[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 12, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15658-15660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05598]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0206; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-068-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by reports of spanwise cracks and corrosion in the wing center box 
upper skin and rear spar upper chord between left buttock line (LBL) 
70.50 and right buttock line (RBL) 70.50 at body station (STA) 870. 
This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the wing 
center box for cracking around certain fastener rows on the rear spar 
upper chord horizontal flange; for certain airplanes, repetitive 
inspections for cracking of the rear spar upper chord radius; for 
certain other airplanes, repetitive inspections for damage, cracking, 
and corrosion of the pressure seal; and repair if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion of the 
upper skin and rear spar upper chord of the wing center box, which 
could result in loss of the airplane wing and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 26, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. 
O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Ave SW., Renton, WA. 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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6577; 
fax: (425) 917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0206; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-068-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

    We have received reports of spanwise cracks and corrosion in the 
wing center box upper skin and rear spar upper chord between LBL 70.50 
and RBL 70.50 at STA 870. The crack sizes ranged from 0.125 inches to 
12 inches. The airplanes had accumulated between 31,679 and 61,359 
total flight hours and between 17,754 and 58,796 total flight

[[Page 15659]]

cycles. Analysis has shown that the cracks are a result of stress 
corrosion. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result 
in loss of the airplane wing and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-57-0187, 
dated March 8, 2012. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0206.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 2005-05-19, Amendment 39-14008 (70 FR 12120, March 11, 2005; 
corrected March 17, 2005 (70 FR 13074)), requires repetitive detailed 
inspections to detect cracking, corrosion, minor surface defects, and 
existing stop-drilled repairs of cracks in the upper and lower chords 
of the front and rear spars of the wing; and repair if necessary. Those 
required actions are for locations between buttock line 70.5 and the 
wing tip (i.e., left and right wings). This proposed AD would require 
actions between the LBL 70.5 and RBL 70.5 of the rear spar upper chord 
and upper skin at STA 870 (i.e., center wing).

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that: (1) Are related to the primary actions, and (2) are actions that 
further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related 
investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in 
this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or 
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, 
for example, repairs.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-57-0187, dated March 
8, 2012, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how 
to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require 
repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 98 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................  67 work-hours x $85            $0  $5,695 per            $558,110 per
                                    per hour = $5,695                  inspection cycle.     inspection cycle
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    We 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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),
    (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.

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0206; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-068-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 26, 2013.

[[Page 15660]]

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of spanwise cracks and corrosion 
in the wing center box upper skin and rear spar upper chord between 
left buttock line (LBL) 70.50 and right buttock line (RBL) 70.50 at 
body station (STA) 870. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracking and corrosion of the upper skin and rear spar upper chord 
of the wing center box, which could result in loss of the airplane 
wing and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-57-0187, dated March 
8, 2012: Inspect the wing center box between LBL 70.50 and RBL 
70.50, at STA 870, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), 
(g)(3), (g)(4), and (g)(5) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 727-57-0187, dated March 8, 2012. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at the applicable times specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 727-57-0187, dated March 8, 2012. If any crack, corrosion, 
or damage is found during any inspection required by this AD, before 
further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (1) Do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) or detailed 
inspection for cracking around the forward fastener row in the rear 
spar upper chord horizontal flange.
    (2) Do a low frequency eddy current inspection for cracking 
around the aft fastener row in the rear spar upper chord horizontal 
flange.
    (3) Do a detailed or HFEC inspection for cracking in the rear 
spar upper chord radius.
    (4) Do a detailed or HFEC inspection for cracking in the upper 
skin around the forward fastener row common to the rear spar upper 
chord horizontal flange.
    (5) Do a detailed inspection for damage, cracking, and corrosion 
in the pressure seal.

(h) Exception to the Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-57-0187, dated 
March 8, 2012, specifies compliance times ``after the original issue 
date of this service bulletin.'' However, this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance times ``after the 
effective date of this AD.''

(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: [email protected].
    (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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: (425) 917-6577; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For 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 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Ave SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 28, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05598 Filed 3-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P