[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 41 (Friday, March 1, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6981-6984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03431]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0114; Product Identifier 2018-NM-146-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 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a report that structural fatigue cracks can develop in 
certain aluminum pressure module check valves prior to the design 
limit. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the 
part numbers of the four hydraulic systems A and B pressure module 
check valves and applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 15, 2019.

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 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0114.

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-2019-
0114; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be

[[Page 6982]]

available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Tsuji, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3548; 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-2019-0114; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-146-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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that structural fatigue cracks 
can develop in certain aluminum pressure module check valves installed 
in the hydraulic systems A and B pressure modules prior to the design 
limit. We have determined that it is necessary to replace Parker 
pressure module check valves, which are made of aluminum, with Crissair 
pressure module check valves, which are manufactured with stainless 
steel, which is not susceptible to fractures. Structural fatigue cracks 
in a check valve, if not addressed, could cause separation of the check 
valve head from the check valve body when hydraulic pressure is 
applied, resulting in injuries to maintenance personnel.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information.
     Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1123 
RB, dated October 2, 2018.
     Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1126 
RB, dated October 2, 2018.
     Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 
RB, dated October 8, 2018.
    These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models. The service information describes procedures for an inspection 
to determine the part numbers of the four hydraulic systems A and B 
pressure module check valves and applicable on-condition actions. On-
condition actions include replacement of Parker pressure module check 
valves, part number H61C0552M1, with Crissair pressure module check 
valves, part number 1C4196.
    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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions 
identified in the service information described previously, except as 
described under ``Differences Between Service Information and Proposed 
AD,'' and except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    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-2019-0114.

Explanation of Requirements Bulletin

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for 
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept 
into Boeing service bulletins.
    In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related 
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was 
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the 
development of a new process in which the service information more 
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition 
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a 
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to 
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).

Difference Between Service Information and Proposed AD

    The effectivity of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 
737-29-1123 RB, dated October 2, 2018, is limited to Boeing Model 737-
600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER airplanes, line numbers 1 
through 7032 inclusive. However, the applicability of this proposed AD 
includes all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER 
airplanes. Because the affected parts are rotable parts, we have 
determined that these parts could later be installed on airplanes that 
were initially delivered with acceptable parts, thereby subjecting 
those airplanes to the unsafe condition. This difference has been 
coordinated with Boeing.
    The effectivity of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 
737-29-1126 RB, dated October 2, 2018, is limited to Boeing Model 737-8 
and 737-9 airplanes, line numbers 5602 through 7050 inclusive. However, 
the applicability of this proposed AD includes all Boeing Model 737-8 
and 737-9 airplanes, and any future 737 series derivative model. 
Because the affected parts are rotable parts, we have determined that 
these parts could later be installed on airplanes that were initially 
delivered with acceptable parts, thereby subjecting those airplanes to 
the unsafe condition. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,747 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for Parker pressure module   1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85        $148,495
 check valves, part number H61C0552M1.   hour = $85.
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[[Page 6983]]

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions (per check valve replacement) that would be required. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-
condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170....          $6,652           $6,822
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

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-2019-0114; Product Identifier 
2018-NM-146-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 15, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that structural 
fatigue cracks can develop in certain aluminum pressure module check 
valves prior to the design limit. We are issuing this AD to address 
structural fatigue cracks in certain aluminum check valves, which 
could cause separation of the check valve head from the check valve 
body when hydraulic pressure is applied, resulting in injuries to 
maintenance personnel.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Special 
Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 RB, dated October 8, 
2018: Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the airplane and do all applicable on-condition actions using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) Except as specified by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD: For 
airplanes identified as Groups 2 and 3 in Boeing Special Attention 
Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 RB, dated October 8, 2018; at the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 RB, dated 
October 8, 2018, do all applicable actions identified in, and in 
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 RB, dated October 8, 
2018.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (g)(2) through (g)(4) of this AD: Guidance 
for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-29-1123, dated October 
2, 2018; Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-29-1126, 
dated October 2, 2018; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-29-1127, dated October 8, 2018; which are referred to in Boeing 
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1123 RB, dated 
October 2, 2018; Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-
29-1126 RB, dated October 2, 2018; or Boeing Special Attention 
Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 RB, dated October 8, 2018.

    (3) Except as specified by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: For 
Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER airplanes 
that have an original certificate of airworthiness or export 
certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date 
of this AD; at the applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' 
paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-
1123 RB, dated October 2, 2018, do all applicable actions identified 
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1123 RB, dated 
October 2, 2018.
    (4) Except as specified by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For 
Boeing Model 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes that have an original 
certificate of airworthiness or export certificate of airworthiness 
issued on or before the

[[Page 6984]]

effective date of this AD; at the applicable times specified in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements 
Bulletin 737-29-1126 RB, dated October 2, 2018, do all applicable 
actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-
29-1126 RB, dated October 2, 2018.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of 
this AD:
    (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-
1123 RB, dated October 2, 2018, uses the phrase ``the original issue 
date of Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1123 RB,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-
1126 RB, dated October 2, 2018, uses the phrase ``the original issue 
date of Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1126 RB,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (3) Where Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-29-
1127 RB, dated October 8, 2018, uses the phrase ``the original issue 
date of Requirements Bulletin 737-29-1127 RB,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
Parker pressure module check valve, part number H61C0552M1, or 
hydraulic pressure module assembly, part number 65-17821-() that 
contains a Parker pressure module check valve, part number 
H61C0552M1, on any airplane.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, 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, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Douglas Tsuji, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 
206-231-3548; 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 Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.


    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on February 22, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-03431 Filed 2-28-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P