[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 3, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27749-27786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09431]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0923; Project Identifier AD-2022-01432-T]
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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2022-09-18, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 707, 717, and 
727 airplanes; Model DC-8, DC-9, and DC-10 airplanes; Model MD-10 and 
MD-11 airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-
83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88

[[Page 27750]]

airplanes; and Model MD 90-30 airplanes. AD 2022-09-18 requires 
revising the limitations and operating procedures sections of the 
existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate specific operating 
procedures for, depending on the airplane model, instrument landing 
system (ILS) approaches, non-precision approaches, ground spoiler 
deployment, and go-around and missed approaches, when in the presence 
of 5G C Band interference as identified by Notices to Air Missions 
(NOTAMs). Since the FAA issued AD 2022-09-18, the FAA determined that 
additional limitations are needed due to the continued deployment of 
new 5G C-Band base stations whose signals are expected to cover most of 
the contiguous United States at transmission frequencies between 3.7-
3.98 GHz. This proposed AD would require revising the limitations and 
operating procedures sections of the AFM to incorporate specific 
operating procedures for, depending on the airplane model, ILS 
approaches, non-precision approaches, ground spoiler deployment, and 
go-around and missed approaches, due to the presence of 5G C-Band 
interference. 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 May 23, 
2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0923; 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, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Continued Operational 
Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 817-222-5390; 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-2023-0923; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-01432-T'' 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 
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Brett 
Portwood, Continued Operational Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program 
Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 817-222-5390; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2021-23-12, Amendment 39-21810 (86 FR 69984, 
December 9, 2021) (AD 2021-23-12), for all transport and commuter 
category airplanes equipped with a radio altimeter. AD 2021-23-12 was 
prompted by a determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon 
to perform their intended function if they experience interference from 
wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-
Band). AD 2021-23-12 requires revising the limitations section of the 
existing AFM to incorporate limitations prohibiting certain operations 
requiring radio altimeter data when in the presence of 5G C-Band 
interference as identified by NOTAMs. The agency issued AD 2021-23-12 
because radio altimeter anomalies that are undetected by the automation 
or pilot, particularly close to the ground (e.g., landing flare), could 
lead to loss of continued safe flight and landing.
    The FAA subsequently identified an additional hazard presented by 
5G C-Band interference on The Boeing Company Model 707, 717, and 727 
airplanes; Model DC-8, DC-9, and DC-10 airplanes; Model MD-10 and MD-11 
airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-
9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes; and Model MD-90-30 airplanes, and 
issued AD 2022-09-18, Amendment 39-22038 (87 FR 31097, May 23, 2022) 
(AD 2022-09-18). AD 2022-09-18 was prompted by a determination that, 
during approach, landings, and go-arounds, as a result of 5G C-Band 
interference, certain airplane systems may not properly function, 
resulting in increased flightcrew workload while on approach with the 
flight director, autothrottle, or autopilot engaged. AD 2022-09-18 
requires revising the limitations and operating procedures sections of 
the existing AFM to incorporate specific operating procedures for, 
depending on the airplane model, ILS approaches, non-precision 
approaches, ground spoiler deployment, and go-around and missed 
approaches, when in the presence of 5G C-Band interference as 
identified by NOTAMs. The agency issued AD 2022-09-18 to address 5G C-
Band interference that could result in increased flightcrew workload 
and could lead to reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe 
flight and landing of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2022-09-18 Was Issued

    Since issuing AD 2022-09-18, the FAA determined that additional

[[Page 27751]]

limitations are needed due to the continued deployment of new 5G C-Band 
base stations whose signals are expected to cover most of the 
contiguous United States at transmission frequencies between 3.7-3.98 
GHz. Therefore, the FAA issued an NPRM, Docket No. FAA-2022-1647 (88 FR 
1520, January 11, 2023) (the NPRM), proposing to supersede AD 2021-23-
12. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain most of the operational 
prohibitions required by AD 2021-23-12 until June 30, 2023; on or 
before June 30, 2023, operators would be required to revise their 
existing AFM to prohibit these operations unless the airplane has a 
radio altimeter meeting proposed minimum performance levels (a defined 
power spectral density (PSD) curve as well as a defined aggregate 
spurious emission level) and is operating at a 5G C-Band mitigated 
airport (5G CMA). In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require all 
airplanes operating under 14 CFR part 121 to have a radio altimeter 
meeting the proposed minimum performance standards by February 1, 2024.
    Since the NPRM was published, the FAA has determined that a PSD 
curve is a more appropriate method to define performance than a single 
fixed emission level. The proposed PSD curve more accurately reflects 
differences in radio altimeter susceptibility to interfering emissions 
at different altitude levels. The FAA plans to issue guidance on how to 
show compliance with both the fundamental PSD curve and spurious PSD 
curve, including the data to be submitted, for the FAA to approve the 
method used.
    AD 2022-09-18 relies on the FAA's use of NOTAMs to identify 5G C-
band interference at certain airports in the U.S. airspace. As 
explained in more detail in the NPRM, those NOTAMs are no longer the 
best means of communicating the location of the 5G C-Band environment. 
Therefore, this proposed AD would retain the AFM limitations and 
operating procedures required by AD 2022-09-18 until June 30, 2023. On 
or before June 30, 2023, this proposed AD would require operators to 
replace the limitations with limitations prohibiting the same 
operations, except the prohibitions would not be tied to NOTAMs but 
instead would depend on whether the airplane is operated at a 5G CMA as 
identified by an FAA Domestic Notice. Because the applicable 5G C-Band 
Interference operating procedures required by AD 2022-09-18 reference 
AD 2021-23-12 for certain prohibited ILS approaches, this proposed AD 
would require operators to replace the procedure with an operating 
procedure containing the same information, except it would list the 
specific prohibited ILS approaches.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain the AFM revisions required by AD 
2022-09-18 until June 30, 2023. On or before June 30, 2023, this 
proposed AD would require replacing those AFM revisions with 
limitations requiring the same procedures for ILS approaches, non-
precision approaches, ground spoiler deployment, and go-around and 
missed approaches, at all airports for non-radio altimeter tolerant 
airplanes. For radio altimeter tolerant airplanes, the procedures would 
not be required at 5G CMAs as identified in an FAA Domestic Notice. The 
minimum performance levels in this proposed AD for determining whether 
an airplane is radio altimeter tolerant are the same minimum 
performance levels proposed in the NPRM, except the FAA has replaced 
the proposed fixed emission level with a proposed PSD curve emission 
threshold that more accurately reflects differences in radio altimeter 
susceptibility to interfering emissions at different altitude levels.
    Paragraph (m)(3) of this proposed AD specifies that AMOCs approved 
for AD 2021-23-12 providing relief for specific radio altimeter 
installations would be approved as AMOCs for the requirements specified 
in paragraph (h) of this proposed AD until June 30, 2023.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would be an 
interim action. Once the Technical Standard Order (TSO) standard for 
radio altimeters is established, which will follow the existing 
international technical consensus on the establishment of the minimum 
operational performance standards (MOPS), the FAA anticipates that the 
MOPS will be incorporated into the TSO. The FAA also anticipates that 
aircraft incorporating equipment approved under the new Radio Altimeter 
TSO will be able to operate in both 5G CMAs and non-5G CMAs with no 5G 
C-Band-related AFM limitations. Once a new radio altimeter TSO is 
developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The cost information below describes the costs to change the AFM. 
Although this proposed AD would largely maintain the AFM limitations 
currently required by AD 2022-09-18, the FAA acknowledges that this 
proposed AD may also impose costs on some aircraft operators from 
having to change their conduct to comply with the amended AFM. However, 
the FAA lacks the data necessary to quantify the costs associated with 
aircraft operators changing their conduct. The FAA is seeking public 
comment on these costs so the agency can more fully account for the 
impact of this regulatory action.
    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 476 airplanes of U.S. registry.\1\ The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
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    \1\ This is the number of Boeing Model 707, 717, and 727 
airplanes; Model DC-8, DC-9, and DC-10 airplanes; Model MD 10 and 
MD-11 airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 
(MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes; and Model MD 90-30 
airplanes on the FAA's registry as of December 1, 2022.

[[Page 27752]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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AFM revision (retained actions from AD  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $40,460
 2022-09-18).                            hour \2\ = $85.
New AFM revisions (new proposed         1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85      \3\ 40,460
 action).                                hour = $85.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
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    \2\ The labor rate of $85 per hour is the average wage rate for 
an aviation mechanic.
    \3\ The estimated cost for this revision would not constitute a 
significant economic impact (even for small entities) because $85 is 
a minimal cost compared to the regular costs of maintaining and 
operating a 707, 717, 727, DC-8, DC-9, DC-10, MD 10, MD-11, DC-9-81, 
DC-9-82, DC-9-83, DC-9-87, MD-88, or MD-90-30 transport category 
airplane.
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    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 has 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 that the 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-09-18, Amendment 39-22038 
(87 FR 31097, May 23, 2022), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company Airplanes: Docket No. FAA-2023-0923; Project 
Identifier AD-2022-01432-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 23, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-09-18, Amendment 39-22038 (87 FR 31097, 
May 23, 2022) (AD 2022-09-18).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes identified 
in paragraphs (c)(1) through (9) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model 707-100 Long Body, -200, -100B Long Body, and -100B 
Short Body series airplanes, and Model 707-300, -300B, -300C, and -
400 series airplanes.
    (2) Model 717-200 airplanes.
    (3) Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F 
series airplanes.
    (4) Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC-8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, 
DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-43, DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-8-55, DC-
8F-54, DC-8F-55, DC-8-61, DC-8-62, DC-8-63, DC-8-61F, DC-8-62F, DC-
8-63F, DC-8-71, DC-8-72, DC-8-73, DC-8-71F, DC-8-72F, and DC-8-73F 
airplanes.
    (5) Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, 
DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-32F (C-
9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and DC-9-51 
airplanes.
    (6) Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes.
    (7) Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes.
    (8) Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
    (9) Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-
9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters 
cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they 
experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 
3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band), and a determination that 
during approach, landings, and go-arounds, as a result of this 
interference, certain airplane systems may not properly function, 
resulting in increased flightcrew workload while on approach with 
the flight director, autothrottle, or autopilot engaged. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address 5G C-Band interference that could result 
in increased flightcrew workload and could lead to reduced ability 
of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For purposes of this AD, a ``5G C-Band mitigated airport'' 
(5G CMA) is an airport at which the telecommunications companies 
have agreed to voluntarily limit their 5G deployment at the request 
of the FAA, as identified by an FAA Domestic Notice.
    (2) For purposes of this AD, a ``radio altimeter tolerant 
airplane'' is one for which the radio altimeter, as installed, 
demonstrates the tolerances specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this AD, using a method approved by the FAA.
    (i) Tolerance to radio altimeter interference, for the 
fundamental emissions (3.7-3.98 GHz), at or above the power spectral 
density (PSD) curve threshold specified in figure 1 to paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 27753]]

Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i)--Fundamental Effective Isotropic PSD 
at Outside Interface of Aircraft Antenna
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.026

    (ii) Tolerance to radio altimeter interference, for the spurious 
emissions (4.2-4.4 GHz), at or above the PSD curve threshold 
specified in figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.

Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii)--Spurious Effective Isotropic PSD 
at Outside Interface of Aircraft Antenna

[[Page 27754]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.027

    (3) For purposes of this AD, a ``non-radio altimeter tolerant 
airplane'' is one for which the radio altimeter, as installed, does 
not demonstrate the tolerances specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this AD.

(h) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision-Limitations

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2022-09-18.
    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) 
through (6) of this AD: Within 2 days after May 23, 2022 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-09-18), revise the Limitations Section of 
the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 3 to 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of 
figure 3 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD into the existing AFM.

Figure 3 to paragraph (h)(1)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
707, 727, DC-8, DC-9 (except DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-
83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87)), and DC-10

[[Page 27755]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.028

    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2), (7), and (8) 
of this AD: Within 2 days after May 23, 2022 (the effective date of 
AD 2022-09-18), revise the Limitations Section of the existing AFM 
to include the information specified in figure 4 to paragraph (h)(2) 
of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of figure 4 to 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD into the Limitations Section of the 
existing AFM.

Figure 4 to paragraph (h)(2)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
717, MD-10, and MD-11
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.029

    (3) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(9) of this AD: 
Within 2 days after May 23, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-
18), revise the Limitations Section of the existing AFM to include 
the information specified in figure 5 to paragraph (h)(3) of this 
AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of figure 5 to paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD into the Limitations Section of the existing AFM.

Figure 5 to paragraph (h)(3)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model DC-
9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-
88, and MD-90-30

[[Page 27756]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.030

(i) Retained AFM Revision-Operating Procedures

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2022-09-18.
    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (3) 
through (6) of this AD: Within 2 days after May 23, 2022 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-09-18), revise the Operating Procedures 
Section of the existing AFM to include the information specified in 
figure 6 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of figure 6 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD into the 
Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM.

Figure 6 to paragraph (i)(1)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model 707, 727, DC-8, DC-9 (except DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), 
DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87)), and DC-10
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.031

    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD: 
Within 2 days after May 23, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-
18), revise the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM to 
include the information specified in figure 7 to paragraph (i)(2) of 
this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of figure 7 to 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD into the Operating Procedures Section of 
the existing AFM.

Figure 7 to paragraph (i)(2)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model 717

[[Page 27757]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.032

    (3) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(7) of this AD: 
Within 2 days after May 23, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-
18), revise the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM to 
include the information specified in figure 8 to paragraph (i)(3) of 
this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of figure 8 to 
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD into the Operating Procedures Section of 
the existing AFM.

Figure 8 to paragraph (i)(3)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model MD-10

[[Page 27758]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.033


[[Page 27759]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.034


[[Page 27760]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.035


[[Page 27761]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.036


[[Page 27762]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.037

    (4) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(8) of this AD: 
Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM to include the 
information specified in figure 9 to paragraph (i)(4) of this AD. 
This may be

[[Page 27763]]

done by inserting a copy of figure 9 to paragraph (i)(4) of this AD 
into the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM.

Figure 9 to paragraph (i)(4)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model MD-11
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.038


[[Page 27764]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.039


[[Page 27765]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.040


[[Page 27766]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.041


[[Page 27767]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.042


[[Page 27768]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.043

    (5) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(9) of this AD: 
Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM to include the 
information specified in figure 10 to paragraph (i)(5) of this AD. 
This may be done by inserting a copy of figure 10 to paragraph 
(i)(5) of this AD into the Operating Procedures Section of the 
existing AFM.

Figure 10 to paragraph (i)(5)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 
(MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30

[[Page 27769]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.044

(j) New Requirement: AFM Limitations Revision for Non-Radio Altimeter 
Tolerant Airplanes

    (1) For non-radio altimeter tolerant airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) through (6) of this AD, do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Limitations Section 
of the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 
11 to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of figure 11 to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD into the existing 
AFM. Incorporating the AFM revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 11 to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

Figure 11 to paragraph (j)(1)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
707, 727, DC-8, DC-9 (except DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-
83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87)), and DC-10
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.045

    (2) For non-radio altimeter tolerant airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(2), (7), and (8) of this AD, do the actions specified 
in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Limitations Section 
of the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 
12 to paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of figure 12 to paragraph (j)(2) of this AD into the existing 
AFM. Incorporating the AFM revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 12 to paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

Figure 12 to paragraph (j)(2)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
717, MD-10, and MD-11

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    (3) For non-radio altimeter tolerant airplanes identified in 
paragraph (c)(9) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(j)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Limitations Section 
of the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 
13 to paragraph (j)(3) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of figure 13 to paragraph (j)(3) of this AD into the existing 
AFM. Incorporating the AFM revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 13 to paragraph (j)(3) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.

Figure 13 to paragraph (j)(3)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), 
MD-88, and MD-90-30
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(k) New Requirement: AFM Limitations Revision for Radio Altimeter 
Tolerant Airplanes

    (1) For radio altimeter tolerant airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) through (6) of this AD, do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Limitations Section 
of the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 
14 to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of figure 14 to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD into the existing 
AFM. Incorporating the AFM revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 14 to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

Figure 14 to paragraph (k)(1)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
707, 727, DC-8, DC-9 (except DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-
83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87)), and DC-10

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    (2) For radio altimeter tolerant airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(2), (7), and (8) of this AD, do the actions specified 
in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Limitations Section 
of the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 
15 to paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of figure 15 to paragraph (k)(2) of this AD into the existing 
AFM. Incorporating the AFM revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 15 to paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

Figure 15 to paragraph (k)(2)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
717, MD-10, and MD-11
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.049

    (3) For radio altimeter tolerant airplanes identified in 
paragraph (c)(9) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(k)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Limitations Section 
of the existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 
16 to paragraph (k)(3) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of figure 16 to paragraph (k)(3) of this AD into the existing 
AFM. Incorporating the AFM revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 16 to paragraph (k)(3) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.

Figure 16 to paragraph (k)(3)--AFM Limitations Revision for Model 
DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), 
MD-88, and MD-90-30

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(l) New Requirement: AFM Operating Procedures Revision

    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (3) 
through (6) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(l)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Operating Procedures 
Section of the existing AFM to include the information specified in 
figure 17 to paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of figure 17 to paragraph (l)(1) of this AD into 
the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM. Incorporating 
the AFM revision required by this paragraph terminates the AFM 
revision required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 17 to paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

Figure 17 to paragraph (1)(1)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model 707, 727, DC-8, DC-9 (except DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), 
DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87)), and DC-10
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03MY23.051

    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Operating Procedures 
Section of the existing AFM to include the information specified in 
figure 18 to paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of figure 18 to paragraph (l)(2) of this AD into 
the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM. Incorporating 
the AFM revision required by this paragraph terminates the AFM 
revision required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 18 to paragraph (l)(2) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.

Figure 18 to paragraph (l)(2)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model 717

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    (3) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(7) of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (l)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Operating Procedures 
Section of the existing AFM to include the information specified in 
figure 19 to paragraph (l)(3) of this AD. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of figure 19 to paragraph (l)(3) of this AD into 
the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM. Incorporating 
the AFM revision required by this paragraph terminates the AFM 
revision required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 19 to paragraph (l)(3) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.

Figure 19 to paragraph (l)(3)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model MD-10

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    (4) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(8) of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Operating Procedures 
Section of the existing AFM to include the information specified in 
figure 20 to paragraph (l)(4) of this AD. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of figure 20 to paragraph (l)(4) of this AD into 
the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM. Incorporating 
the AFM revision required by this paragraph terminates the AFM 
revision required by paragraph (i)(4) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 20 to paragraph (l)(4) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (i)(4) of this AD.

Figure 20 to paragraph (l)(4)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model MD-11

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    (5) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(9) of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (l)(5)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) On or before June 30, 2023, revise the Operating Procedures 
Section of the existing AFM to include the information specified in 
figure 21 to paragraph (l)(5) of this AD. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of figure 21 to paragraph (l)(5) of this AD into 
the Operating Procedures Section of the existing AFM. Incorporating 
the AFM revision required by this paragraph terminates the AFM 
revision required by paragraph (i)(5) of this AD.
    (ii) Before further flight after incorporating the limitations 
specified in figure 21 to paragraph (l)(5) of this AD, remove the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (i)(5) of this AD.

Figure 21 to paragraph (l)(5)--AFM Operating Procedures Revision for 
Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 
(MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30

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(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Operational Safety 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 Operational Safety Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) 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) AMOCs approved for AD 2021-23-12, Amendment 39-21810 (86 FR 
69984, December 9, 2021) providing relief for specific radio 
altimeter installations are approved as AMOCs for the requirements 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD until June 30, 2023.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Brett Portwood, 
Continued Operational Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program 
Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 817-222-5390; email: 
[email protected].

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on April 28, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-09431 Filed 5-1-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C