[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42895-42898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17253]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0547; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-028-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 727-200 and 727-200F series 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 a one-time 
inspection for cracking of the pressure floor of both main wheel wells, 
and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and 
would require modifying the pressure floor of both main wheel wells. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking in the pressure floor 
of the main wheel wells, which could lead to rapid loss of cabin 
pressurization.

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,

[[Page 42896]]

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, 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: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; 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-2013-0547; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-028-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 AD is the result of an assessment of the previously 
established programs by Boeing during the process of establishing the 
LOV for Boeing Model 727 series airplanes. The action specified in this 
proposed AD is necessary to complete certain programs to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure and to support an 
airplane reaching its LOV.
    We have received reports of cracks in the pressure floor of the 
main landing gear (MLG) wheel wells. Three operators reported cracks 
from 25 to 48 inches long, resulting in rapid decompression of the 
airplane. Twenty-four operators reported 67 airplanes with cracks up to 
two inches located in the reinforcing beads on both sides of the frame. 
This fatigue cracking, if not corrected, could result in rapid loss of 
cabin pressurization.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated 
November 30, 1989. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0547.

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 a one-time eddy current inspection, 
penetrant inspection, or detailed inspection for cracking of the 
pressure floor of both main wheel wells as described in Part I, 
``Inspection,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
information described previously, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary; and would also require accomplishing 
the modification specified in Part III, ``Preventive Modification,'' of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service information described 
previously.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is 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'' is 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

    Prior to accomplishing the preventive modification, this proposed 
AD would require a one-time inspection of the pressure floor for cracks 
in both the right and left main wheel wells, and corrective actions if 
necessary, in lieu of the repetitive inspections specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989. The 
repetitive inspections are addressed by AD 91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068 
(56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991). Additionally, the applicability of 
this proposed AD is different than the effectivity described in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989.

Explanation of Compliance Time

    The compliance time for the modification specified in this proposed 
AD for addressing WFD was established to ensure that discrepant 
structure is modified before WFD develops in airplanes. Standard 
inspection techniques cannot be relied on to detect WFD before it 
becomes a hazard to flight. We will not grant any extensions of the 
compliance time to complete any AD-mandated service bulletin related to 
WFD without extensive new data that would substantiate and clearly 
warrant such an extension.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 90-06-09, Amendment 39-6488 (55 FR 8370, March 7, 1990), 
requires accomplishing the preventive modification specified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 2, dated May 2, 1975, for 
airplane line numbers 1 through 1102 inclusive. AD 91-22-08, Amendment 
39-8068 (56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991), requires compliance with the 
inspection and repair, if necessary specified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision

[[Page 42897]]

3, dated November 30, 1989, for airplane line numbers 1 through 1832 
inclusive, but does not require the preventive modification.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 94 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Modification........  222 work[dash]hours x $85            $2,906         $21,776      $2,046,944
                                      per hour = $18,870.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-2013-0547; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-028-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 3, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068 (56 FR 57233, 
November 8, 1991).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727-200 and 727-200F 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, lines numbers 1103 
and subsequent.

(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 
fatigue cracking in the pressure floor of the main wheel wells, 
which could lead to rapid loss of cabin pressurization.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Before the accumulation of 60,000 total flight cycles, or within 
24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later: Do a one-time detailed inspection for cracking of the 
pressure floor of both main wheel wells, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, 
Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989, except as specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD. If any indication of distress is found 
(such as cracking or flaked paint): Before further flight do an eddy 
current inspection or penetrant inspection for cracking of the 
pressure floor of both main wheel wells, and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all 
the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989. 
Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions 
before further flight.

(h) Exception to Service Information

    Where Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated 
November 30, 1989, specifies a close visual inspection, this AD 
requires a detailed inspection, which 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 mirror, magnifying 
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
procedures may be required.

(i) Preventive Modification

    Before further flight after accomplishing the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do a preventive modification of the 
pressure floor of both main wheel wells, in accordance with Part III 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-
53A0124, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, 
Revision 2, dated May 2, 1975.

(k) Termination of Certain Actions in AD 91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068 
(56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991)

    Accomplishment of the preventative modification required by 
paragraph (i) of this

[[Page 42898]]

AD terminates the repetitive inspection requirement required by AD 
91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068 (56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991) for 
airplanes with line number 1103 and subsequent.

(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. 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.

(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, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, 
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; 
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, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17253 Filed 7-17-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P