# AD 98-03-10: Seat Locks - Type: Airworthiness directive - Status: Current - Products: Boeing 737-100 Series, 737-200 Series, 737-200C Series, 737-300 Series, 737-400 Series, 737-500 Series, 737-600 Series, 737-700 Series, 737-800 Series, 747-100 Series, 747-100B Series, 747-100B SUD Series and 16 more - Effective: February 19, 1998 - Published: February 4, 1998, 63 FR 5725–5727 - Issued as: Final rule; request for comments - Supersedes: [AD 97-15-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-15-06) - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Product type: Aircraft, Large airplane - Amendment: 39-10302 - Docket: 97-NM-334-AD - Registered aircraft: 1,558 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs) - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/09/aa/09aad9824014271905cf7bbffbe16cc56a73f31c4d8099c127a24e4709f886c2 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1998-02-04/pdf/98-2529.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/02/04/98-2529/airworthiness-directives-boeing-model-737-747-757-and-767-series-airplanes - FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/824E7954F34495E68625698400488CA7.0001 - DRS record last changed: May 30, 2024 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-03-10 ## 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. ## The airworthiness directive 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-alignthe 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 21.197and 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 incorporationby 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. ## Rule preamble ### 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 theeffectivity 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 theclosing 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 FAAhas 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: ## Affected data sheets (4) (OpenAirDocs) The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names. - [TCDS A20WE](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A20WE): The Boeing Company; names 12 of 14 models: 747-100B Series, 747SP Series, 747-400D Series, 747-400F Series, 747-200B Series, 747-200F Series, 747-300 Series, 747-200C Series… - [TCDS A16WE](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A16WE): The Boeing Company; names 9 of 17 models: 737-500 Series, 737-100 Series, 737-200C Series, 737-800 Series, 737-300 Series, 737-200 Series, 737-700 Series, 737-400 Series… - [TCDS A2NM](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A2NM): The Boeing Company; names 4 of 4 models: 757-200CB Series, 757-200PF Series, 757-300 Series, 757-200 Series - [TCDS A1NM](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A1NM): The Boeing Company; names 3 of 5 models: 767-300 Series, 767-200 Series, 767-300F Series ## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs) Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - Aircraft: 1,558 (1,558 by airframe model, 0 by engine model) - Makers: Boeing 1,558 Models with the most aircraft: - [Boeing 737-823](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-823): 278 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 767-300F](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-767-300f): 169 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-800](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-800): 139 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-824](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-824): 135 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-832](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-832): 71 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-232](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-232): 63 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-890](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-890): 60 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 767-332](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-767-332): 46 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-224](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-224): 40 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-222](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-222): 38 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-724](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-724): 36 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 767-322](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-767-322): 36 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 767-323](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-767-323): 27 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-223](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-223): 23 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-236](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-236): 20 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-251](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-251): 18 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-351](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-351): 16 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-790](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-790): 14 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 737-752](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-737-752): 13 aircraft (airframe model) - [Boeing 757-231](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-757-231): 13 aircraft (airframe model) All 116 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-03-10/models.md Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-03-10/aircraft.md ## Related documents - [AD 97-15-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-15-06) (historical): Seats and Seat Locks · Boeing 737 Series (all), 747 Series (all), 757 Series (all) and 1 more. Effective Jul 31, 1997. Replaced by this AD No proposed rule in this release led to it. Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.