97-16852. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 125 (Monday, June 30, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 35068-35072]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-16852]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 97-NM-29-AD; Amendment 39-10061; AD 97-14-04]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, 
    and -500 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness 
    directives (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series 
    airplanes, that currently require tests of the main rudder power 
    control unit (PCU) to detect excessive internal leakage of hydraulic 
    fluid, stalling, or reversal, and to verify proper operation of the 
    PCU; and replacement of the PCU with a unit having a different part 
    number, if necessary. This amendment adds requirements for replacement 
    of the PCU and the vernier control rod bolts with newly designed units. 
    This amendment also adds a requirement for leak tests of the PCU, and 
    replacement of the PCU with a serviceable or newly designed unit, if 
    necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of fracturing of the 
    vernier control rod bolts as a result of the shank of the bolt running 
    into the threads on the nutplate during installation of the rod. The 
    actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such fracturing, 
    which could result in uncommanded movements of the rudder, and 
    consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    
    DATES: Effective August 4, 1997.
        The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
    737-27A1202, evision 1, dated December 6, 1996, as listed in the 
    regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
    August 4, 1997.
        The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-27-
    8-B, dated July 13, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was approved 
    previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 3, 1994 
    (59 FR 4570, February 1, 1994).
        The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
    737-27A1202, dated November 1, 1996, as listed in the regulations, was 
    approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
    November 27, 1996 (61 FR 59317, November 22, 1996).
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
    Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
    Aviation Administration (FAA), transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
    Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
    the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
    Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth W. Frey, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
    Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
    telephone (425) 227-2673; fax (425) 227-1181.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding both AD 94-01-07, 
    amendment 39-8789 (59 FR 4570, February 1, 1994), and AD 96-23-51, 
    amendment 39-9818 (61 FR 59317, November 22, 1996), was published in 
    the Federal Register on March 14, 1997 (62 FR 12126). Both of the 
    existing AD's are applicable to various Boeing Model 737 series 
    airplanes.
        The NPRM proposed to continue to require tests of the main rudder 
    power control unit (PCU) to detect excessive internal leakage of 
    hydraulic fluid, stalling, or reversal, and to verify proper operation 
    of the PCU; and replacement of the PCU with a unit having a different 
    part number, if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require 
    replacement of the PCU and vernier control rod bolts with newly 
    designed units; epetitive leak tests of the PCU; and replacement of the 
    PCU with a serviceable or newly designed unit, if necessary.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
    the comments received.
    
    Support for the Proposal
    
        One commenter supports the proposed rule.
    
    Request to Extend the Comment Period of the Proposal
    
        Several commenters request an extension of the public comment 
    period for the proposed AD. These commenters state that such an 
    extension will enable operators to better understand the issues 
    surrounding the proposed actions and to review recent material 
    presented by Boeing and comments submitted by the National 
    Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in response to Rules Docket No. 96-
    NM-266-AD.
        The FAA does not concur. The FAA has considered the degree of 
    urgency associated with addressing the identified unsafe condition of 
    the rudder PCU, and the amount of time that has already elapsed since 
    issuance of the original proposed rule. In light of these items, the 
    FAA has determined that further delay of this final rule is not 
    appropriate.
    
    Request to Delay Issuance of Final Rule
    
        One commenter requests that the FAA delay issuance of the final 
    rule until Boeing can release the service bulletins containing 
    procedures for replacement of the main rudder PCU and vernier control 
    rod bolts with newly designed units. The commenter states that neither 
    Boeing nor its suppliers have completed engineering the proposed design 
    changes; therefore, the commenter is unable to provide meaningful or 
    technically relevant comments regarding the actions specified in the 
    proposed AD.
        The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. In light of 
    the critical nature of the addressed unsafe condition, the FAA does not 
    consider that delaying this action until after release of Boeing's 
    planned service bulletins is warranted. Furthermore, the FAA disagrees 
    with the commenter's assertion that it is unable to submit meaningful 
    comments on this AD until Boeing's design changes are completed. On the 
    contrary, the proposed AD provided extensive information on the nature 
    of the unsafe condition, the proposed corrective actions, and the 
    proposed compliance times for those actions. The only information not 
    provided (because it was not available) was reference to a specific 
    service document providing details on specific methods for 
    accomplishing the proposed actions.
        The FAA considers that this proposed AD has complied fully with the 
    requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act to provide the public 
    with a reasonable opportunity to comment by including in the proposal 
    ``either the terms or substance of the proposed rule or a description 
    of the subjects and issues involved.''
    
    Request to Reference Latest Boeing Service Bulletin
    
        One commenter requests that paragraph (c) of the proposed rule be 
    revised to reference Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
    27A1020, dated December 6, 1996, and Revision 2 of that alert service 
    bulletin (which has not been released yet). The commenter states that 
    the terminating action for the requirements of paragraph
    
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    (c) of the proposed AD will be included in Revision 2 of the alert 
    service bulletin.
        The FAA concurs partially. Regarding Revision 2 of the service 
    bulletin, the FAA does not reference service bulletins that have not 
    yet been released in an AD. Office of the Federal Register (OFR) 
    regulations require that either the service document contents be 
    published as part of the actual AD language; or that the service 
    document be submitted for approval by the OFR as ``referenced'' 
    material, in which case it may be only referred to in the text of an 
    AD. An AD may only refer to a service document that was submitted and 
    approved by the OFR for ``incorporation by reference.'' In order for 
    operators to use later revisions of a referenced document (issued after 
    the publication of an AD), either the AD must be revised to reference 
    the specific later revisions, or operators must request the approval of 
    the use of them as an alternative method of compliance under the 
    provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD.
        Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and approved 
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1202, Revision 1, dated December 
    6, 1996, as an alternative method of compliance for the requirements of 
    paragraph (c) of the AD. The FAA has revised paragraph (c) of this 
    final rule to include Revision 1 of the alert service bulletin as an 
    additional source of service information.
    
    Requests to Revise the Compliance Time for New Requirements
    
        Several commenters request a revision to the proposed compliance 
    time of 2 years for accomplishment of the new requirements of this 
    proposed AD:
        One commenter requests that the new requirements proposed by the AD 
    be accomplished by December 31, 1997. The commenter states that the 
    NTSB and FAA have known about the problems with the rudder PCU since 
    1986 or earlier. The commenter asserts that further delays will only 
    increase the possibility of another catastrophic accident.
        Two commenters request that the compliance time for accomplishing 
    the proposed replacement of the main rudder PCU and the vernier control 
    rod bolts be extended from the proposed 2 years. One of these 
    commenters requests a compliance time of 3 years. The other commenter 
    requests a compliance time of 5 years. One of these commenters states 
    that if the functional test of the main rudder PCU [as required by 
    paragraph (e) of the proposed AD] requires the phase lag test of the 
    yaw damper system to be performed, it will be forced to send all PCU's 
    to Parker Hannifin for modification and testing. The same commenter 
    suggests that Parker Hannifin does not have the capability to 
    manufacture the replacement parts within the proposed compliance time. 
    The other commenter points out that Parker Hannifin will be especially 
    hard pressed to manufacture the required parts within the proposed 
    compliance time.
        One commenter questions, due to past difficulties with vendors and 
    parts availability, whether the 2-year compliance time of the subject 
    replacement of the proposed AD is feasible.
        The FAA does not concur with any of the commenters' requests. In 
    response to the commenter that states the FAA has known about the 
    problems associated with the main rudder PCU since 1986 or earlier, the 
    FAA finds this statement to be incorrect. The FAA learned of the design 
    deficiencies in the main rudder PCU servo valve and control rod bolts 
    in the last quarter of 1996. The FAA has determined that Parker 
    Hannifin has the capability to manufacture the replacement parts for 
    all affected airplanes within the proposed compliance time. In 
    addition, the FAA finds that a compliance time of less than 2 years 
    would significantly increase the possibility of new design or 
    manufacturing errors. Further, the FAA points out that once Boeing has 
    developed the design changes for the main rudder PCU servo valve and 
    control rod bolts, time will be necessary to test the new design 
    changes to ensure those changes meet certification requirements for FAA 
    approval.
        In developing an appropriate compliance time for the required 
    replacements, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency 
    associated with addressing the unsafe condition, but the availability 
    of required parts and the practical aspect of accomplishing the 
    replacements within an interval of time that parallels normal scheduled 
    maintenance for the majority of affected operators. In consideration of 
    all of these factors, the FAA has determined that 2 years represents an 
    appropriate interval of time allowable wherein the replacements can be 
    accomplished during scheduled maintenance intervals for the majority of 
    affected operators, and an acceptable level of safety can be 
    maintained.
    
    Request to Revise Part Numbers of PCU's
    
        One commenter requests that part numbers (P/N) 65-44861-( ) and 
    65C37052-( ) of the PCU identified in paragraph (d)(1) of the proposal 
    be revised to include P/N's 65-44861-10 and 65C36052-10, respectively. 
    The commenter states that -10 P/N's were addressed in Notice of Status 
    Change 737-27-1185 NSC1, dated May 27, 1993, which was incorporated 
    into Boeing Service Bulletin 737-27-1185, Revision 1, dated April 14, 
    1994.
        The FAA does not concur. The symbol ``( )'' at the end of the 
    subject P/N's indicates any dash number. Therefore, P/N's 65-44861-10 
    and 65C36052-10 are affected by the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of 
    the final rule.
    
    Request to Add a New Requirement
    
        One commenter states that the vernier control rod must be replaced 
    or reworked at the same time the bolts are replaced in order to replace 
    the two nutplates. The commenter notes that this action is not included 
    in the proposed AD. From this comment, the FAA infers that the 
    commenter is requesting that paragraph (d)(2) of the proposed AD be 
    revised to include a requirement to replace or rework the vernier 
    control rod.
        The FAA does not concur. The FAA acknowledges that replacing the 
    two nutplates could correct the bolt design deficiency; however, such a 
    design change has not been submitted to the FAA for approval. However, 
    under the provisions of paragraph (i) of the final rule, the FAA may 
    consider requests for approval of an alternative method of compliance 
    if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that such a design 
    change would provide an acceptable level of safety.
    
    Request to Revise Reference to Vernier Control Rod Bolt
    
        One commenter requests that reference to a vernier control rod 
    ``bolt'' (singular) be changed to ``bolts'' (plural) throughout the 
    proposal. The commenter states that there are two bolts--one on each 
    end of the rod. The FAA concurs with this suggestion and has revised 
    the final rule accordingly.
    
    Request to Incorporate the Leak Test Into the Maintenance Program
    
        One commenter requests that the leak test required by paragraph (e) 
    of the proposed AD be incorporated into each operator's FAA-approved 
    maintenance program as terminating action for the requirements of that 
    paragraph.
        The FAA concurs. The FAA finds that revising the FAA-approved 
    maintenance program to require an FAA-approved leak test may be 
    accomplished as an optional terminating action for the repetitive leak 
    test requirements of paragraph (e) of the final rule. Therefore, the 
    FAA has added a new
    
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    paragraph (f) to this final rule to provide for this option.
    
    Request to Extend Repetitive Interval for Leak Test
    
        One commenter requests that the repetitive intervals for the leak 
    test [specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of the proposed AD] be 
    extended from the proposed 6,000 flight hours to 6,400 flight hours. 
    The commenter states that such an extension will coincide with the 
    interval of the ``2C'' maintenance check for Boeing Model 737-300, -
    400, and -500 series airplanes.
        The FAA concurs. The FAA's intent was that the specified intervals 
    coincide with the ``2C'' maintenance check. Accordingly, the FAA has 
    revised paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of the final rule to specify this 
    revised repetitive interval.
    
    Request To Accept Previously Approved Alternative Methods of 
    Compliance
    
        One commenter states that the leak test specified in Boeing Service 
    Letter 737-SL-27-91 was considered acceptable as an alternative method 
    of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with AD 94-01-07. The commenter 
    questions whether the FAA will continue to accept that AMOC, or whether 
    it will be necessary to apply for approval of a new AMOC.
        The FAA has not approved a leak test as an AMOC for the 
    requirements of this AD. However, the FAA may consider requests for 
    approval of the subject leak test as an AMOC if sufficient data are 
    submitted to substantiate that such a test would provide an acceptable 
    level of safety.
    
