[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 59 (Thursday, March 27, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17009-17011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06775]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 59 / Thursday, March 27, 2014 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 17009]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[FAA-2013-0545; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-048-AD; Amendment 39-
17787; AD 2014-05-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by certain 
mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit 
of validity of the engineering data that support the established 
structural maintenance program. This AD requires an inspection for 
cracks in the main wheel well pressure floor and a preventive 
modification or permanent repair, as applicable. 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.

DATES: This AD is effective May 1, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 14, 
1992 (57 FR 53247, November 9, 1992).

ADDRESSES: 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 view 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0545; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chandraduth Ramdoss, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5329; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 727 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 
18, 2013 (78 FR 42900). The NPRM was prompted by certain mandated 
programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of 
validity of the engineering data that support the established 
structural maintenance program. The NPRM proposed to require an 
inspection for cracks in the main wheel well pressure floor and a 
preventive modification or permanent repair, as applicable. 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify the Reason for Issuing the NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 
18, 2013)

    Boeing requested that we clarify a statement in the ``Discussion'' 
section of the preamble of the NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013). 
Boeing stated that the ``Discussion'' section in the preamble of the 
NPRM did not explain that the reason for proposing the NPRM was to 
complete one of the recommendations contained in Boeing's 727 Service 
Action Requirement Program. Boeing noted that in the NPRM's 
``Discussion'' section references were made to ``certain programs'' and 
``previously established program,'' but should have specifically 
referred to the Boeing 727 Service Action Requirement Program. Boeing 
also noted that the service information referenced in the NPRM is 
related to the Boeing 727 Service Action Requirement Program.
    We agree that the references to ``certain programs'' and 
``previously established program'' were both referring to the Boeing 
727 Service Action Requirement Program, and that the service 
information referenced in the NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013) is 
related to that program. However, the portion of the NPRM's 
``Discussion'' section that Boeing referred to is not carried over into 
this final rule; therefore, no change to this final rule is necessary 
in this regard.

Request To Correct Statements Regarding Other Relevant Rulemaking

    Boeing requested that we correct the statements regarding the AD 
requirements of the other relevant rulemaking mentioned in the preamble 
of the NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013). Boeing stated that the 
discussion regarding AD 92-19-11, Amendment 39-8369 (57 FR 53247, 
November 9, 1992), incorrectly stated that AD 92-19-11 required the 
preventative modification or permanent repair for airplanes having line 
numbers 001 through 1432. Boeing noted that AD 92-19-11 did not require 
the preventative modification, but provided the option to

[[Page 17010]]

terminate the repetitive inspections if the preventative modification 
or permanent repair was installed on airplanes with line numbers 001 
through 1432. Boeing also stated that, in a different rulemaking 
action, the ``Other Relevant Rulemaking'' section provided a clearer 
description of the actions required by AD 90-06-09, Amendment 39-6488 
(55 FR 8370, March 7, 1990), and AD 92-19-11, and requested that the 
NPRM be revised to include the language from the other rulemaking 
action.
    We agree that the NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013) incorrectly 
stated that AD 92-19-11, Amendment 39-8369 (57 FR 53247, November 9, 
1992), requires the preventive modification or permanent repair. 
However, in its comment, Boeing stated that the option to terminate the 
repetitive inspections provided in AD 92-19-11 was for airplanes having 
line numbers 001 through 1432, which is not correct. AD 92-19-11 
provides the option to terminate the repetitive inspection requirements 
for all Model 727 airplanes once the permanent repair or preventive 
modification is installed.
    We are issuing this final rule to require the permanent repair or 
modification for Model 727 airplanes with line positions 1433 through 
1832 inclusive. AD 90-06-09, Amendment 39-6488 (55 FR 8370, March 7, 
1990), only requires the permanent repair or terminating modification, 
in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 2, 
dated March 20, 1981, which only applies to airplanes having line 
numbers 001 through 1432 inclusive. AD 92-19-11, Amendment 39-8369 (57 
FR 53247, November 9, 1992), does not require the permanent repair or 
terminating modification, but provides it as an option.
    The ``Other Relevant Rulemaking'' section of the NPRM (78 FR 42900, 
July 18, 2013) is not carried over into this final rule; therefore, no 
change to this final rule is necessary in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 42900, July 18, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

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

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

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
    (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),
    (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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2014-05-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17787; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0545; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-048-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 1, 2014.

(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

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by certain mandated programs intended to 
support the airplane reaching its limit of validity of the 
engineering data that support the established structural maintenance 
program. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking in the

[[Page 17011]]

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 specified 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.

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

(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).

(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, which was incorporated by reference in AD 
92-19-11, Amendment 39-8369 (57 FR 53247, November 9, 1992).

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 paragraph (m) 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, Los Angeles 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 Chandraduth 
Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5329; fax: 562-
627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD may be obtained at the 
addresses specified in paragraphs (n)(4) and (n)(5) of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 14, 1992 (57 FR 53247, November 9, 1992).
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53-0149, Revision 4, dated June 
27, 1991.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information at 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.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 18, 2014.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06775 Filed 3-26-14; 8:45 am]
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