

[Federal Register: November 7, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 215)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 62802-62805]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07no07-22]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0163; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-046-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, 
-700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, 
and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing a 
new circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn 
off electrical power to the in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems and 
other non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight 
compartment, and doing other specified actions. This proposed AD 
results from an IFE systems review. We are proposing this AD to ensure 
that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to IFE systems 
and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the 
flight compartment. The flightcrew's inability to turn off power to IFE 
systems and other non-essential electrical systems during a non-normal 
or emergency situation could result in the inability to control smoke 
or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov.
 Follow the instructions for submitting comments.


[[Page 62803]]

     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.

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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shohreh Safarian, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6418; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0163; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-046-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We 

will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed a review of in-
flight entertainment (IFE) systems installed on transport category 
airplanes. The review focused on the interface between the IFE system 
and airplane electrical system, with the objective of determining if 
any unsafe conditions exist with regard to the interface.
    The type of IFE systems considered for review were those that 
contain video monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays, 
either hanging above the aisle or mounted on individual seat backs or 
seat trays), or complex circuitry (i.e., power supplies, electronic 
distribution boxes, extensive wire routing, relatively high power 
consumption, multiple layers of circuit protection, etc.). In addition, 
in-seat power supply systems that provide power to more than 20 percent 
of the total passenger seats were also considered for the review. The 
types of IFE systems not considered for review include systems that 
provide only audio signals to each passenger seat, ordinary in-flight 
telephone systems (e.g., one telephone handset per group of seats or 
bulkhead-mounted telephones), systems that have only a video monitor on 
the forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection system) to provide passengers 
with basic airplane and flight information, and in-seat power supply 
systems that provide power to less than 20 percent of the total 
passenger seats.
    Items considered during the review include the following:
     Can the electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE 
system be de-energized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that might be required for continued safe flight and landing?
     Can IFE system power be removed when required without 
pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., is there a switch (dedicated 
to the IFE system or a combination of loads) located in the flight deck 
or cabin that can be used to remove IFE power?)?
     If the IFE system requires changes to flightcrew 
procedures, has the airplane flight manual (AFM) been properly amended?
     If the IFE system requires changes to cabin crew 
procedures, have they been properly amended?
     Does the IFE system require periodic or special 
maintenance?
    In all, we reviewed approximately 180 IFE systems. The review 
results indicate that unsafe conditions exist on some IFE systems 
installed on various transport category airplanes. These conditions can 
be summarized as:
     Electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE system 
cannot be de-energized when necessary without removing power from 
systems that might be required for continued safe flight and landing.
     Power cannot be removed from the IFE system when required 
without pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., there is no switch 
dedicated to the IFE system or combination of systems for the purpose 
of removing power).
     Installation of the IFE system has affected crew 
(flightcrew and/or cabin crew) procedures, but the procedures have not 
been properly revised.
    Currently, certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes do not have a switch in the 
flight compartment allowing the flightcrew to turn off power to IFE 
systems and other non-essential electrical systems, in the event of 
smoke or fumes. The flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power 
to IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems, if not 
corrected, could result in the inability to control smoke or fumes in 
the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or 
emergency situation.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1145, dated March 
4, 2004, for Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-24-1145 describes procedures for installing a new 
circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off 
electrical power to IFE systems through the IFE/galley switch and for 
doing other specified actions. The other specified actions include 
rerouting the wiring between the IFE relays, disconnect panels, and 
circuit breakers; replacing the lightplate assembly at the P5-13 module 
assembly with a new lightplate assembly; and testing the IFE control 
systems.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1147, Revision 
1, dated March 1, 2007, for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 
series airplanes. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1147 describes 
procedures for installing a new circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to 
allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems 
and other non-essential electrical systems through a utility switch in 
the flight compartment. Part 1 of the Work Instructions, which is 
applicable to Groups 1 and 2 airplanes, describes procedures for 
changing the wiring on the E4-2 shelf assembly and testing the changed 
electrical control system to ensure it operates correctly. For Group 2 
airplanes, Part 1 also describes procedures for installing new wiring 
and changing certain wiring between a terminal bus and circuit breaker.

[[Page 62804]]

    Part 2 of the Work Instructions, which is applicable to Groups 3 
through 139 airplanes, describes the following procedures:
     Installing a circuit breaker on the P6-11 panel door, a 
new terminal board and two new relays on the aft wall of the P6 
electrical panel, a new relay adapter plate on the relay panel 
assembly, new wires W40 between the relays, terminal board, and the P6 
disconnect panel assemblies, and a new relay on the relay plate 
assembly; and installing new wires W40/W44 and changing the wiring 
between the relays, circuit breakers, and disconnect panel assemblies.
     Replacing the P5-13 module assembly with a new improved or 
modified P5-13 module assembly and installing new wires W2510 between 
the P5 overhead panel and the P6 electrical panel.
     Changing the wiring W422 on the E4-2 shelf assembly and 
installing new wires W44 between the E4-2 shelf assembly and P6 
electrical panel.
     Testing the electrical supply and IFE control systems to 
ensure that they operate correctly.
    Part 3 of the Work Instructions, which is applicable to Groups 140 
through 169 airplanes, describes procedures for making a wiring change 
to a certain wire bundle for the printer and testing the printer and 
changed systems to ensure they operate correctly.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1145 specifies concurrent 
accomplishment of Boeing Component Service Bulletin 69-37321-31-03, 
dated August 21, 2003, for Model 737-300 series airplanes equipped with 
P5-13 module assembly, part number (P/N) 69-37321-81. Boeing Component 
Service Bulletin 69-37321-31-03 describes procedures for replacing the 
lightplate assembly at the P5-13 module assembly with a new lightplate 
assembly and reidentifying and testing the modified P5-13 module 
assembly.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1147 specifies concurrent 
accomplishment of Boeing Component Service Bulletin 285A1840-24-02, 
dated August 28, 2003, for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 
series airplanes equipped with P5-13 module assembly, P/N 285A1840-3 or 
-4. Boeing Component Service Bulletin 285A1840-24-02 describes 
procedures for modifying the P5-13 module assembly. The modification 
includes installing new analog and interface printed wire assemblies 
(PWAs) on the processor PWA, new toggle switches on the new front panel 
assembly, a new PWA cable between the analog and interface PWAs, new 
standoff posts on the interface and processor PWAs, the new front panel 
assembly on the new standoff posts, and a new light plate on the 
modified module assembly.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1147 specifies prior or concurrent 
accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-23-1189, dated June 27, 
2002, for two Model 737-800 series airplanes. Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-23-1189 describes procedures for installing wiring for the No. 4 
video display unit (VDU) cluster, an INOP marker, and stow clip at the 
P6-1 circuit breaker panel; rerouting certain wiring for the No. 4 VDU 
cluster between stations 685 and 767; and doing a continuity test of 
the newly installed and rerouted wire bundles.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, 
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,617 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at 
an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply 
with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Number of
                                                                              Cost per     U.S. -
            Model                   Action      Work hours       Parts        airplane   registered   Fleet cost
                                                                                          airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 737-300, -400, and -500  Installation of    Up to 31    Up to $2,925       $5,405           1       $5,405
 series airplanes.              circuit
                                breaker,
                                relays, and
                                wiring.
Model 737-300 series           Concurrent                1           2,327        2,407           1        2,407
 airplanes.                     modification
                                of P5-13
                                module
                                assembly.
737-600, -700, -700C, -800,    Installation of    Up to 52    Up to 10,968       15,128         586    8,865,008
 and -900 series airplanes.     circuit
                                breaker,
                                relays, and
                                wiring.
                               Concurrent                4           9,241        9,561         586    5,602,746
                                modification
                                of P5-13
                                module
                                assembly.
737-800 series airplanes.....  Installation of          12           3,372        4,332           2        8,664
                                wiring for the
                                No. 4 VDU.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.

[[Page 62805]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2007-0163; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
046-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 
24, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Boeing airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1145, dated March 4, 
2004.
    (2) Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, 
as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1147, Revision 1, 
dated March 1, 2007.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from an in-flight entertainment (IFE) 
systems review. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew 
is able to turn off electrical power to IFE systems and other non-
essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight 
compartment. The flightcrew's inability to turn off power to IFE 
systems and other non-essential electrical systems during a non-
normal or emergency situation could result in the inability to 
control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Install Circuit Breaker, Relays, and Wiring on Model 737-300, -400, and 
-500 Series Airplanes

    (f) For Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes: Within 
60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new circuit 
breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE systems through the IFE/galley switch 
and do all other specified actions as applicable, by accomplishing 
all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1145, dated March 4, 
2004.

Concurrently Modify P5-13 Module Assembly on Model 737-300 Series 
Airplanes

    (g) For Model 737-300 series airplanes identified as Group 6 
airplanes in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1145, dated March 4, 
2004, and equipped with P5-13 module assembly part number (P/N) 69-
37321-81: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the actions 
required by paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the lightplate 
assembly of the P5-13 module assembly with a new lightplate assembly 
and reidentify and test the modified P5-13 module assembly, in 
accordance with Boeing Component Service Bulletin 69-37321-31-03, 
dated August 21, 2003.

Install Circuit Breaker, Relays, and Wiring on Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes

    (h) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series 
airplanes: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install a new circuit breaker, relays, and wiring, as applicable, to 
allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems 
and other non-essential electrical systems through a utility switch 
in the flight compartment, by accomplishing all of the applicable 
actions specified in Parts 1, 2, or 3 of the Work Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-24-1147, Revision 1, dated March 1, 
2007.

Concurrently Modify P5-13 Module Assembly on Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes

    (i) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series 
airplanes identified as Groups 1 through 139 inclusive in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-24-1147, Revision 1, dated March 1, 2007, and 
equipped with P5-13 module assembly P/N 285A1840-3 or -4: Prior to 
or concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, modify the P5-13 module assembly, in accordance with 
Boeing Component Service Bulletin 285A1840-24-02, dated August 28, 
2003.

Wiring Installation for the Video Display Unit (VDU)

    (j) For Model 737-800 series airplanes identified in paragraph 
1.A.1. of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-23-1189, dated June 27, 2002: 
Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, install wiring for the No. 4 VDU cluster, 
an INOP marker, and stow clip at the P6-1 circuit breaker panel; 
reroute certain wiring for the No. 4 VDU cluster between stations 
685 and 767; and do a continuity test of the newly installed and 
rerouted wiring; in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-23-
1189, dated June 27, 2002.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-21843 Filed 11-6-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