    Request to Add a Requirement for the Control Rod and Its Bolts
    
        One commenter requests that an identical requirement to that of 
    paragraph (f) of the proposed AD [designated as paragraph (g) in the 
    final rule] be included in the final rule for the control rod and its 
    bolts.
        The FAA concurs. The FAA inadvertently omitted such a requirement 
    for the control rod and its bolts from the proposal. The FAA's intent 
    was to include a requirement that states, ``Once a newly designed 
    vernier control rod bolt specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD is 
    installed on an airplane, no operator shall install on that airplane 
    any bolt other than such a newly designed bolt.'' Therefore, the FAA 
    has added a new paragraph (h) to the final rule to include such a 
    requirement.
        This new paragraph (h) simply states the effect of Section 39.3 of 
    part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.3), which 
    provides, ``No person may operate a product to which an airworthiness 
    directive applies except in accordance with the requirements of that 
    airworthiness directive.'' Thus, once an operator has complied with 
    paragraph (d)(2) of this AD, it is required to continue to operate in 
    compliance with that paragraph. As a result, this new paragraph (h) 
    does not impose an additional burden on any operator.
    
    FAA's Conclusion
    
        After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
    noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
    interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
    described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
    increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
    the AD.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 2,900 Boeing Model 737 series airplanes of 
    the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 
    1,350 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
        The tests that are currently required by AD 94-01-07 take 
    approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the currently required tests on U.S. operators is estimated 
    to be $648,000, or $480 per airplane, per test.
        The replacement that is currently required by AD 94-01-07 takes 
    approximately 20 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
    manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the currently required replacement on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $1,620,000, or $1,200 per airplane.
        The tests that are currently required by AD 96-23-51 take 
    approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the currently required tests on U.S. operators is estimated 
    to be $162,000, or $120 per airplane, per test.
        The replacement of the PCU that is required by this AD action takes 
    approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
    manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the required replacement of the PCU on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $729,000, or $540 per airplane.
        The replacement of the vernier control rod bolts that is required 
    by this AD action takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
    accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
    parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. 
    Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required replacement of 
    the vernier control rod bolts on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
    $81,000, or $60 per airplane.
        The leak tests that are required in this AD action take 
    approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the required leak test on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
    $648,000, or $480 per airplane, per leak test.
        The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
    that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
    AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
    future if this AD were not adopted.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects 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. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
    not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
    (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
    Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
    and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
    from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
    ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
    
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    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendments 39-8789 (59 FR 
    4570, February 1, 1994) and 39-9818 (61 FR 59317, November 22, 1996), 
    and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10061, 
    to read as follows:
    
    97-14-04  Boeing: Amendment 39-10061. Docket 97-NM-29-AD. Supersedes 
    AD 94-01-07, Amendment 39-8789, and AD 96-23-51, Amendment 39-9818.
    
        Applicability: All Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 
    series airplanes, certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
    requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
    altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
    this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
    alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (i) of 
    this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
    the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
    addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
    eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
    address it.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent uncommanded movements of the rudder, and consequent 
    reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    
    Restatement of Requirements of AD 94-01-07
    
        (a) Within 750 flight hours after March 3, 1994 (the effective 
    date of AD 94-01-07, amendment 39-8789), perform a test of the main 
    rudder PCU, part number 65-44861-2/-3/-4/-5/-6/-7/-8/-9, to detect 
    internal leakage of hydraulic fluid, in accordance with Boeing 
    Service Letter 737-SL-27-82-B, dated July 13, 1993.
        (1) If no discrepancy, as described in paragraph 3.B. of the 
    Service Letter, is detected, repeat the test at intervals not to 
    exceed 750 flight hours.
        (2) If any discrepancy, as described in paragraph 3.B. of the 
    Service Letter, is detected during any check, prior to further 
    flight, accomplish either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this 
    AD:
        (i) Replace the main rudder PCU with a serviceable PCU in 
    accordance with the Model 737 Overhaul Manual. After such 
    replacement, repeat the test at intervals not to exceed 750 flight 
    hours.
        (ii) Replace the main rudder PCU with a new main rudder PCU 
    having part number 65-44861-11 or 65C37052-2/-3/-4/-5/-6/-7/-8/-9, 
    in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-27-1185, dated April 
    15, 1993. Such replacement constitutes terminating action for the 
    tests required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
        (b) Replacement of the main rudder PCU, part number 65-44861-( 
    ), with a new main rudder PCU having part number 65-44861-11 or 
    65C37052-2/-3/-4/-5/-6/-7/-8/-9, in accordance with Boeing Service 
    Bulletin 737-27-1185, dated April 15, 1993, constitutes terminating 
    action for the tests required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    
    Restatement of Requirements of AD 96-23-51
    
        (c) Within 10 days after November 27, 1996 (the effective date 
    of AD 96-23-51, amendment 39-9818), perform a test to verify proper 
    operation of the rudder PCU, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 737-27A1202, dated November 1, 1996, or Revision 1, dated 
    December 6, 1996.
        (1) If the rudder PCU operates properly, repeat the test 
    thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours.
        (2) If the rudder PCU operates improperly, prior to further 
    flight, replace the rudder PCU with a new rudder PCU, in accordance 
    with the alert service bulletin. Repeat the test thereafter at 
    intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours.
    
    New Requirements of This AD
    
        (d) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, 
    accomplish paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD in accordance 
    with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft 
    Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. 
    Accomplishment of these actions terminates the requirements of 
    paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this AD.
        (1) Replace any main rudder PCU having Boeing part number (P/N) 
    65-44861-() or P/N 65C37052-() with a new main rudder PCU that has 
    been approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO.
        (2) Replace the vernier control rod bolts having Boeing P/N 69-
    27229-() with new bolts that have been approved by the Manager, 
    Seattle ACO.
        (e) Perform a leak test of the main rudder PCU in accordance 
    with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, at the 
    applicable times specified in paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD. 
    If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the 
    PCU with a serviceable or newly designed unit in accordance with a 
    method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO.
    
        Note 2: If the PCU is replaced in accordance with the 
    requirements of paragraph (e) prior to accomplishing the replacement 
    required by paragraph (d) of this AD, ``serviceable'' includes the 
    newly designed PCU referenced in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD and 
    PCU's having part number 65-44861-11 and 65C37052-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, 
    -7, -8, and -9. However, after the PCU has been replaced in 
    accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, ``serviceable'' is 
    limited to the newly designed PCU's referenced in that paragraph.
    
        (1) For airplanes on which the replacement specified in 
    paragraph (a)(2)(ii), (b), or (c)(2) of this AD has been 
    accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Within 4,000 
    flight hours after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
    intervals not to exceed 6,400 flight hours.
        (2) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph 
    (e)(1) of this AD: Within 6,400 flight hours after accomplishment of 
    the replacement required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, and 
    thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,400 flight hours.
        (f) Revision of the FAA-approved maintenance program to require 
    an FAA-approved leak test constitutes terminating action for the 
    repetitive leak test requirements of paragraph (e) of this AD.
        (g) Once a newly designed PCU specified in paragraph (d)(1) of 
    this AD is installed on an airplane, no operator shall install on 
    that airplane any PCU other than such a newly designed unit.
        (h) Once a newly designed vernier control rod bolt specified in 
    paragraph (d)(2) of this AD is installed on an airplane, no operator 
    shall install on that airplane any bolt other than such a newly 
    designed bolt.
        (i) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Operators shall submit 
    their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance 
    Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
    Seattle ACO.
    
        Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    
        (j) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
        (k) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service 
    Letter 737-SL-27-82-B, dated July 13, 1993; Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 737-27A1202, dated November 1, 1996; and Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 737-27A1202, Revision 1, dated December 6, 1996. 
    The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-27-
    82-B, dated July 13, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was 
    approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
    March 3, 1994 (59 FR 4570, February 1, 1994). The incorporation by 
    reference of Boeing Alert Service 737-27A1202, dated November 1, 
    1996, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the 
    Director of the Federal Register as of November 27, 1996 (61 FR 
    59317, November 22, 1996). The incorporation by reference of Boeing 
    Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1202, Revision 1, dated December 6, 
    1996, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
    accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
    obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, 
    Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may
    
    [[Page 35072]]
    
    be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
    Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
    Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
        (l) This amendment becomes effective on August 4, 1997.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 1997.
    S.R. Miller,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-16852 Filed 6-27-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
8/4/1997
Published:
06/30/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-16852
Dates:
Effective August 4, 1997.
Pages:
35068-35072 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 97-NM-29-AD, Amendment 39-10061, AD 97-14-04
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-16852.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13