[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 121 (Monday, June 24, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52408-52410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-13490]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 121 / Monday, June 24, 2024 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 52408]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1693; Project Identifier AD-2023-01229-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -800 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the 
protective spiral wrap used on certain galley wire bundles does not 
have the correct flammability properties. This proposed AD would 
require inspecting certain galleys to determine part numbers, 
inspecting for an existing galley modification placard and marking on 
galleys with affected part numbers, and replacing wire bundle spiral 
wrap sleeving as applicable. This proposed AD would also prohibit the 
installation of affected parts. 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 8, 
2024.

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-2024-1693; 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, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For Boeing service information, 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2024-1693.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Linn, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3584; 
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-2024-1693; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-01229-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 Julie 
Linn, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3584; 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 a report indicating that the polyethylene 
protective spiral wrap used on wire bundles on some Safran (formerly 
Driessen) galleys does not have the correct flammability properties. 
Tests found that it does not meet the vertical flammability standard 
and thus may catch fire without the ability to self-extinguish. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in electrical arcing or 
sparking, ignition of the spiral wire wrapping, and smoke and/or fire 
in the flight compartment, leading to loss of continued safe flight and 
landing.
    The FAA previously issued AD 2006-12-06, Amendment 39-14631 (71 FR 
32811, June 7, 2006) (AD 2006-12-06) to address the identified unsafe 
condition on certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -
700, and -800 series airplanes; Model 747-400 and -400F series 
airplanes; Model 757-200 series airplanes; Model 767-300 series 
airplanes; and Model 777-300 series airplanes. AD 2006-12-06 requires 
inspecting to determine if certain galleys and closets are installed 
and replacing the spiral wire wrapping

[[Page 52409]]

of the electrical cables of the galleys and closets with new spiral 
wire wrapping if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2006-12-06, Boeing 
and the FAA determined that certain additional airplanes and galley 
part numbers are also subject to the unsafe condition, and this 
proposed AD is necessary to address the unsafe condition on those 
additional airplanes and galley part numbers.

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 Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1873 RB, 
dated August 25, 2023; and Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
25A1876 RB, dated September 1, 2023. This service information specifies 
procedures for an inspection or records check to determine the part 
number of certain galleys; and for any galley with an affected part 
number found, an inspection for an existing galley modification placard 
and any marking indicating the galley was modified using certain 
service information; and if applicable, replacement of wire bundle 
polyethylene protective spiral wrap protective sleeving with Boeing 
Material Specification (BMS) 13-81 wire protective sleeving. These 
documents are distinct because 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. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of 
affected parts. For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2024-1693.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 4 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 for galley part number.....  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85            $340
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
inspections or 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 inspections or replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for modification placard.  1 work-hour x $85 per      $0.....................  $85.
                                       hour = $85.
Replacement.........................  Up to 218 work-hours x     Up to $1,185...........  Up to $19,715.
                                       $85 per hour = $18,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2024-1693; Project Identifier AD-
2023-01229-T.

[[Page 52410]]

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by August 9, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -
800 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1873 RB, dated August 25, 
2023; or Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1876 RB, dated 
September 1, 2023; as applicable.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the protective spiral wrap 
used on certain galley wire bundles does not have the correct 
flammability properties and may not self-extinguish. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in electrical arcing or 
sparking, ignition of the spiral wire wrapping, and smoke and/or 
fire in the flight compartment, leading to loss of continued safe 
flight and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Model 737-300 and -400 series airplanes: Except as 
specified by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, at the applicable times 
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1873 RB, dated August 25, 2023, do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
737-25A1873 RB, dated August 25, 2023.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance for accomplishing the 
actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-25A1873, dated August 25, 2023, which is referred to in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1873 RB, dated August 25, 
2023.
    (2) For Model 737-800 series airplanes: Except as specified by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in 
the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
737-25A1876 RB, dated September 1, 2023, do all applicable actions 
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1876 RB, 
dated September 1, 2023.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): Guidance for accomplishing the 
actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-25A1876, dated September 1, 2023, which is referred to 
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1876 RB, dated 
September 1, 2023.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
25A1873 RB, dated August 25, 2023, refer to the original issue date 
of Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1873 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 Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
25A1876 RB, dated September 1, 2023, refer to the original issue 
date of Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1876 RB, this AD requires using 
the effective date of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
galley wire bundle spiral wrap made of polyethylene with self-
wrapping sleeve on any airplane.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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)(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 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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Julie Linn, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3584; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in 
paragraph (l)(3) of this AD.

(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 Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1873 RB, dated 
August 25, 2023.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-25A1876 RB, dated 
September 1, 2023.
    (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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on June 14, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-13490 Filed 6-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P