[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1627-1629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31964]



[[Page 1627]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9570; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-185-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 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that 
undetected web fatigue cracking caused by oil canning may exist in the 
station 1440 aft pressure bulkhead web. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive detailed inspections for any oil canning or cracking of the 
station 1440 aft pressure bulkhead web, and related corrective actions 
if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 21, 
2017.

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 NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may view this 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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9570.

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-2016-
9570; 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: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 
562-627-5232; 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-2016-9570; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-185-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 determined that undetected web fatigue cracking caused by 
oil canning may exist in the station 1440 aft pressure bulkhead Web. 
Oil canning is defined as a locally buckled forward area of the aft 
pressure bulkhead web between the radial stiffeners and the 
circumferential tear straps, which can pop outward when the fuselage is 
pressurized, causing a stress reversal cycle during each flight that 
may lead to fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web. Oil 
canning may lead to cracking and related damage (including sharp 
creases; gouges; cracks; deformation to a radial stiffener, 
circumferential tear strap, Y-chord, or terminal fitting splice plate; 
or damaged holes) or irregularity (including loose or missing 
fasteners, pressure leakage, fasteners within 1 inch of any oil canning 
location, or an oil canning location within 2 inches of another oil 
canning location). This condition, if not corrected, could result in an 
undetected fatigue crack in the aft pressure bulkhead web growing to a 
length that could result in reduced structural integrity of the web and 
lead to rapid decompression of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3543, dated 
September 15, 2016 (``ASB A3543, Revision 0''). The service information 
describes procedures for repetitive detailed inspections for any oil 
canning or cracking of the station 1440 aft pressure bulkhead web, and 
related corrective actions. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.'' For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9570.
    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 action, and (2) further investigate the 
nature of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD 
could include, for example, inspections.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
Corrective actions correct or address any condition found. Corrective 
actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.

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Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    ASB A3543, Revision 0, specifies to contact the manufacturer for 
certain instructions, but this proposed AD would require using repair 
methods, modification deviations, and alteration deviations 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 12 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                          Labor cost            Parts cost           Cost per product                 Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for oil canning...........  6 work-hours x $85 per hour            $0  $510 per inspection cycle.........  $6,120 per inspection cycle
                                        = $510 per inspection cycle.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any additional inspections 
that would be required based on the results of the initial proposed 
inspection. These cost estimates are for one canning location. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
actions:

                                               On-condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil canning zone determination and           1 work-hour x 85 per hour = $85....              $0             $85
 inspection.
Detailed inspection and eddy current         13 work-hours x $85 per hour =                    0          $1,105
 inspection for cracks.                       1,105.
High frequency eddy current inspection for   2 work-hours x 85 per hour = 170...               0            $170
 crack location, length, and orientation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for certain corrective 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-2016-9570; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-185-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 21, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
as identified in Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3543, dated 
September 15, 2016 (``ASB A3543, Revision 0''), and in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) The Boeing Company Model 707-100 Long Body, -200, -100B Long 
Body, and -100B Short Body series airplanes; and Model 707-300, -
300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes.
    (2) The Boeing Company Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.

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(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that undetected web 
fatigue cracking caused by oil canning may exist in the station 1440 
aft pressure bulkhead web. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web, which 
could grow in length and ultimately reduce the structural integrity 
of the web and lead to rapid decompression of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Related Investigative and Corrective 
Actions

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of ASB A3543, Revision 0, except as required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB A3543, Revision 0, except as 
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection of the station 1440 aft pressure 
bulkhead web for any oil canning. Repeat the inspection at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of ASB 
A3543, Revision 0.
    (2) Do all applicable related investigative actions, including 
detailed, eddy current, and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspections. Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of ASB 
A3543, Revision 0.
    (3) Do all applicable corrective actions at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of ASB A3543, Revision 
0.

(h) Service Information Exceptions

    (1) Where ASB A3543, Revision 0, specifies a compliance time 
``after the original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD 
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin A3543, dated September 
15, 2016, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions, and 
specifies that action as Required for Compliance (RC), this AD 
requires repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane 
can be repaired, but if any crack is found as identified in ASB 
A3543, Revision 0, concurrence by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is required before issuance of the 
special flight permit.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 (k)(1) 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, modification, or alteration 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. To be approved, 
the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval 
must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the 
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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 December 27, 2016.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31964 Filed 1-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P