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57890 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No.

196 / Thursday, October 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules

VENUE INFORMATION
Registration closing
Location Address Date date

Fairbanks, Alaska ............................................. Pioneer Park, The Alaska Centennial Center October 24, 2007 ...... October 17, 2007.
for the Arts, 2300 Airport Road Fairbanks,
AK 99701.

Registration Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, Comments Invited


SBA respectfully requests that any –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. We invite you to submit any relevant
elected or appointed representative of This proposed AD would require written data, views, or arguments
the tribal communities that are repetitive inspections for cracking in regarding this proposed AD. Send your
interested in attending please pre- and around the upper and lower hinge comments to an address listed in the
register in advance and indicate cutouts of the forward entry and ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
whether you would like to testify at the forward galley service doorways, and number ‘‘FAA–2007–0024; Directorate
hearing. Registration requests should be corrective actions if necessary. This Identifier 2007–NM–086–AD’’ at the
received by SBA at least 5 business days proposed AD results from multiple beginning of your comments. We
prior to the tribal consultation meeting reports of cracks found in the skin, specifically invite comments on the
date. Please contact Ms. Delcine bearstrap, and/or frame outer chord in overall regulatory, economic,
Montgomery of SBA’s Office of Native the hinge cutout areas of the forward environmental, and energy aspects of
American Affairs in writing at entry and forward galley service the proposed AD. We will consider all
Delcine.Montgomery@SBA.gov or by doorways. We are proposing this AD to comments received by the closing date
facsimile to 202/481–1597. If you are detect and correct such cracking, which and may amend the proposed AD in
interested in testifying please include could result in rapid decompression of light of those comments.
the following information relating to the the airplane. We will post all comments we
person testifying: Name, Organization DATES: We must receive comments on receive, without change, to http://
affiliation, Address, Telephone number, this proposed AD by November 26, dms.dot.gov, including any personal
E-mail address and Fax number. SBA 2007. information you provide. We will also
will attempt to accommodate all post a report summarizing each
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following substantive verbal contact with FAA
interested parties that wish to present
addresses to submit comments on this personnel concerning this proposed AD.
testimony. Based on the number of
proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web
registrants it may be necessary to
impose time limits to ensure that • DOT Docket Web site: Go to site, anyone can find and read the
everyone who wishes to testify has the http://dms.dot.gov and follow the comments in any of our dockets,
opportunity to do so. SBA will confirm instructions for sending your comments including the name of the individual
in writing the registration of presenters electronically. who sent the comment (or signed the
and attendees. • Government-wide rulemaking Web comment on behalf of an association,
site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov business, labor union, etc.). You may
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 634. review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
and follow the instructions for sending
Stephen D. Kong, your comments electronically. Statement in the Federal Register
Deputy General Counsel. • Mail: U.S. Department of published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
[FR Doc. E7–19962 Filed 10–10–07; 8:45 am] Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 19477–78), or you may visit http://
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room dms.dot.gov.
BILLING CODE 8025–01–P
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Examining the Docket
Washington, DC 20590. You may examine the AD docket on
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION • Fax: (202) 493–2251. the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in
• Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on person at the Docket Operations office
Federal Aviation Administration the ground floor of the West Building, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., through Friday, except Federal holidays.
14 CFR Part 39 Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 The Docket Operations office (telephone
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0024; Directorate p.m., Monday through Friday, except (800) 647–5527) is located on the
Identifier 2007–NM–086–AD] Federal holidays. ground floor of the West Building at the
Contact Boeing Commercial DOT street address stated in the
RIN 2120–AA64
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Washington 98124–2207, for the service available in the AD docket shortly after
Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, information identified in this proposed the Docket Management System receives
–400, and –500 Series Airplanes AD. them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Discussion
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Howard Hall, Aerospace Engineer,
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Administration (FAA), Department of We have received multiple reports of


Transportation (DOT). Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, cracks found in the skin, bearstrap, and/
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, areas of the forward entry and forward
(NPRM). Washington 98057–3356; telephone galley service doorways. Cracks in the
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a (425) 917–6430; fax (425) 917–6590. forward entry door bearstrap were
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: reported on an airplane with as few as

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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 196 / Thursday, October 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 57891

24,538 total flight cycles. Cracks in the Relevant Service Information • HFEC hole probe inspection of the
forward galley service door bearstrap skin, bonded doubler, and bearstrap at
were reported on an airplane with as We have reviewed Boeing Alert specified fastener locations aft of the
few as 44,938 total flight cycles. One Service Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated frame chord;
operator reported a severed bearstrap, a April 13, 2006. The service bulletin
describes procedures for repetitive • HFEC inspection of the skin hinge
severed station (STA) 291.5 frame, and
inspections for cracking in and around cutout trim;
a 14.5-inch crack in the skin at the
lower hinge cutout of the forward galley the upper and lower hinge cutouts of • Low frequency eddy current (LFEC)
service doorway. The airplane had the forward entry and forward galley hole probe inspection of the skin,
accumulated 61,297 total flight cycles. service doorways. The service bulletin bonded doubler, and bearstrap at
Such cracking, if not corrected, could describes the following inspections: specific fastener locations aft of the
result in rapid decompression of the • External detailed inspection of the frame chord;
airplane. • LFEC hole probe inspection of the
The fatigue cracks are caused by skin;
• High frequency eddy current skin, bonded doubler, bearstrap, and
cyclic cabin pressure loads and are not
(HFEC) hole probe inspection of the frame chord at specific fastener
due to manufacturing defects in the
bearstrap. The unsafe condition is skin, bonded doubler, bearstrap, and locations.
unrelated to any previous investigation frame chord at specified fastener The service bulletin provides two
related to suspected unapproved parts. locations; options for the inspections, as follows:

COMPLIANCE TIMES
Repetitive
Threshold, in total flight Grace period, in
Option Inspections interval, in flight
cycles flight cycles cycles

A 1 ............ External detailed inspection; HFEC inspection of the skin Entry door: 20,000 ................. 3,000 18,000
hinge cutout trim; and HFEC rotary probe inspection of Service door: 40,000.
the entire zone.
B .............. External detailed inspection; HFEC inspection of the skin Entry door: 20,000 ................. 3,000 3,000
hinge cutout trim; and LFEC inspection of the entire zone. Service door: 40,000.

HFEC rotary probe inspection of the aft zone (required only Entry door: 20,000 ................. 6,000 18,000
for Group 1, Configuration 1, and only for the entry door). Service door: 40,000.
1 Option A is mandatory for the forward entry door, upper and lower hinge cutouts, on Model 737–200C airplanes.

The service bulletin specifies develop on other airplanes of this same • Using a method that we approve; or
contacting Boeing for crack repair type design. For this reason, we are • Using data that meet the
instructions. proposing this AD, which would require certification basis of the airplane, and
The service bulletin also states that accomplishing the actions specified in that have been approved by an
the service bulletin might in the future the service information described Authorized Representative for the
be revised to include a preventive previously, except as discussed below. Boeing Commercial Airplanes
modification that will eliminate the Delegation Option Authorization
Difference Between the Proposed AD
need for the repetitive inspections. The Organization whom we have authorized
and the Service Bulletin
service bulletin specifies contacting to make those findings.
Boeing for information about this The service bulletin specifies
contacting the manufacturer for Costs of Compliance
modification.
instructions for crack repair and for an There are about 2,437 airplanes of the
FAA’s Determination and Requirements optional modification that would affected design in the worldwide fleet.
of the Proposed AD terminate the repetitive inspections. But The following table provides the
We have evaluated all pertinent this proposed AD would require doing estimated costs for U.S. operators to
information and identified an unsafe the repair and optional modification in comply with this proposed AD, per
condition that is likely to exist or one of the following ways: inspection cycle.

ESTIMATED COSTS
Number of
Average hour-
Work hours Cost per airplane U.S.-registered Fleet cost
ly labor rate airplanes

13 to 14 ....................... $80 $1,040 to $1,120 ..................................... 1,055 $1,097,200 to $1,181,600


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Authority for This Rulemaking Aviation Programs, describes in more ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
detail the scope of the Agency’s section, Congress charges the FAA with
Title 49 of the United States Code authority. promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
We are issuing this rulemaking under air commerce by prescribing regulations
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
the authority described in Subtitle VII, for practices, methods, and procedures
Section 106, describes the authority of
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, the Administrator finds necessary for
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,

