[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 109 (Thursday, June 6, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26331-26334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11790]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 109 / Thursday, June 6, 2019 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 26331]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-1004; Product Identifier 2018-NM-106-AD; Amendment
39-19642; AD 2019-10-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks caused by
corrosion of the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the
lug bore of certain side-strut support fitting lugs. This AD requires
repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right side-strut
support fitting lugs with bushings installed for any corrosion, any
crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspections of the left and right side-strut support
fitting lugs with bushings removed for any corrosion or any crack; and
applicable on-condition actions. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 11, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 11,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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-2018-
1004.
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-2018-
1004; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5232; 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 all The Boeing Company
Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2018 (83 FR
62741). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks caused by corrosion
of the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore
of certain side-strut support fitting lugs. The NPRM proposed to
require repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right side-
strut support fitting lugs with bushings installed for any corrosion,
any crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed and HFEC inspections
of the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs with bushings
removed for any corrosion or any crack; and applicable on-condition
actions.
We are issuing this AD to address cracks caused by corrosion, which
could result in sudden loss of the side-strut support fitting joint and
main landing gear attachment to the airplane, resulting in the collapse
of a main landing gear.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified
in the proposed AD.
We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added paragraph
(c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not
affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD.
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a
``change in product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval
request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
39.17.
Request To Change Format of Paragraphs (g) and (h) of the Proposed AD
Boeing requested that we eliminate paragraph (h) of the proposed AD
and incorporate the information as paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. Boeing
pointed out that the title of paragraph (g) of the proposed AD would
change to ``Required Actions,'' and that paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2)
of this AD would apply to Group 7 and Groups 1 through 6, respectively.
Boeing stated that this request is for consistency with previous ADs
for Boeing airplanes.
We disagree that elimination of paragraph (h) of the proposed AD
and incorporating the information as paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is
necessary. Over time we have used both formats, but most recently we
have been using the format that was utilized in the NPRM. We do not
find that there is a difference in clarity of the required actions. We
also find that the requested change does not affect the requirements
[[Page 26332]]
of this final rule in this case. We have not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request To Clarify ACO Branch Authority
Boeing requested that we clarify the ACO branch that has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this group of airplanes. Boeing pointed
out that previous final rules for The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes have identified The
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, had the authority to approve
AMOCs, even when the service bulletin was submitted for approval
through the Seattle ACO Branch. Additionally, Boeing pointed out that
previous ADs for The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -
400, and -500 series airplanes identified a Los Angeles ACO Branch
specialist in the ``Related Information'' paragraph of the proposed
rule, even when the service bulletin was submitted for approval through
the Seattle ACO Branch.
We agree that clarification is necessary. Normally, in NPRMs for
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes, we include the Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, as
the designated approval authority for AMOCs. We have updated paragraph
(j) of this AD to specify The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch. The
Seattle ACO Branch is responsible during drafting of the NPRM and final
rule of an AD for The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300,
-400, and -500 series airplanes. After publication of the final rule,
responsibility for the product is transferred to the Los Angeles ACO
Branch. Therefore, when we draft the final rule of an AD for The Boeing
Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes, we also specify a specialist from the Los Angeles ACO
Branch. We have updated paragraph (k) of this AD to include the
responsible specialist from the Los Angeles ACO Branch.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated
May 30, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right side-strut
support fitting lugs at body station (BS) 685 with bushings installed
for any corrosion, any crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed
and HFEC inspections of the left and right side-strut support fitting
lugs at BS 685 with bushings removed for any corrosion or any crack;
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include,
among other things, inspections, corrosion removal, and a preventative
modification. Doing the repetitive detailed and HFEC inspections of the
side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings removed
terminates the repetitive detailed inspections of the side-strut
support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings installed. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 302 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed inspection 17 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,445 per $436,390 per
of left and right side lugs hour = $1,445 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
with bushings installed. inspection cycle.
Repetitive detailed and HFEC 29 work-hours x $85 per 0 $2,465 per $744,430 per
inspections of left and right hour = $2,465 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
side lugs with bushings inspection cycle.
removed.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions 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
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 18 work-hour x $85 per Unknown........... Up to $1,530 per
hour = $1,530 per inspection inspection cycle.
cycle.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
parts cost estimates for the on-condition inspections and repairs
specified in this 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
[[Page 26333]]
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 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
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):
2019-10-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19642; Docket No. FAA-
2018-1004; Product Identifier 2018-NM-106-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 11, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in
any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks caused by corrosion of
the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore
of the body station (BS) 685 side-strut support fitting lugs. We are
issuing this AD to address cracks caused by corrosion, which could
result in sudden loss of the side-strut support fitting joint and
main landing gear attachment to the airplane, resulting in the
collapse of a main landing gear.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions for Group 7 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 7 in Boeing Service Bulletin
737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect the left and right side-strut
support fitting lugs at BS 685 and do all applicable on-condition
actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions for Groups 1 Through 6 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Groups 1 through 6 in Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, except as
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the applicable times
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, do all
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance)
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1,
dated May 30, 2018, uses the phrase ``the Revision 1 date of this
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of
this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated
May 30, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or
for work instructions: This AD requires doing the repair or the work
instructions and doing applicable on-condition actions using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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) 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 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.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (i) 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
For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
[[Page 26334]]
(l) 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.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May
30, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) 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 Des Moines, Washington, on May 20, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-11790 Filed 6-5-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P