[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 105 (Friday, June 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25547-25549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0503; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-032-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 DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-
83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of various structures 
in the bulkhead. This proposed AD would require an inspection for 
cracking in these structures, and 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 July 17, 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 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-2017-0503.

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-
0503; 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 NPRM, 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].

[[Page 25548]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0503; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-032-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    We have received reports of cracking of various structures in The 
Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), and DC-9-83 (MD-
83) airplanes at the cant station 1463 bulkhead, and the Model DC-9-87 
(MD-87) airplanes at the cant station 1254 bulkhead. One incident of 
cracking was discovered during a heavy maintenance visit on an airplane 
with 63,480 total flight hours, and 45,809 total flight cycles. The 
cracks were in the upper left area of the bulkhead, between longerons 
L-2 and L-3, in the frame web, horizontal stiffeners, lower frame cap, 
rear spar cap, and spar cap web. An analysis has determined that the 
operational and limit loads cannot duplicate this condition and the 
root cause is suspected to be the result of a high load event(s). This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated 
December 15, 2016. The service information describes procedures for a 
detailed inspection on the left and right sides of the forward and aft 
surfaces of cant station 1463 bulkhead and cant station 1254 bulkhead 
for cracking in the upper caps, upper cap doublers, bulkhead webs and 
doublers, stiffeners, lower caps, and vertical stabilizer rear spar 
caps and webs, between longerons L-11L through L-11R, and 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-2017-0503.
    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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016, 
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.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016, 
specifies doing the inspection at cant station 1463 bulkhead for Model 
MD-88 airplanes. However, Model MD-88 airplanes are similar in design 
to Model DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, and should instead be inspected at 
cant station 1254 bulkhead. Therefore, this proposed AD specifies that 
the proposed actions for Model MD-88 airplanes be accomplished using 
the Accomplishment Instructions for Model DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016. 
This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 361 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.........................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $255         $92,055
                                      = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 25549]]

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-2017-0503; Directorate Identifier 
2017-NM-032-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 17, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), 
DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, and 
Model MD-88 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of various 
structures at the cant station 1463 bulkhead and at the cant station 
1254 bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking 
at the cant station 1463 bulkhead and cant station 1254 bulkhead, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Within 700 flight cycles or 6 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection for 
cracking on the left and right sides of the forward and aft surfaces 
of the cant station 1463 bulkhead (for Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-
82 (MD-82), and DC-9-83 (MD-83) airplanes) and cant station 1254 
bulkhead (for DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes and MD-88 airplanes); and do 
all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-
53A316, dated December 15, 2016, except as required in paragraphs 
(h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) For Model MD-88 airplanes: This AD requires that instead of 
inspecting at cant station 1463 bulkhead, operators must inspect at 
cant station 1254 bulkhead, which is identified as ``DC-9-87 (MD-87) 
CANT STA 1254 BULKHEAD'' in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated 
December 15, 2016, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate 
action and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for 
Compliance): Before further flight, repair the cracking using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (k) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-16-0684-01B, dated October 7, 2016.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), may be issued to operate the airplane to a location 
where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, but 
concurrence by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, is required before issuance of the special flight 
permit.

(k) 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 (l)(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 Required for 
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and 
(k)(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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, 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].
    (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 May 18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11006 Filed 6-1-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P