[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42900-42902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17252]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0545; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-048-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 
certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD is 
intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the 
airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data 
that support the established structural maintenance program. This 
proposed AD would require an inspection for cracks in the main wheel 
well pressure floor and a preventive modification or permanent repair, 
as applicable. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking in the main 
wheel well pressure floor, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane, and decompression of the cabin.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 3, 
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 
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. 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: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM 120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712 4137; 
phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-672-5210; 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-2013-0545; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-048-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

    As described in FAA Advisory Circular 120-104 (http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs 
have been developed to support initiatives that will ensure the 
continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure. The last element 
of those initiatives is the requirement to establish a LOV of the 
engineering data that support the structural maintenance program under 
14 CFR 26.21. This proposed AD is the result of an assessment of the 
previously established programs by The Boeing Company during the 
process of establishing the

[[Page 42901]]

LOV for Model 727 airplanes. The actions specified in this proposed AD 
are necessary to complete certain programs to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of aging airplane structure and to support an airplane 
reaching its LOV.
    We received reports of cracks on Model 727 airplanes along the ends 
of the pressure floor reinforcing beads at stations 930 and 940 in the 
main wheel well. Eight operators have reported 34 cracks on 20 
airplanes. The cracks ranged from 0.38 inch to 15.25 inches, and the 
airplanes had accumulated between 24,000 and 42,000 total flight cycles 
and between 24,000 and 49,500 total flight hours. Cracking along the 
ends of the reinforcing beads in the pressure floor of the main wheel 
well could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and 
decompression of the cabin.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, dated 
June 27, 1991. For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for Docket No. FAA-2013-0545.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    On August 26, 1992, the FAA issued AD 92-19-11, Amendment 39-8369 
(57 FR 53247, November 9, 1992), for all Model 727 series airplanes. AD 
92-19-11 requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue-related 
cracking of the main landing gear wheel well pressure floor adjacent to 
certain body stations, and repair if necessary. AD 92-19-11 requires 
the preventive modification or permanent repair only for airplanes 
having line numbers 001 through 1432, later identified as Group 1 
airplanes in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 3, dated 
November 2, 1989; and Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, 
dated June 27, 1991.
    On January 16, 1990, the FAA issued AD 90-06-09, Amendment 39-6488 
(55 FR 8370, March 7, 1990), for Model 727 series airplanes listed in 
Boeing Document No. D6-54860, ``Aging Airplane Service Bulletin 
Structural Modification Program--Model 727,'' Revision C, dated 
December 11, 1989. AD 90-06-09 requires modifications using service 
bulletins listed in Section 3 of Boeing Document No. D6-54860, Revision 
C, dated December 11, 1989. One of the service bulletins listed in 
Boeing Document No. D6-54860 is Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, 
Revision 2, dated March 20, 1981. The effectivity of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 2, dated March 20, 1981, is airplanes 
having line numbers 001 through 1432. These airplanes were later 
identified as Group 1 airplanes in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, 
Revision 3, dated November 2, 1989; and Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-
0149, Revision 4, dated June 27, 1991. Therefore, AD 90-06-09 only 
requires the permanent repair or modification for Group 1 airplanes.

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 identified previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, dated June 27, 
1991, includes repetitive inspections and preventive modification and 
permanent repair instructions for both Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes, 
as identified in that service bulletin. This proposed AD would mandate 
the preventive modification and permanent repair only for airplanes 
having line numbers 1433 through 1832 inclusive, identified as Group 2 
airplanes in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, dated 
June 27, 1991.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, dated June 27, 
1991, includes the preventive modification as optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections included in that service 
bulletin. This proposed AD would mandate accomplishment of the 
permanent repair or preventive modification (depending on the 
inspection findings) as part of the actions identified by the 727 Aging 
Fleet Structures Working Group as being necessary to support an 
airplane reaching its LOV.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 106 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                Action                           Labor cost             Parts cost            Cost per product               Cost on U.S.  operators
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Inspection...........................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =              $0  $170............................  $18,020.
                                        $170.
Modification/repair..................  Up to 272 work-hours x $85              5,565  Up to $28,685...................  Up to $3,040,610.
                                        per hour = $23,120.
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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

[[Page 42902]]

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-2013-0545; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-048-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 3, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 92-19-11, Amendment 39-8369 (57 FR 53247, 
November 9, 1992).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, having line position 1433 through 1832 inclusive, 
identified as Group 2 airplanes in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-
0149, Revision 4, dated June 27, 1991.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs 
intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity 
(LOV) of the engineering data that support the established 
structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
cracking in the main wheel well pressure floor, which could result 
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and decompression 
of the cabin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Detailed Inspection

    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an 
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirrors, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate procedures may be required.

(h) Inspection and Repair/Modification

    At the later of the times in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
this AD: Do a one-time detailed, high frequency eddy current (HFEC), 
or dye penetrant inspection for cracks in the main wheel well 
pressure floor at body stations 930, 940, and 950, between left and 
right buttock line 50 and the side of the airplane body, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, dated June 27, 1991.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 60,000 total flight cycles, or
    (2) Within 2,500 flight cycles or 2 years after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(i) Preventive Modification

    If no cracks are found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, do the preventive 
modification, in accordance with Part IV of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, 
dated June 27, 1991. Doing the preventive modification terminates 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (d) of AD 92-19-11, 
Amendment 39-8369 (57 FR 53247, November 9, 1992).

(j) Permanent Repair

    If any crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, do the permanent 
repair, in accordance with Part III of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, 
dated June 27, 1991. Doing the permanent repair terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (d) of AD 92-19-11, 
Amendment 39-8369 (57 FR 53247, November 9, 1992).

    Note (1) to paragraph (h) of this AD:  If a detailed inspection 
is performed, stripping the paint will help ensure accurate 
inspection results.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 
3, dated November 2, 1989.

(l) 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.
    (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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM 120L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 
100, Lakewood, CA 90712 4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-672-
5210; 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 Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17252 Filed 7-17-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P