2013-08192. Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, Model 747-400F series airplanes, and Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain crew oxygen mask stowage box units were possibly delivered with a burr in the inlet fitting. The burr might break loose during test or operation, and might pose an ignition source or cause an inlet valve to jam. This final rule adds a step to identify and label certain crew oxygen mask stowage box units that have already been inspected and reworked by the supplier, and allows operators to install new or serviceable crew oxygen mask stowage box units, and requires a general visual inspection for affected serial numbers of the crew oxygen mask stowage box units, and replacement or re-identification as necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source, which could result in an oxygen-fed fire; or an inlet valve jam in a crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, which could result in restricted flow of oxygen.

DATES:

This AD is effective May 20, 2013.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 20, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone [phone], extension 1; fax [phone]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For Intertechnique service information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac, 2, rue Maurice Mallet—92137 Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex France; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; Internet http://www.zodiac.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: [phone]) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to the specified products. That SNPRM published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2012 (77 FR 55159). The original NPRM (75 FR 67637, November 3, 2010) proposed to require an inspection for affected serial numbers of the crew oxygen mask stowage box units; and replacement of the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a new crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, if necessary. The SNPRM proposed to revise the NPRM by adding a step to identify and label certain crew oxygen mask stowage box units that have already been inspected and reworked by the supplier, and allowing operators to install new or serviceable crew oxygen mask stowage box units.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012)

Boeing stated that it supports the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012).

Request for Clarification of Determination of the Affected Units

American Airlines (AA) requested that we revise the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012) to clarify the method used by the manufacturer to determine the affected units, and the potential that those units could have been inadvertently installed on other airplanes. AA explained that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, dated December 14, 2009, provides limited background information as to how Boeing determined which aircraft had defective crew oxygen mask stowage box units installed, and how operators could ensure that those affected crew oxygen mask stowage box units had not been inadvertently reinstalled on other airplanes. AA reasoned that the affected crew oxygen mask stowage box unit (MXP147-X) is installed on multiple fleets that are operated by AA, and at times, these crew oxygen mask stowage box units are loaned between other operators.

We agree that clarification is necessary. Therefore, the Seattle ACO is evaluating the associated risk to airplanes outside the applicability of this AD, and the need for additional action. We might consider further rulemaking to address our findings. Since it is not in the interest of public safety to further delay this action, no changes have been made to this AD regarding this issue at this time.

Clarification of Paragraph (g)(3) of This AD

We have clarified paragraph (g)(3) of this AD by specifying that the reinstallation is not required if a records review was done to determine the serial number of the crew oxygen stowage box unit.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously—and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the SNPRM (77 FR 55159, September 7, 2012).

We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 40 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Inspection	1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85	None	$85	$3,400

We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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.

We are 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

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:

(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),

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2013-07-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17413 ; Docket No. FAA-2010-1042; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-094-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective May 20, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.

(1) Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2011.

(2) Model 747-400F series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011.

(3) Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain crew oxygen mask stowage box units were possibly delivered with a burr in the inlet fitting. The burr might break loose during test or operation, and might pose an ignition source or cause an inlet valve to jam. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source, which could result in an oxygen-fed fire; or an inlet valve jam in a crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, which could result in restricted flow of oxygen.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection to determine if the serial number of the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit is identified in the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175,

Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert service bulletin specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit can be conclusively determined from that review.

(1) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number identified in table 1 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before further flight, replace the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a new or serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert service bulletin specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD.

(2) If any crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number identified in table 2 of the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Before further flight, add the letter “I” to the end of the serial number (identified as “SER”) on the identification label, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011; and reinstall in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert service bulletin specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD.

(3) If no crew oxygen mask stowage box unit has a serial number identified in the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011: Unless a records review was done to determine the serial number, before further flight, reinstall the crew oxygen mask stowage box unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Boeing alert service bulletin specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a crew oxygen mask stowage box unit with a serial number listed in the Appendix of Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011, on any airplane.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail].

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(j) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

(k) 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 Service Bulletin 737-35A1121, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2011.

(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-35A2126, Revision 1, dated September 29, 2011.

(iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0057, Revision 1, dated November 17, 2011.

(iv) Intertechnique Service Bulletin MXP1/4-35-175, Revision 2, dated May 10, 2011.

(3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone [phone], extension 1; fax [phone]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For Intertechnique service information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac, 2, rue Maurice Mallet—92137 Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex, France; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; Internet http://www.zodiac.com.

(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 29, 2013.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.