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57892 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 196 / Thursday, October 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules

safety in air commerce. This regulation Applicability required by this AD, if it is approved by an
is within the scope of that authority (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model Authorized Representative for the Boeing
because it addresses an unsafe condition 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option
that is likely to exist or develop on series airplanes, certificated in any category. Authorization Organization who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
products identified in this rulemaking Unsafe Condition make those findings. For a repair method to
action. (d) This AD results from multiple reports be approved, the repair must meet the
Regulatory Findings of cracks found in the skin, bearstrap, and/ certification basis of the airplane, and the
or frame outer chord in the hinge cutout approval must specifically refer to this AD.
We have determined that this areas of the forward entry and forward galley Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
proposed AD would not have federalism service doorways. We are issuing this AD to 1, 2007.
implications under Executive Order detect and correct such cracking, which
could result in rapid decompression of the Ali Bahrami,
13132. This proposed AD would not Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
airplane.
have a substantial direct effect on the Aircraft Certification Service.
States, on the relationship between the Compliance
[FR Doc. E7–20048 Filed 10–10–07; 8:45 am]
national Government and the States, or (e) You are responsible for having the
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
on the distribution of power and actions required by this AD performed within
responsibilities among the various the compliance times specified, unless the
levels of government. actions have already been done.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
For the reasons discussed above, I Repetitive Inspections
certify that the proposed regulation: (f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of Federal Aviation Administration
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory this AD, at the applicable times specified in
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service 14 CFR Part 39
Bulletin 737–53A1200, dated April 13, 2006,
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the do external detailed, low frequency eddy [Docket No. FAA–2007–29329; Directorate
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures current, high frequency eddy current, and Identifier 2007–NM–205–AD]
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and high frequency eddy current rotary probe
inspections, as applicable, for cracks in and RIN 2120–AA64
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative, around the upper and lower hinge cutouts of
the forward entry and forward galley service Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
on a substantial number of small entities Douglas Model 717–200 Airplanes
doorways, in accordance with the
under the criteria of the Regulatory Accomplishment Instructions of the service
Flexibility Act. bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (h) AGENCY: Federal Aviation
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of this AD. Do not exceed the applicable Administration (FAA), Department of
of the estimated costs to comply with repetitive interval for the previous Transportation (DOT).
this proposed AD and placed it in the inspection, as specified in the service ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section bulletin as Option A or Option B. Repair any (NPRM).
crack before further flight using a method
for a location to examine the regulatory approved in accordance with the procedures
evaluation. SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. new airworthiness directive (AD) for
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717–
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation (g) Where the service bulletin specifies a 200 airplanes. This proposed AD would
safety, Safety. compliance time after the release date of the require modification of the conduit for
service bulletin, this AD requires compliance the forward boost pump of the center
The Proposed Amendment within the specified compliance time after fuel tank. This proposed AD results
the effective date of this AD. from the finding that a potential chafing
Accordingly, under the authority (h) Although the service bulletin specifies condition exists in the volute assembly
delegated to me by the Administrator, contacting Boeing for information about
of the forward boost pump for the center
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part installing an optional preventive
modification that would terminate the fuel tank. We are proposing this AD to
39 as follows:
repetitive inspections specified in this AD, prevent chafing of the forward boost
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS this AD requires that any terminating action pump wiring that could lead to arcing
DIRECTIVES be done by using a method approved in to the inside of the 45-degree angle
accordance with the procedures specified in fitting, which, in combination with
1. The authority citation for part 39 paragraph (i) of this AD. flammable fuel vapors, could result in a
continues to read as follows: Alternative Methods of Compliance fuel tank explosion and consequent loss
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. (AMOCs) of the airplane.
(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft DATES: We must receive comments on
§ 39.13 [Amended] Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the this proposed AD by November 26,
2. The Federal Aviation authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 2007.
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
by adding the following new (2) To request a different method of addresses to submit comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD): compliance or a different compliance time proposed AD.
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2007–0024; for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR • DOT Docket Web site: Go to
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Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–086–AD. 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on http://dms.dot.gov and follow the
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, instructions for sending your comments
Comments Due Date notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
electronically.
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by November 26, 2007. Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local • Governmentwide rulemaking Web
FSDO. site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
Affected ADs (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable and follow the instructions for sending
(b) None. level of safety may be used for any repair your comments electronically.

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