05-23153. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727-200 and 727-200F Series Airplanes; 737-200, 737-200C, 737-300, and 737-400 Series Airplanes; 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747SR, and 747SP ...

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.

SUMMARY:

This document announces a reopening of the comment period for the above-referenced NPRM. The NPRM proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing transport category airplanes. That NPRM invites comments concerning the proposed requirements for replacing any insulation blanket constructed of polyethyleneteraphthalate (PET) film, ORCON Orcofilm® AN-26 (hereafter “AN-26”), with a new insulation blanket. This reopening of the comment period is necessary to provide additional opportunity for public comment on the proposed requirements of that NPRM.

DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 21, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD.

• DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: [phone].
• Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sue Rosanske, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov,, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone [phone]) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.

Discussion

We proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for an AD for certain Boeing Model 727-200 and 727-200F series airplanes; 737-200, 737-200C, 737-300, and 737-400 series airplanes; 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; 757-200 and 757-200PF series airplanes; and 767-200 and 767-300 series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2005 (70 FR 32738). The NPRM proposed to require replacing any insulation blanket constructed of AN-26 with a new insulation blanket. The NPRM action invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD.

Actions Since NPRM Was Issued

Since we issued the NPRM, we have received many comments. Most commenters express concerns about the unavailability of appropriate service information and the limited number of compliance methods. In addition, several commenters suggest alternative methods of compliance, but do not provide any specific details.

It is our intent to address the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner, with minimum disruption to industry, and maximum flexibility in methods of compliance. We encourage interested parties to continue to evaluate the proposal and to submit additional comments with more specific details concerning issues that the FAA may need to evaluate before finalizing its decision of the proposal. We have determined that such input may be beneficial before adoption of a final rule. As a result, we have decided to reopen the comment period for 90 days to receive additional comments.

No part of the regulatory information has been changed; therefore, the NPRM is not republished in the Federal Register.

Comments Due Date

We must receive comments on this AD action by February 21, 2006.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 10, 2005.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.