[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 57 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15169-15171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05770]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0244; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-044-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 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a determination that supplemental
inspections are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for
certain structural significant item (SSIs). This proposed AD would
require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
to add supplemental inspections. This proposed AD would also require
inspections to detect cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked
structure. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 11, 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.
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-2017-
0244; 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; 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-2017-0244;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-044-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
On April 8, 2008, we issued AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73
FR 24164, May 2, 2008) (``AD 2008-09-13''), for all Model 737-300, -
400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2008-09-13 requires revising the
FAA-approved maintenance inspection program to include inspections that
will give no less than the required damage tolerance rating (DTR) for
each SSI, doing repetitive inspections to detect cracks of all SSIs,
and repairing cracked structure. AD 2008-09-13 resulted from a report
of incidents involving fatigue cracking in transport category airplanes
that are approaching or have exceeded their design service objective.
We issued AD 2008-09-13 to ensure the continued structural integrity of
all Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.
Actions Since AD 2008-09-13 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2008-09-13, a structural reevaluation was
conducted by the manufacturer. As a result, we have determined that
supplemental inspections are required for timely detection of fatigue
cracking for certain SSIs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision
October 2015. The service information identifies SSIs having fatigue
crack growth characteristics warranting special attention, describes
procedures for inspections to detect cracks of all structure identified
as SSIs, and provides corrective actions for cracked SSI structure.
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
[[Page 15170]]
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 revising the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to include inspections that will
give no less than the required DTR for certain SSIs, and repairing any
cracked structure. This proposed AD would also require initial and
repetitive inspections to detect cracks of all structure identified in
Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection
Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015,
and repair if necessary.
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this proposed AD would terminate all requirements of AD 2008-09-13.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 500 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
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Revision of maintenance or inspection 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $42,500
program. hour = $85.
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We have not specified cost estimates for the inspections and repair
specified in this proposed AD. Compliance with this proposed AD
constitutes a method of compliance with the FAA aging airplane safety
final rule (AASFR) (70 FR 5518, February 2, 2005) for certain baseline
structure of Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The AASFR
requires certain operators to incorporate damage tolerance inspections
into their maintenance programs. These requirements are described in 14
CFR 121.1109(c)(1) and 14 CFR 129.109(b)(1). Accomplishment of the
actions specified in this proposed AD will meet the requirements of
these regulations for certain baseline structure. The costs for
accomplishing the inspection portion of this proposed AD were accounted
for in the regulatory evaluation of the AASFR.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary reporting that
would be required based on the results of the inspections specified in
the proposed revision of the maintenance or inspection program. We have
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this
action:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting..................................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC
20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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 have 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 that the 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,
[[Page 15171]]
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 AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0244; Directorate Identifier
2016-NM-044-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 11, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164,
May 2, 2008) (``AD 2008-09-13'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400,
and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors; 53,
Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/Pylons; 55, Stabilizers; 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a structural reevaluation conducted by
the manufacturer. We have determined that supplemental inspections
are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain
structural significant items (SSIs). We are issuing this AD to
ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing Company
Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Revision of the Maintenance or Inspection Program for All Airplanes
Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later: Incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, that provides no less than the required
damage tolerance rating (DTR) for each SSI listed in Boeing Document
D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-
300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. The required DTR
value for each SSI is listed in Boeing Document D6-82669,
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. The revision to the
maintenance or inspection program must include, and must be
implemented in accordance with, the procedures in Section 5.0,
``Damage Tolerance Rating (DTR) System Application;'' and Section
6.0, ``SSI Discrepancy Reporting;'' of Boeing Document D6-82669,
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. Accomplishment of the
revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of AD 2008-09-13.
(h) Initial and Repetitive Inspections
Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later: Perform an inspection in accordance with Boeing Document D6-
82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-
300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, to detect cracks of
all structure identified in Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental
Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,''
Revision October 2015. Once the initial inspection has been
performed, repeat the inspections thereafter at the intervals
specified in Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision
October 2015. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this
paragraph terminates the corresponding inspection required by
paragraph (h) of AD 2008-09-13.
(i) Repair
If any cracked SSI structure is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, repair before further flight
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (l) of this AD. Within 18 months after repair,
incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to include a damage-tolerance-based alternative
inspection program for the repaired structure. Thereafter, inspect
the affected structure in accordance with the alternative program.
The inspection method and compliance times (i.e., threshold and
repetitive intervals) of the alternative program must be approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2008-09-13.
Accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD
and all initial inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD
terminates all requirements of AD 2008-09-13.
(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(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)(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) AMOCs approved for AD 2008-09-13 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD
for the SSIs identified in the AMOC, except for AMOCs written for
empennage SSIs E-19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer
Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5264; 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 March 16, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-05770 Filed 3-24-17; 8:45 am]
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