[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 12 (Friday, January 17, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2914-2916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00448]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1072; Product Identifier 2019-NM-181-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-
200, and 727-200F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 
reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while the airplane 
accelerated to cruise speed at the top of climb. This proposed AD was 
also prompted by an investigation of those reports that revealed that 
the angle of attack (AOA) (also known as angle of airflow) sensor vanes 
could not prevent the build-up of ice, causing the AOA sensor vanes to 
become immobilized, which resulted in nuisance stick shaker activation. 
This proposed AD would require a general visual inspection of the AOA 
sensors for certain AOA sensors, and replacement of affected AOA 
sensors. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 2, 
2020.

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 https://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 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1072.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1072; 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 is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351; fax: 
562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-1072; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-181-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of

[[Page 2915]]

this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing 
date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of nuisance stick shaker activation 
while the airplane was accelerating to cruise speed at the top of the 
climb. A review of recorded flight data and weather reports indicated 
that the cause of the nuisance stick shaker activation was immobilized 
AOA sensor vanes, which were frozen because the heaters in the AOA 
sensors vanes were not sufficient to prevent ice build-up in the AOA 
sensor faceplate and vane. This can be caused by water entering the AOA 
vane pivot and freezing during takeoff. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in inaccurate or unreliable AOA sensor data 
being transmitted to airplane systems and consequent loss of 
controllability of the airplane.
    This proposed AD is related to AD 2019-24-18, Amendment 39-21007 
(84 FR 71778, December 30, 2019) (``AD 2019-24-18''), which applies to 
certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes, Model 757 airplanes, 
and Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. The unsafe 
condition and requirements are the same for this proposed AD and AD 
2019-24-18. Paragraph (c) of AD 2019-24-18 refers to the airplanes 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, 
dated October 1, 2019, except for airplanes added within this revision 
(variable numbers QB065, QD191, QD192, QD402, QD403, QD407, and QD410). 
The preamble to AD 2019-24-18 explains that Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019, was issued 
after the NPRM for AD 2019-24-18 was issued and that although Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019, 
adds airplanes to the effectivity, those airplanes are not added to the 
applicability of AD 2019-24-18.
    Furthermore, the FAA, in the preamble to AD 2019-24-18, explained 
that adding airplanes to the applicability of AD 2019-24-18 would 
necessitate (under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act) 
reissuing the notice, reopening the comment period, considering 
additional comments subsequently received, and eventually issuing a 
final rule. In consideration of the urgency of the unsafe condition 
identified in AD 2019-24-18, the FAA determined that delay of AD 2019-
24-18 would not be appropriate. The FAA explained that the agency might 
consider further rulemaking on this issue to address the additional 
airplanes.
    The FAA has determined that further rulemaking is necessary, and 
this proposed AD follows from that determination. This proposed AD 
would apply to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 
727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, variable numbers QB065, QD191, 
QD192, QD402, QD403, QD407, and QD410.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    This proposed AD would require Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February 
3, 2020 (84 FR 71778, December 30, 2019). 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

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 a general visual inspection of the 
AOA sensors for a certain part number, and replacement of affected AOA 
sensors.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1072.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 
proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost            Parts cost      Cost per product      operators
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Inspection.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per   $0...............  $85..............  $85.
                                  hour = $85.
Replacement....................  Up to 3 work-hours x    Up to $54,000....  Up to $54,255....  Up to $54,255.
                                  $85 per hour = Up to
                                  $255.
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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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have 
federalism

[[Page 2916]]

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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-2019-1072; Product Identifier 
2019-NM-181-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by March 2, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, variable numbers QB065, QD191, QD192, QD402, QD403, 
QD407, and QD410.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker 
activation while the airplane accelerated to cruise speed at the top 
of climb. This AD was also prompted by an investigation of those 
reports that revealed that the angle of attack (AOA) (also known as 
angle of airflow) sensor vanes could not prevent the build-up of 
ice, causing the AOA sensor vanes to become immobilized, which 
resulted in nuisance stick shaker activation. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address ice buildup in the AOA sensor faceplate and vane, 
which may immobilize the AOA sensor vanes, and could result in 
inaccurate or unreliable AOA sensor data being transmitted to 
airplane systems and consequent loss of controllability of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 36 
months after the effective date of this AD or at the applicable 
times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019, 
whichever occurs first, do all applicable actions identified as 
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, 
dated October 1, 2019, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of 
this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date 
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 Alert Service Bulletin 727-
34A0247, dated January 2, 2019.

(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)(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 Company 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 specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for 
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (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 Jeffrey W. 
Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; phone: 562-627-5351; 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 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 on January 3, 2020.
John Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-00448 Filed 1-16-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P