[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 24, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11158-11163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03595]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0862; Product Identifier 2019-NM-121-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for certain The Boeing
Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. This
action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by adding
airplanes to the applicability and proposing to require revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA
is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an
additional burden over that in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the
comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these
changes.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 7, 2019 (84 FR 60007), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by April 12, 2021.
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.
[[Page 11159]]
For service information identified in this SNPRM, 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, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety 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-
0862.
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-
0862; 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 SNPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3524; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0862; Product Identifier
2019-NM-121-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM contain
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate
the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed
in the public docket of this SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should
be sent to Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone
and fax: 206-231-3524; email: [email protected]. Any commentary
that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F,
and -400ER series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on November 7, 2019 (84 FR 60007). The NPRM was prompted by a
determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations
are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the manufacturer has issued new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, and the FAA has determined
it is necessary to mandate those limitations. In addition, the FAA has
determined that those new limitations apply to more airplanes than were
included in the NPRM.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Clarify Compliance Time for Paragraph (h)(2) of the Proposed
AD
Boeing, American Airlines, and United Parcel Service (UPS)
requested that the FAA clarify the compliance time for the actions
described in paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD. The commenters noted
that no compliance time had been given for obtaining the revised
inspection intervals as directed in that paragraph, and recommended a
period of 24 months.
The FAA agrees to clarify that for any horizontal stabilizer pivot
fitting lug (SSI 55-10-I13A) on which a lug bore oversize repair has
been accomplished, the compliance time for obtaining revised inspection
intervals is within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
which is the compliance time for revising the maintenance or inspection
program as specified in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. The FAA has
revised paragraph (h)(2) of this proposed AD to include the specified
compliance time.
Request To Clarify New Inspection Intervals
American Airlines asked that paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD be
further clarified to state that the lug bore oversize repairs must be
re-evaluated and revised intervals must be obtained, as applicable.
American Airlines reasoned that revised inspection intervals might not
be required after re-evaluation, based on language in the Differences
Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information section of the
proposed AD that stated repairs ``will require further evaluation to
determine the applicable inspection interval to be incorporated.''
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The FAA acknowledges
that upon further evaluation of the repair, it is possible certain
intervals might not be revised, and the inspection program provided in
the original approved alternative method of compliance (AMOC) for that
repair would still be acceptable. The FAA has revised paragraph (h)(2)
of this proposed AD to clarify that the requirement is to ``re-evaluate
the repair and obtain revised inspection intervals, as applicable.''
Request To Modify Applicability Paragraph of the Proposed AD
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) requested that paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD be amended to include language advising that a ``change in
product'' AMOC approval may be needed for airplanes with Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE installed. APB stated that
installation of
[[Page 11160]]
STC ST01920SE affects the ability to accomplish some of the actions
required by the proposed AD. APB noted that it is in the process of
revising the APB airworthiness limitations (AWL) and damage tolerance
rating (DTR) Check Form Supplements to define the alternative
inspections and/or inspection intervals required for the structural
AWLs affected by the revised Boeing service information. APB noted that
its documents are ``alternative'' to the Boeing service information and
that APB planned to apply for an AMOC to the proposed AD if it is
adopted as a final rule.
The FAA agrees with the request to add a paragraph providing the
specified information. The FAA has redesignated paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD (in the NPRM) as paragraph (c)(1) of this proposed AD and
added paragraph (c)(2) to this proposed AD to advise operators that
installation of STC ST01920SE affects the ability to accomplish some of
the actions required by this AD, and that an AMOC may be required in
order to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Additionally, the FAA emphasizes that for any airplane that is
modified by an STC that affects any structurally significant item (SSI)
inspections, an AMOC approval request is necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Clarify the Intent of Paragraph (l)(4) of the Proposed AD
American Airlines requested that the FAA clarify the intent of the
last sentence of paragraph (l)(4) of the proposed AD and confirm that
operators are not required to re-notify principal inspectors, as
specified in paragraph (l)(2) of the proposed AD, or to revise
previously approved AMOCs. The commenter stated that the final sentence
of the paragraph seems to nullify the guidance of the previous
sentence.
The FAA agrees to clarify the intent of paragraph (l)(4) of this
proposed AD. The intent of paragraph (l)(4) of this proposed AD is to
allow previously approved AMOCs only for repairs and alterations. The
last sentence of paragraph (l)(4) of this proposed AD is intended to
advise that revisions of the AWL prior to the July 2020 revision, that
were approved as an AMOC to AD 2014-14-04, Amendment 39-17899 (79 FR
44672, August 1, 2014) (AD 2014-14-04), cannot be used to comply with
any actions in this proposed AD. In addition, for existing AMOCs to AD
2003-18-10, Amendment 39-13301 (68 FR 53503, September 11, 2003) (AD
2003-18-10), and AD 2014-14-04, operators are not required to re-notify
FAA personnel in accordance with paragraph (l)(2) of this proposed AD.
Finally, existing AMOCs to ADs 2003-18-10 and 2014-14-04 are not
required to be revised to specifically reference this proposed AD. This
proposed AD has not been changed with regard to this request.
Request To Clarify Paragraph (l)(5) of the Proposed AD
American Airlines requested clarification of the compliance time
for the requirements of paragraph (l)(5) of the proposed AD. American
Airlines asserted that for a recently accomplished repair approved by
the The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) for
Stage I, and currently pending damage tolerance evaluation (DTE) (Stage
II/III), the compliance time should align with the standard Boeing DTE
timeline of 24 months from Stage I approval to completion of Stage I,
II, and III approval. American Airlines also requested confirmation
that repair approvals obtained in accordance with paragraph (l)(5) of
the proposed AD do not require reference to the proposed AD, since
those approvals were issued prior to the effective date of this AD.
The FAA does not agree with the request to allow repairs in
progress to use the 24-month Boeing DTE timeline. To use the provisions
specified in paragraph (l)(5) of this proposed AD, the repair must be
completed before the effective date of this AD. Repairs accomplished
before the effective date of this AD that do not meet the conditions
specified in paragraphs (l)(5)(ii) and (iii) of this proposed AD have
until when the next AD-required inspection is due to obtain any AMOC
that may be needed.
Regarding the repair approval request, the FAA confirms that the
approvals do not need to refer to this AD. The FAA has not changed this
proposed AD regarding this issue.
Request To Clarify ``Next Wing Tank Entry''
UPS requested clarification of the term ``next wing tank entry'' as
used in paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD. The commenter stated that
the term is unnecessary and adds confusion.
The FAA agrees with the request to clarify what was meant by ``next
wing tank entry.'' The intent is to allow accomplishment of the sealant
removal task prior to the next accomplishment of the specific
maintenance planning document task, and not during a fuel tank entry
for non-AWL-related reasons. The FAA has removed ``next fuel tank
entry'' from the exception in paragraph (h)(1) of this proposed AD and
replaced it with ``next accomplishment of the specific Maintenance
Planning Document (MPD) task.''
Request To Change the Grace Period in Paragraph (h)(1) of the Proposed
AD
UPS requested that the grace period in paragraph (h)(1) of the
proposed AD be changed from 6 years to 8 years. UPS stated it considers
that the FAA is providing accommodations for the tasks that can be
repeated at intervals up to 4C, considering an 18-month 1C check
interval. However, UPS noted that per Subsection B, ``Structural
Inspections'' of Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D622T001-9-01, dated July 2020, a 1C check is
defined as 3,000 flight cycles, or 24 months, or 9,000 flight hours,
whichever occurs first. UPS stated that an 8-year grace period is more
acceptable to meet the intent of the accommodation by the FAA.
The FAA disagrees with the requested grace period of ``not to
exceed 8 years'' because the 6-year grace period does meet the FAA's
intent to provide a grace period for certain instructions to do certain
actions, In addition, the commenter did not provide adequate supporting
documentation to justify the escalation. All MPD tasks listed in the
Excess Sealant Table of the AWL document have a baseline repetitive
inspection interval of 6 years. Even though these tasks may have the
option for escalation of the inspection intervals, each operator
addresses escalation differently, and may request an escalation using
the AMOC process. The FAA has not changed this proposed AD regarding
this issue.
Request To Allow an Acceptable Method of Compliance for Certain Tasks
FedEx Express requested that the FAA incorporate Boeing 767-200/
300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations--Line Number Specific,
D622T001-9-02, dated April 2019, as another acceptable method of
compliance for the proposed AD. The commenter noted that certain
requirements of Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs), D622T001-9-01, dated June 2019, cannot be accomplished due to
specific line number differences in configuration as a result of
Material Review Board (MRB) actions.
The FAA agrees with the request. However, the FAA notes that Boeing
has released a newer version of the document mentioned by the
commenter. The FAA has therefore added paragraph (h)(4) to this
proposed AD to specify that revising the existing maintenance
[[Page 11161]]
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information
specified in Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations--
Line Number Specific, D622T001-9-02, dated August 2020, is an
acceptable method of compliance with paragraph (g) of this proposed AD
for the tasks specified in that document only.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service information, which describes
airworthiness limitations for structural inspections and structural
safe life limits among other limitations. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different configurations.
Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs), D622T001-9-01, dated July 2020.
Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations--
Line Number Specific, D622T001-9-02, dated August 2020.
The FAA also reviewed Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Damage
Tolerance Rating (DTR) Check Form Document, D622T001-DTR, dated
February 2020. This service information includes the DTR check forms
and the procedure for their use.
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. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the
NPRM. As a result, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to
reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the
public to comment on this SNPRM.
Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM
This SNPRM would require revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD also would
require sending the inspection results to Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 542 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the FAA recognizes that this number may vary from operator to
operator. In the past, the FAA has estimated that this action takes 1
work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting..................................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-
1524.
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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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.
[[Page 11162]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2019-0862; Product Identifier
2019-NM-121-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by April 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2014-14-04, Amendment 39-17899 (79 FR 44672,
August 1, 2014) (AD 2014-14-04).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -
300F, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category,
line numbers 1 through 1218 inclusive.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01920SE affects the ability to accomplish some of the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval may be necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls; 52, Doors; 53, Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/pylons; 55,
Stabilizers; 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations (AWLs) are necessary. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address inadequate AWL and damage tolerance
rating (DTR) values in the maintenance or inspection program that
reduce the probability of detection for foreseeable fatigue cracking
of structurally significant items (SSIs). This condition, if not
addressed, could result in the loss of limit load capability of an
SSI as well as loss of continued safe flight and landing of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the information specified in Boeing 767-200/300/300F/
400ER Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D622T001-9-01, dated July
2020; and Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Damage Tolerance Rating
(DTR) Check Form Document, D622T001-DTR, dated February 2020. Except
as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, the initial compliance
time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in Boeing 767-200/
300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D622T001-9-01,
dated July 2020; and Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Damage Tolerance
Rating (DTR) Check Form Document, D622T001-DTR, dated February 2020;
or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD; whichever
occurs later.
(h) Exceptions
(1) Where Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D622T001-9-01, dated July 2020, specifies
compliance times (``thresholds'') for wing tank sealant removal and
ensuring sealant location limits are met, these actions must be
accomplished within the compliance times specified in Boeing 767-
200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D622T001-9-01,
dated July 2020; or at or before the next accomplishment of the
specific Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) task, but no later than
6 years after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later.
(2) For any horizontal stabilizer pivot fitting lug (SSI 55-10-
I13A) on which a lug bore oversize repair has been accomplished:
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, re-evaluate
the repair and obtain revised inspection intervals, as applicable,
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(3) Where Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D622T001-9-01, dated July 2020; and Boeing 767-
200/300/300F/400ER Damage Tolerance Rating (DTR) Check Form
Document, D622T001-DTR, dated February 2020; specify to submit
reports within 10 days, those reports may be submitted within 10
days after the airplane is returned to service.
(4) For airplanes having line numbers identified in Boeing 767-
200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness Limitations--Line Number Specific,
D622T001-9-02, dated August 2020: Revising the existing maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information
specified in Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER Airworthiness
Limitations--Line Number Specific, D622T001-9-02, dated August 2020,
is an acceptable method of compliance with paragraph (g) of this AD
for the tasks specified in Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER
Airworthiness Limitations--Line Number Specific, D622T001-9-02,
dated August 2020, only. The initial compliance time for doing the
tasks is at the time specified in Boeing 767-200/300/300F/400ER
Airworthiness Limitations--Line Number Specific, D622T001-9-02,
dated August 2020; or within 24 months after the effective date of
this AD; whichever occurs later. For all other tasks specified in
the service information identified in paragraph (g) of this AD, the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD remain fully applicable and
must be complied with.
(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l) of this AD.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2014-14-04
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2014-14-04.
(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 1 hour per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(l) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (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 responsible Flight Standards 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, Seattle
ACO Branch, 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 for repairs and alterations approved previously for AD
2003-18-10, Amendment 39-13301 (68 FR 53503, September 11, 2003) (AD
2003-18-10), and AD 2014-14-04 are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding actions specified in this AD. All other AMOCs for AD
2003-18-10 and AD 2014-14-04 are not approved as AMOCs for this AD.
(5) Repairs done before the effective date of this AD that meet
the conditions specified
[[Page 11163]]
in paragraphs (l)(5)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this AD are acceptable
methods of compliance for the repaired area where the inspections of
the baseline structure cannot be accomplished.
(i) The repair was approved under both 14 CFR 25.571 and 14 CFR
26.43(d) by The Boeing Company ODA that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings.
(ii) The repair approval provides an inspection program
(inspection threshold, method, and repetitive interval).
(iii) Operators revised their maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to include the inspection program (inspection
threshold, method, and repetitive interval) for the repair.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Lockett,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3524;
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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety 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 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03595 Filed 2-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P