanes. This excessive tension and 
movement could result in inflation of the escape slide while it is in 
the escape slide compartment or uncommanded deployment of the escape 
slide inside the cabin. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in injury to passengers and crew during normal airplane 
operation or impede an emergency evacuation by rendering the exit 
unusable.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 
737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, and Boeing Special 
Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 
11, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for inspecting 
all escape slide assemblies to identify affected parts, and applicable 
on-condition actions. The on-condition actions include replacing any 
escape slide assembly having part number (P/N) 5A3307-7 with a new 
assembly having P/N 5A3307-9 or P/N 5A3307-701 (an escape slide 
assembly having P/N 5A3307-701 is one on which a firing cable retention 
modification has been done and the assembly has been reidentified). 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1410.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 2,502 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA 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............................  1 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170        $212,670
                                         hour = $85.
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[[Page 73509]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action                     Labor cost                  Parts cost                Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................  Up to 1 work hours x     Up to $19,000.................  Up to $19,085 per
                                 $85 per hour = up to                                     escape slide assembly.
                                 $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-1410; Project Identifier AD-
2022-00198-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 17, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022.
    (2) Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, 
dated April 11, 2022.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded escape slide 
deployments in the passenger compartment, caused by too much tension 
in the inflation cable and the movement of the escape slide assembly 
in the escape slide compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address inflation of the escape slide while it is in the escape 
slide compartment, which could result in injury to passengers and 
crew during normal operation, or impede an emergency evacuation by 
rendering the exit unusable.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, 
dated April 13, 2022, and Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022 (for Model 
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes), and 
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, 
Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022 (for Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes); 
as applicable.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention 
Bulletin 737-25-1855, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, which is 
referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-
25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention 
Bulletin 737-25-1866, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, which is 
referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-
25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022, use the 
phrase ``the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-25-
1855 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022, use the 
phrase ``the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-25-
1866 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention 
Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1855 RB, dated August 31, 2021, or 
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 RB, dated 
September 27, 2021, as applicable.

[[Page 73510]]

(j) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (k) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 Company 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Brandon Lucero, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone: 206-231-3569; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1855 
RB, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2022.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1866 
RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022.
    (3) 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26064 Filed 11-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P