AD 98-03-10

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AD Number:
98-03-10
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
97-NM-334-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 Series Airplanes
Subject:
Seat Locks
Status:
Current
Citation:
(Federal Register: February 04, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 23))
Citation Publish Date:
02/04/1998
Effective Date:
02/19/1998
Make:
The Boeing Company
Model:
737-100 Series | 737-200 Series | 737-200C Series | 737-300 Series | 737-400 Series | 737-500 Series...Show more
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Large Airplane
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
97-15-06
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 (63 FR 5725 NO. 23 02/04/98)
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 98-03-10
CITATION:   [Federal Register: February 04, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 23)]

PAGE NUMBER:   [Page 5725]

DOCKET NUMBER:   97-NM-334-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-10302

AD NUMBER:   98-03-10

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 Series Airplanes

ACTION:   Final rule; request for comments

SUMMARY:  
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time operational test of the pilots' seat locks and the seat tracks to ensure that the seats lock in position and the seat tracks are aligned correctly; and re-alignment of the seat tracks, if necessary. This amendment revises the applicability of the existing AD. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES:   Effective February 19, 1998. The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of February 19, 1998. The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 31, 1997 (62 FR 38017, July 16, 1997). Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before April 6, 1998.

ADDRESSES:  
Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-334-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Meghan Gordon, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2207; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
On July 9, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-15-06, amendment 39-10079 (62 FR 38017, July 16, 1997), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 series airplanes equipped with non-powered IPECO pilots' seats, to require a one-time operational test of the pilots' seat locks and the seat tracks to ensure that the seats lock in position and the seat tracks are aligned correctly; and re-alignment of the seat tracks, if necessary. That action was prompted by reports indicating that a pilot's seat slid from the forward position to the aft-most position during acceleration and take-off of the airplane due to misalignment of the seat tracks. The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

Since the issuance of that AD, Boeing has notified the FAA that the effectivity of the Boeing service bulletins referenced in the existing AD (1) does not include airplanes for which the potential for seat track misalignment exists, and (2) incorrectly includes airplanes on which seat track misalignment problems do not exist.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved the following Boeing service bulletins, all dated January 15, 1998:

737-25-1334, Revision 1 (for Model 737 series airplanes);
747-25-3132, Revision 1 (for Model 747 series airplanes);
757-25-0183, Revision 2 (for Model 757 series airplanes); and
767-25-0244, Revision 1 (for Model 767 series airplanes).

These revisions are essentially identical to the original issues of the service bulletins. However, the effectivity of these service bulletin revisions has been revised to add certain airplanes equipped with IPECO manually operated (non-powered) flight deck seats, and to delete airplanes on which IPECO non-powered flight deck seats are not installed.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD supersedes AD 97-15-06 to continue to require a one- time operational test of the pilots' seat locks and the seat tracks to ensure that the seats lock in position and the seat tracks are aligned correctly; and re-alignment of the seat tracks, if necessary. This amendment revises the applicability of the existing AD to add certain airplanes and to remove others.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 97-NM-334-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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 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. § 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10079 (62 FR 38017, July 16, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10302, to read as follows:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
98-03-10 BOEING: Amendment 39-10302. Docket 97-NM-334-AD. Supersedes AD 97-15-06, Amendment 39-10079.

Applicability: Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 series airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with non-powered IPECO pilots' seats; and having the following line position numbers:

Airplane Model
	
Line Position Numbers


737
	
1 through 2836 inclusive


747
	
1 through 1104 inclusive


757
	
1 through 731 inclusive


767
	
1 through 642 inclusive

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (c) 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.

NOTE 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 97-15-06, amendment 39-10079. As allowed by the phrase, "unless accomplished previously," if those requirements of AD 97-15-06 have already been accomplished, this AD does not require that those actions be repeated.

To prevent uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes equipped with non-powered IPECO pilots' seats as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334, 747-25-3132, 757-25-0183, or 767-25-0244, all dated December 19, 1996: Within 90 days after July 31, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-15-06, amendment 39-10079), perform a one-time operational test of the pilots' seats and the seat locks to determine that the lock pin of the seat track fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334, dated December 19, 1996, or Revision 1, dated January 15, 1998(for Model 737 series airplanes); 747-25-3132, dated December 19, 1996, or Revision 1, dated January 15, 1998 (for Model 747 series airplanes); 757-25-0183, dated December 19, 1996, or Revision 2, dated January 15, 1998 (for Model 757 series airplanes); or 767-25-0244, dated December 19, 1996, or Revision 1, dated January 15, 1998 (for Model 767 series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, no further action is required by this AD.

(2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions of the seat track, prior to further flight, re-align the seat tracks, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

(b) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (a) of this AD: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time operational test of the pilots' seats and the seat locks to determine that the lock pin of the seat track fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334, Revision 1 (for Model 737 series airplanes); 747-25-3132, Revision 1 (for Model 747 series airplanes); 757-25-0183, Revision 2 (for Model 757 series airplanes); or 767-25-0244, Revision 1 (for Model 767 series airplanes); all dated January 15, 1998, as applicable.

(1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, no further action is required by this AD.

(2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions of the seat track, prior to further flight, re-align the seat tracks, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.

(c) (1) 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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 97-15-06, amendment 39-10079, are approved as alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

(c) (2) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Boeing Service Bulletins, as applicable:


Service Bulletin
Number
	
Revision
Level
	
Service Bulletin
Date


737-25-1334
	
Original
	
December 19, 1996


747-25-3132
	
Original
	
December 19, 1996


757-25-0183
	
Original
	
December 19, 1996


767-25-0244
	
Original
	
December 19, 1996


737-25-1334
	
1
	
January 15, 1998


747-25-3132
	
1
	
January 15, 1998


757-25-0183
	
2
	
January 15, 1998


767-25-0244
	
1
	
January 15, 1998

(1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334, Revision 1; Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3132, Revision 1; Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0183, Revision 2; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0244, Revision 1; all dated January 15, 1998; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3132, Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0183, and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0244; all dated December 19, 1996; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 31, 1997 (62 FR 38017, July 16, 1997).

(3) Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may 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.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on February 19, 1998.

FOOTER: