AD 99-22-16

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the upper decompression panel on the flight deck door to verify that a minimum overlap dimension exists, and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, during production, some upper decompression panels were installed incorrectly on the flight deck door. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect an incorrectly installed upper decompression panel, which could cause the emergency exit panel on the flight deck door to become inoperable, thereby preventing crewmembers from performing essential duties during an emergency evacuation.

Final rule

99-22-16 BOEING: Amendment 39-11394. Docket 99-NM-02-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model 737 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1128, dated April 22, 1999, or in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1137, dated May 13, 1999; certificated in any category. \n\n\tNOTE 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 actionsto address it. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo detect an incorrectly installed upper decompression panel, which could cause the emergency exit panel on the flight deck door to become inoperable, thereby preventing crewmembers from performing essential duties during an emergency evacuation, accomplish the following: \n\nOne-Time Inspection \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the upper decompression panel on the flight deck door to verify that a minimum overlap dimension of 0.05 inch exists, as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1128, dated April 22, 1999 (for Model 737-300/-400/-500 series airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1137, dated May 13, 1999 (for Model 737-600/-700/-800 series airplanes); as applicable. \n\n\tNOTE 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required." \n\nCorrective Action \n\n\t(b)\tIf a minimum overlap dimension of 0.05 inch is not found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, adjust the decompression panel and, as applicable, the adjacent decorative channel, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1128, dated April 22, 1999 (for Model 737-300/-400/-500 series airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1137, dated May 13, 1999 (for Model 737-600/-700/-800 series airplanes); as applicable. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\n\t(c)\tAn 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. 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. \n\n\tNOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits \n\n\t(d)\tSpecial 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. \n\nIncorporation by Reference\n\n\t(e)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1128, dated April 22, 1999, or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1137, dated May 13, 1999, as applicable. This incorporation by reference was 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 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. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on December 7, 1999.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 1999 (64 FR 45470). That action proposed to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the upper decompression panel on the flight deck door to verify that a minimum overlap dimension exists, and corrective action, if necessary. \n\nComments \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.\n\n Conclusion \n\n\tThe FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\nCost Impact \n\n\tThere are approximately 1,299 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 901airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $54,060, or $60 per airplane. \n\n\tThe cost impact figure discussed above is 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. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe 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. \n\n\tFor 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." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.\n\n Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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:\n\n PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 (Amended) \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: