80_FR_70057 80 FR 69839 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

80 FR 69839 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 218 (November 12, 2015)

Page Range69839-69846
FR Document2015-26616

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-07-08 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes. AD 2002-07-08 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower skin at the lower row of fasteners in the lap joints of the fuselage; repair of any cracking found; modification of the fuselage lap joints at certain locations, which terminated the repetitive inspections of the modified areas; and replacement of a certain preventive modification with an improved modification. This new AD adds repetitive inspections for cracking at certain window corner fastener holes, a preventive modification, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that certain modifications of the fuselage lap joints do not provide an adequate level of safety, and the subsequent discovery of cracks in additional fastener locations in the window belt skin panels, adjacent stringers, and window frames in locations outside the previous inspection area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage lap joints and window belt skin panels, which could result in reduced structural integrity and sudden decompression of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 218 (Thursday, November 12, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69839-69846]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26616]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0454; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-138-AD; 
Amendment 39-18298; AD 2015-21-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-07-08 for 
certain The Boeing Company

[[Page 69840]]

Model 737 airplanes. AD 2002-07-08 required repetitive inspections for 
cracking of the lower skin at the lower row of fasteners in the lap 
joints of the fuselage; repair of any cracking found; modification of 
the fuselage lap joints at certain locations, which terminated the 
repetitive inspections of the modified areas; and replacement of a 
certain preventive modification with an improved modification. This new 
AD adds repetitive inspections for cracking at certain window corner 
fastener holes, a preventive modification, and repair if necessary. 
This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that certain 
modifications of the fuselage lap joints do not provide an adequate 
level of safety, and the subsequent discovery of cracks in additional 
fastener locations in the window belt skin panels, adjacent stringers, 
and window frames in locations outside the previous inspection area. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the 
fuselage lap joints and window belt skin panels, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity and sudden decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective December 17, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 17, 
2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of May 17, 
2002 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0454.

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-2014-
0454; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, 
April 12, 2002). AD 2002-07-08 applied to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 737 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 
23, 2014 (79 FR 42710). The NPRM was prompted by the FAA's 
determination that certain modifications of the fuselage lap joints do 
not provide an adequate level of safety, and the subsequent discovery 
of cracks in additional fastener locations in the window belt skin 
panels, adjacent stringers and window frames in locations outside the 
previous inspection area. The NPRM proposed to continue to require 
repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower skin at the lower row 
of fasteners in the lap joints of the fuselage; repair of any cracking 
found; modification of the fuselage lap joints at certain locations, 
which would terminate the repetitive inspections of the modified areas; 
and replacement of a certain preventive modification with an improved 
modification. The NPRM also proposed to require repetitive inspections 
for cracking at certain window corner fastener holes, a preventive 
modification, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage lap joints and window belt 
skin panels, which could result in reduced structural integrity and 
sudden decompression of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 42710, July 23, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Identify New Inspection Locations

    Boeing requested that we revise the preamble of the NPRM (79 FR 
42710, July 23, 2014), by adding references to new inspection locations 
on the window belt skin panels. Boeing pointed out that the NPRM 
preamble defined structure that has been found to crack since release 
of AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002). 
Boeing also indicated that Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, provides inspections for skin cracking 
at nine additional fastener holes in the corners of certain passenger 
windows from what is mandated by AD 2002-07-08.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. We have added the 
description of the new inspection locations in the SUMMARY of this 
final rule accordingly. The unspecified inspection areas were accounted 
for in paragraph (p) of the proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), 
which is retained in this AD.

Request To Remove Post Repair/Modification Requirements

    Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 
2014) to remove the ``post-repair/alteration and butt joint repetitive 
inspections'' requirement as specified in paragraph (r) of the proposed 
AD. Boeing pointed out that one of the proposed actions, ``post-repair/
alteration and butt joint repetitive inspections,'' defined in 
paragraph (r) of the proposed AD, refers to damage-tolerance-based 
structural post-repair/post-alteration inspections. Boeing also stated 
that the inspections are provided in the service bulletin for 
operators' use to comply with the operational requirements of 14 CFR 
part 121.1109 and Part 129.109 and, therefore, the inspections do not 
need to be mandated separately in the NPRM.
    We agree with the request. As Boeing stated, the inspections that 
were specified in paragraph (r) of the proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 
23, 2014) may be used in support of compliance with section 
121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2)). However, this AD does not require 
those post-modification inspections. We have therefore removed 
paragraph (r) of the proposed AD and redesignated subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly. We have also revised the SUMMARY of this final rule to 
remove reference to the inspections.

[[Page 69841]]

Request To Reference Related AD

    Boeing requested that we clarify the ``Difference Between the 
Proposed AD and the Service Information'' section of the NPRM (79 FR 
42710, July 23, 2014), by adding a reference to AD 2002-07-11, 
Amendment 39-12705 (67 FR 17931, April 12, 2002), for Model 737 
airplanes, line numbers 1 through 291 inclusive. Boeing pointed out 
that the ``Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information'' section of the NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014) defined 
the applicability of the NPRM as Model 737 airplanes, line numbers 292 
through 2565 inclusive, and explained that Model 737 airplanes, line 
numbers 1 through 291 inclusive, have been addressed by AD 2003-23-03, 
Amendment 39-13367 (68 FR 64980, November 18, 2003). Boeing also 
indicated that AD 2002-07-11, Amendment 39-12705 (67 FR 17931, April 
12, 2002), addresses Model 737 airplanes line numbers 1 through 291 
inclusive, and mandates the actions defined in Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001.
    Although the ``Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information'' section of the NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014) is not 
restated in this final rule, we agree with the commenter's 
clarification of the applicability. Paragraph (c) of this AD is 
retained as proposed in the NPRM, and no change has been made to this 
AD regarding this issue.

Request for Additional Exception

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraph (g) of the proposed AD 
(79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), to include an additional exception. 
Boeing pointed out that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD provided an 
exception for paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to address lap joint 
modification (repair) instructions for certain lap joint areas on 737-
200 and 737-200C airplanes. Boeing also indicated that paragraph (q)(2) 
of the proposed AD addresses an optional terminating action, window 
belt replacement for 737-300 and 737-500 airplanes, for the lap joint 
modification. Boeing also stated that paragraph (q)(2) of the proposed 
AD should be included as an exception for the lap joint modification 
(repair) defined in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD.
    We agree with the request for an additional exception. We revised 
paragraph (g) of this AD to include a reference to paragraph (q)(2) of 
this AD as an exception.

Request for New Exception

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraph (m) of the proposed AD 
(79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), to include an exception. Boeing indicated 
that Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013, added an optional window belt skin panel replacement as 
terminating action for the S-10 and S-14 lap joint inspections and for 
the window corner inspections on Model 737-300 and 737-500 airplanes. 
Boeing also stated that paragraph (q) of the proposed AD addressed the 
optional terminating action, and that follow-on inspections are also 
necessary for the optional window belt skin panel replacement, and 
paragraph (q) of the proposed AD should be added as an exception to 
paragraph (m) of the proposed AD.
    We disagree with the request to include an exception. Paragraph (q) 
of this AD is an optional action and terminates only paragraph (g) of 
this AD. If an operator chooses to use the modification option in 
paragraph (q) of this AD to do the repair required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, the requirements of paragraph (m) of this AD have not been 
terminated, and those inspections must be accomplished. We have not 
changed this AD regarding this issue.

Request for Additional Instruction

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraph (m) of the proposed AD 
(79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), to include instruction for any crack 
found by the inspections. Boeing stated that paragraph (m) of the 
proposed AD contains follow-on inspections of the lap joint 
modification, which are contained in the Compliance and Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated 
June 14, 2013. Boeing also stated that if any crack is found during the 
follow-on inspections, the Compliance section of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, instructs 
operators to contact Boeing for repair instructions; therefore, 
reference to paragraph (s)(2) of the proposed AD should be added to 
paragraph (m) of the proposed AD.
    We agree with the request to include instruction for any crack 
found by the inspections. The instructions for repair were 
inadvertently omitted in paragraph (m) of AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-
12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002). The associated service information 
recommended that this repair be done by contacting Boeing for 
instructions. However paragraph (s)(2) of the proposed AD (79 FR 42710, 
July 23, 2014) specifically directed operators to contact the FAA for 
instructions when the service information specified to contact Boeing. 
We revised paragraph (m) of this AD to refer to paragraph (t) of this 
AD, which provides directions to request approval of an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC).

Request To Remove Reference to Paragraphs (m) and (n) of the Proposed 
AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014)

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraph (o) of the proposed AD 
(79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), by removing references to paragraphs (m) 
and (n) of the proposed AD. Boeing indicated that paragraph (o) of the 
proposed AD addresses repair of crack damage and references PART II of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin SB 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. Boeing also stated that PART 
II of Boeing Service Bulletin SB 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 
14, 2013, provides instructions for repair of cracks found in the lower 
skin of the lower row of the production lap joint, which could be found 
by the inspections defined in paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of the 
proposed AD. Boeing pointed out that cracks found by the inspections in 
paragraphs (m) and (n) of the proposed AD are addressed individually by 
the same paragraphs respectively (with changes to paragraph (m) of the 
proposed AD, as discussed in the previous comment); therefore, repair 
of any crack found during the inspections in paragraphs (m) and (n) of 
the proposed AD should not be included in paragraph (o) of the proposed 
AD.
    We agree with the request to revise paragraph (o) of this AD (79 FR 
42710, July 23, 2014) to remove references to paragraphs (m) and (n) of 
the AD, for the reasons provided by the commenter. We revised paragraph 
(o) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Revise Paragraph (q)(1) of the Proposed AD (79 FR 42710, 
July 23, 2014)

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraph (q)(1) of the proposed 
AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), by revising the wording for 
consistency with paragraph (q)(2) of the proposed AD, adding references 
to inspections in paragraph (n) of the proposed AD that are terminated 
by the actions in paragraph (q)(2) of the proposed AD, and adding 
wording to limit the number of window inspections that can be 
terminated by the replacement panel. Boeing pointed out that paragraphs 
(q)(1) and (q)(2) of the proposed AD address the same action, 
replacement of window belt skin

[[Page 69842]]

panels. Boeing also pointed out that the inspections in paragraph (n) 
of the proposed AD, Retained Repetitive HFEC Inspections of the Window 
Corners, can also be terminated by replacement of the window belt panel 
and therefore, wording should be added to paragraph (q)(1) of the 
proposed AD to ensure inspections would only be terminated at window 
corners common to the replaced panel.
    We partially agree. We agree to reword paragraph (q)(1) of this AD 
because consistent language makes the AD easier to read, and 
replacement of a panel will terminate the inspections only for the 
panel that is replaced. We disagree to add references to inspections in 
paragraph (n) of this AD, as Boeing proposed. Paragraph (q)(1) of this 
AD terminates the actions required by paragraph (p) of this AD, and 
doing the actions required by paragraph (p) of this AD terminates the 
inspections required by paragraph (n) of this AD.

Request To Revise Paragraph (q)(2) of the Proposed AD (79 FR 42710, 
July 23, 2014)

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraph (q)(2) of the proposed 
AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), by revising the wording to show that 
the optional window belt skin panel replacement terminates the lap 
joint lower row inspections of AD 2013-09-01, Amendment 39-17442 (78 FR 
27001, May 9, 2013), rather than terminating the lap joint 
modification. Boeing pointed out that paragraph (q)(2) of the proposed 
AD addresses an optional window belt skin panel replacement. Boeing 
also indicated that the skin panel replacement was included in Boeing 
Service Bulletin SB 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, to 
provide an option for operators to terminate the lap joint lower row 
inspections, and was mandated by paragraphs (g) and (i) of AD 2013-09-
01, in lieu of the lap joint modification which is addressed by 
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD.
    We agree with the request for the reasons provided by the 
commenter. There is a direct AMOC connection between the window belt 
skin panel replacement and the inspections required by paragraphs (g) 
and (i) of this AD. However, we have added new paragraph (q)(3) of this 
AD to explain that the skin panel replacement terminates the specified 
inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of AD 2013-09-01, 
Amendment 39-17442 (78 FR 27001, May 9, 2013), for the replaced skin 
panel only.

Request To Change FAA Contact Information

    Boeing requested that we clarify paragraphs (t)(1) and (t)(2) of 
the proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), by revising the wording 
to reference the Manager of the Los Angeles ACO instead of the Manager 
of the Seattle ACO. Boeing indicated that responsibility for the 737 
Classic models (which include the airplanes affected by this AD) has 
been transferred from the Seattle ACO to the Los Angeles ACO and that 
authority for approval of AMOCs for the proposed AD should be changed 
from the Manager, Seattle ACO, to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
    We infer that Boeing requested that we clarify paragraphs (t)(1) 
and (t)(3) of the proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014).
    We agree with the request, and have revised paragraphs (t)(1) and 
(t)(3) of this AD as requested, and included the following in paragraph 
(t)(1) of this AD: [email protected]. We also revised 
paragraph (u) of this AD to include the appropriate contact 
information.

Additional Changes to This Final Rule

    We have included a new paragraph (s) in this AD to provide credit 
for accomplishing lap joint repair before the effective date of this AD 
using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 4, dated September 
2, 1999; Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 5, dated 
February 15, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, 
dated May 31, 2001. The subsequent paragraphs have been redesignated 
accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD 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 (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Boeing has issued Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated 
June 14, 2013. The service information procedures for repetitive 
inspections for cracking of the lower skin at the lower row of 
fasteners in the lap joints of the fuselage; repair of any cracking 
found; modification of the fuselage lap joints at certain locations to 
terminate the repetitive inspections of the modified areas; replacement 
of a certain preventive modification with an improved modification; 
repetitive inspections for cracking at certain window corner fastener 
holes; a preventive modification; and repair. 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 of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 247 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per  product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained lap joint modification.  4,650 work-hours x  Up to $204,000....  $599,250..........  $95,280,750
                                   $85 per hour =                                              (estimated 159
                                   $395,250.                                                   airplanes).
Retained lap joint inspection...  90 work-hours x     $0................  $7,650 per          $1,889,550 per
                                   $85 per hour =                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                   $7,650 per
                                   inspection cycle.
Retained post-NACA inspection...  110 work-hours x    $0................  $9,350 per          $308,550 per
                                   $85 per hour =                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle
                                   $9,350 per                                                  (estimated 33
                                   inspection cycle.                                           airplanes).

[[Page 69843]]

 
Retained window corner            36 work-hours x     $0................  $3,060 per          $755,820 per
 inspection.                       $85 per hour =                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                   $3,060 per
                                   inspection cycle.
New window corner inspection....  108 work-hours x    $0................  $9,180 per          $2,267,460 per
                                   $85 per hour =                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                   $9,180 per
                                   inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Estimated Costs: Optional Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New preventive modification..................  134 work-hours x $85 per hour =              $0          $11,390
                                                $11,390.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary corrective 
actions that will be required based on the results of the inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these corrective actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Window corner repair, per corner.............  9 work-hours x $85 per hour =             (\1\)             $765
                                                $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Parts fabricated by operator; cost unknown.

    The cost estimate figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the actions required by 
this AD, and that no operator will accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD is not adopted. However, we have been advised that 
the lap joint modification has already been installed on some affected 
airplanes. Therefore, based on the current number of U.S.-registered 
airplanes below the threshold of 50,000 total flight cycles, the future 
economic cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is expected to be 
less than the cost impact figure indicated above.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-21-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18298; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0454; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-138-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 17, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, 
April 12, 2002). Certain provisions of this AD affect certain 
requirements of AD 2013-09-01, Amendment 39-17442 (78 FR 27001, May 
9, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -
300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, 
line numbers 292 through 2565 inclusive.

[[Page 69844]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that certain fuselage lap joints are subject 
to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage lap joints, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity and sudden decompression of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Lap Joint Modification (Repair)--Crown Areas

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. Except as provided by paragraphs 
(h) and (q)(2) of this AD: Install the lap joint repair as specified 
in Part 1.E.1. (``Compliance'') of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 4, dated September 2, 1999; Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 5, dated February 15, 2001; or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; per 
PART III or IV (``Lap Joint Repair''), as applicable; or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; per 
PART III, IV, VI, or VII (``Lap Joint Modification (Repair)''), as 
applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin; at the time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), 
(g)(3), (g)(4), or (g)(5) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplishment 
of this repair terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, only 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013, may be used to do the actions required by this paragraph. A 
lap splice modification (repair) done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, terminates the inspections required 
by paragraphs (g) and (i) of AD 2013-09-01, Amendment 39-17442 (78 
FR 27001, May 9, 2013), for the modified (repaired) area only.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 70,000 total flight 
cycles or more as of May 17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-
08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002)): Within 600 
flight cycles after May 17, 2002, do the lap joint repair.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 65,000 total flight 
cycles or more, but fewer than 70,000 total flight cycles as of May 
17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 
(67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002)): Do the repair at the later of the 
times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 70,000 total flight cycles.
    (ii) Within 600 flight cycles after May 17, 2002 (the effective 
date of AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 
2002)).
    (3) For airplanes that have accumulated 45,000 total flight 
cycles or more, but fewer than 65,000 total flight cycles as of May 
17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 
(67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002)): Within 5,000 flight cycles after May 
17, 2002.
    (4) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 45,000 total 
flight cycles as of May 17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-
08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002)): Before the 
accumulation of 50,000 total flight cycles.
    (5) Notwithstanding the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, for airplanes on which the 
``Preventive Change'' (NACA modification) has been accomplished per 
PART III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1996; Revision 
2, dated July 24, 1997; or Revision 3, dated September 18, 1997: 
Within 18,000 flight cycles after accomplishment of the NACA 
modification.

(h) Retained Lap Joint Modification for Certain Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), with 
revised service information and revised airplane groups.
    (1) For airplanes identified as Groups 3 and 5 in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001: Install the 
lap joint repair at stringers 4R and 10R, as specified in Part 
1.E.1. (``Compliance'') of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001, at the time specified in paragraph 
(g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), or (g)(5) of this AD, as applicable, 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (t) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Groups 6, 7, and 8 in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013: 
Install the lap joint repair at stringers 4R and 10R, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, at the time specified in 
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), or (g)(5) of this AD, as 
applicable, unless previously accomplished as specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD.

(i) Retained Repetitive Low Frequency Eddy Current (LFEC) Inspections--
Outside Crown Areas

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (i) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. Before the accumulation of 70,000 
total flight cycles, or within 2,500 flight cycles after May 17, 
2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-08), whichever comes later: 
Do an LFEC inspection to find cracking of the lap joints of the 
fuselage, as specified in Part 1.E.2. (``Compliance'') of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013; and as identified in Figures 2 through 6 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, 
dated May 31, 2001; or as identified in Figures 50 through 64 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. Do the inspection per Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013. As of the effective date of this AD, only Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, may be used 
to do the actions required by this paragraph. Repeat the inspection 
after that at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight cycles.

(j) Retained Post-NACA Modification Inspections--Crown Areas

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (j) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. For airplanes that have the 
``Preventive Change'' (NACA modification) of the crown lap joint 
stringers (``Crown Laps'') done per PART III of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 
1, dated September 19, 1996; Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 2, dated July 24, 1997; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 3, dated September 18, 1997: Within 12,000 flight 
cycles after accomplishment of the NACA modification, or within 750 
flight cycles after May 17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-
08), whichever is later, do either an external or internal LFEC 
inspection to find cracking and corrosion as specified in Part 
1.E.4.a. (``Compliance'') of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; per PART I 
(``Inspection'') of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013. The external and internal LFEC inspections are specified in 
Figures 8 and 9, respectively, of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; and Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. As of the effective 
date of this AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 
7, dated June 14, 2013, may be used to do the actions required by 
this paragraph.
    (1) If the external inspection is done: Repeat the inspection 
after that at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles until 
accomplishment of the lap joint repair required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD.
    (2) If the internal inspection is done: Repeat the inspection 
after that at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles until 
accomplishment of the lap joint repair required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD.

(k) Retained Post-NACA Modification Inspections--Outside Crown Areas

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (k) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. For airplanes that have the 
``Preventive

[[Page 69845]]

Change'' (NACA modification) outside the crown areas done per PART 
III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1996; Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 2, dated July 24, 1997; or 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 3, dated September 18, 
1997: Before the accumulation of 20,000 flight cycles after 
accomplishment of the NACA modification, or within 750 flight cycles 
after May 17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-07-08), whichever 
is later, do either an external or internal LFEC inspection to find 
cracking and corrosion as specified in Part 1.E.4.b. 
(``Compliance'') of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, 
dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 
7, dated June 14, 2013; per PART I (``Inspection'') of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. The external and internal 
LFEC inspections are specified in Figures 8 and 9, respectively, of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; 
and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013. As of the effective date of this AD, only Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, may be used 
to do the actions required by this paragraph.
    (1) If the external inspection is done: Repeat the external 
inspection after that at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight 
cycles.
    (2) If the internal inspection is done: Repeat the internal 
inspection after that at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight 
cycles.

(l) Retained Modification of Tear Strap Splice Straps

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (l) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. For airplanes that have the ``lap 
joint repair,'' as specified in Part IV of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 
2, dated July 24, 1997; or Revision 3, dated September 18, 1997: 
Within 45,000 flight cycles after accomplishment of this lap joint 
repair, modify the splice straps per Figures 10, 11, and 12 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. As of the effective date 
of this AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, 
dated June 14, 2013, may be used to do the actions required by this 
paragraph.

(m) Retained Follow-On LFEC Inspections

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (m) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. Within 45,000 flight cycles after 
accomplishment of the lap joint repair required by paragraph (g) or 
(h) of this AD, as applicable: Do either an external or internal 
LFEC inspection as specified in Part 1.E.7. (``Compliance'') of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; 
or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013; to find cracking of the lap joint repair, per PART I 
(``Inspection'') of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013. Repair any crack found before further flight using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(t) of this AD. The internal LFEC inspection is specified in Figure 
9 of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 
2001; and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated 
June 14, 2013. As of the effective date of this AD, only Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, may 
be used to do the actions required by this paragraph. Repeat the 
inspection after that at intervals not to exceed 2,800 flight 
cycles.

(n) Retained Repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) 
Inspections--Window Corners

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (n) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. For airplanes having line numbers 
520 through 2565 inclusive: Before the accumulation of 50,000 total 
flight cycles, or within 2,250 flight cycles after May 17, 2002 (the 
effective date of AD 2002-07-08), whichever comes later, do an HFEC 
inspection to find cracking as specified in Part 1.E.10 
(``Compliance'') of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, 
dated May 31, 2001, or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 
7, dated June 14, 2013; per PART V (``Window Corner Fastener Hole 
Cracking, Inspection and Repair'') of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, 
dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 
7, dated June 14, 2013. Repeat the inspection after that at 
intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles, until the initial 
actions required by paragraph (p) of this AD have been done. 
Accomplishment of the modification (which includes removing and 
discarding fasteners, oversizing fastener holes, and installing 
rivets or Hi-Lok fasteners, as applicable), per PART V of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 5, dated February 15, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; constitutes 
terminating action for the inspections required by this paragraph.

(o) Retained Crack Repair

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (d) of 
AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002), 
with revised service information. If any crack is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (i), (j), or (k) of this AD: Before 
further flight, repair per PART II (``Crack Repair'') of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; except as required by 
paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, 
only Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013, may be used to do the actions required by this paragraph.

(p) New Inspections, Repair, and Preventive Modification

    For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 28 in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013: At 
the applicable times specified in tables 8, 9, 10, and 11 of 
paragraph 1.E.10, ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (r)(1) of this AD, do a surface HFEC inspection for 
cracking at the applicable window corner fastener holes, and do a 
preventive modification, as applicable, in accordance with Part V of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. Repair any crack found before further 
flight, in accordance with Part V of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013, except as required by paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. Repeat the 
applicable inspection thereafter at the applicable times specified 
in tables 8, 9, 10, and 11 of paragraph 1.E.10, ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 
2013. Accomplishment of the initial inspection specified in this 
paragraph terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of 
paragraph (n) of this AD. Accomplishment of the preventive 
modification specified in this paragraph terminates the repetitive 
inspection requirements of this paragraph for the applicable corner 
fastener locations specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, 
Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013.

(q) Optional Terminating Action

    (1) Replacement of the skin panel as specified in Part VIII or 
Part IX, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, 
terminates the repetitive inspections at the window corners 
specified in paragraph (p) of this AD for the windows common to the 
replaced panel only.
    (2) Replacement of the skin panel as specified in Part VIII or 
Part IX, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, 
terminates the lap joint modification required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD for the S-10 and S-14 lap joints common to the replaced 
panel only.
    (3) Replacement of the skin panels as specified in Part VIII or 
Part IX, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, 
terminates the inspections required by paragraphs (g)

[[Page 69846]]

and (i) of AD 2013-09-01, Amendment 39-17442 (78 FR 27001, May 9, 
2013), for the replaced skin panel only.

(r) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated 
June 14, 2013, specifies a compliance time ``after the Revision 7 
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within 
the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated 
May 31, 2001; and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, 
dated June 14, 2013; specify to contact Boeing for certain 
procedures: Do the specified actions before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (t) of this AD.
    (3) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated 
May 31, 2001; and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 7, 
dated June 14, 2013; include the phrase ``or is Boeing or FAA 
approved,'' this AD requires the ``Boeing Approval'' to be requested 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (t) of this 
AD.

(s) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (s)(1)(i), (s)(1)(ii), and (s)(1)(iii) of 
this AD, which were incorporated by reference in AD 2002-07-08, 
Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002).
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 4, dated 
September 2, 1999.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 5, dated 
February 15, 2001, which continues to be incorporated by reference 
in this AD.
    (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 
31, 2001, which continues to be incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (i) through (o) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001, which was 
incorporated by reference in AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 
FR 17917, April 12, 2002) and continues to be incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(t) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (u)(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 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, to 
make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval 
must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2002-07-08, Amendment 39-12702 (67 FR 
17917, April 12, 2002), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of this AD.

(u) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer 
Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-
627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (v)(3) and (v)(4) of this AD.

(v) 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 737-53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 
14, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 17, 2002 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002).
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 5, dated 
February 15, 2001.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 
31, 2001.
    (4) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (6) 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 Renton, Washington, on October 11, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26616 Filed 11-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                            69839

                                                  We agree. We revised paragraph (c),                    substantial direct effect on the States, on           (e) Compliance
                                                Applicability, of this AD to read: ‘‘This                the relationship between the national                    Comply with this AD within the
                                                AD applies to all General Electric                       government and the States, or on the                  compliance times specified, unless already
                                                Company (GE) GEnx–1B model turbofan                      distribution of power and                             done.
                                                engines with oil filler cap, part number                 responsibilities among the various                       (1) Within 360 cycles in service after the
                                                (P/N) 2349M62G01, installed, that do                     levels of government.                                 effective date of this AD, remove the ball
                                                not contain any of the following                                                                               valve, P/N 2349M68P01, from the affected oil
                                                                                                           For the reasons discussed above, I                  filler cap and replace with a part eligible for
                                                markings after the P/N on the oil filler                 certify that this AD:                                 installation.
                                                cap scupper: ‘‘P/M BALL PP,’’ or ‘‘RW,’’                                                                          (2) Reserved.
                                                                                                           (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                or ‘‘79–0022.’’
                                                                                                         action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                Conclusion                                                 (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under             (AMOCs)
                                                  We reviewed the relevant data,                         DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                   The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
                                                considered the comment received, and                     (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                     FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use
                                                determined that air safety and the                         (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation             the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
                                                public interest require adopting this AD                                                                       make your request. You may email your
                                                                                                         in Alaska, and
                                                                                                                                                               request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
                                                with the change described previously.                      (4) Will not have a significant
                                                We determined that this change will not                  economic impact, positive or negative,                (g) Related Information
                                                increase the economic burden on any                      on a substantial number of small entities                (1) For more information about this AD,
                                                operator or increase the scope of this                   under the criteria of the Regulatory                  contact Christopher McGuire, Aerospace
                                                AD.                                                      Flexibility Act.                                      Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA,
                                                                                                                                                               Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
                                                Related Service Information                              List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                    England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
                                                  We reviewed GE GEnx–1B Service                                                                               01803; phone: 781–238–7120; fax: 781–238–
                                                Bulletin (SB) No. 79–0022, Revision 1,                     Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation              7199; email: chris.mcguire@faa.gov.
                                                dated May 13, 2015. The SB describes                     safety, Incorporation by reference,                      (2) GE GEnx–1B SB No. 79–0022, Revision
                                                                                                         Safety.                                               1, dated May 13, 2015, which is not
                                                procedures for removing and replacing                                                                          incorporated by reference in this AD, can be
                                                the ball valve in the oil filler cap.                    Adoption of the Amendment                             obtained from GE using the contact
                                                Costs of Compliance                                                                                            information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
                                                                                                           Accordingly, under the authority                       (3) For service information identified in
                                                  We estimate that this AD affects 86                    delegated to me by the Administrator,                 this AD, contact General Electric Company,
                                                engines installed on airplanes of U.S.                   the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                      GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
                                                registry. We also estimate that it will                  follows:                                              Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513–552–3272;
                                                take about 1 hour per engine to comply                                                                         email: geae.aoc@ge.com.
                                                with this AD. The average labor rate is                  PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                    (4) You may view this service information
                                                $85 per hour. Required parts cost about                  DIRECTIVES                                            at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
                                                                                                                                                               12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
                                                $11 per engine. Based on these figures,
                                                                                                         ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39               MA. For information on the availability of
                                                we estimate the cost of the AD to U.S.                                                                         this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
                                                operators to be $8,256.                                  continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                             Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
                                                Authority for This Rulemaking                                                                                  November 4, 2015.
                                                   Title 49 of the United States Code                    § 39.13   [Amended]                                   Carlos Pestana,
                                                specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                                                                         Acting Directorate Manager, Engine &
                                                                                                         ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                 Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
                                                rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                    the following new airworthiness
                                                section 106, describes the authority of                                                                        Service.
                                                                                                         directive (AD):                                       [FR Doc. 2015–28747 Filed 11–10–15; 8:45 am]
                                                the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
                                                Aviation Programs, describes in more                     2015–23–04 General Electric Company:                  BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                detail the scope of the Agency’s                             Amendment 39–18320; Docket No.
                                                                                                             FAA–2015–1658; Directorate Identifier
                                                authority.                                                   2015–NE–18–AD.
                                                   We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                        DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                the authority described in Subtitle VII,                 (a) Effective Date
                                                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                                                                            Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                           This AD is effective December 17, 2015.
                                                ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                                                                         (b) Affected ADs                                      14 CFR Part 39
                                                section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                 None.
                                                                                                                                                               [Docket No. FAA–2014–0454; Directorate
                                                air commerce by prescribing regulations                  (c) Applicability                                     Identifier 2013–NM–138–AD; Amendment
                                                for practices, methods, and procedures                      This AD applies to all General Electric            39–18298; AD 2015–21–06]
                                                the Administrator finds necessary for                    Company (GE) GEnx–1B model turbofan                   RIN 2120–AA64
                                                safety in air commerce. This regulation                  engines with oil filler cap, part number (P/
                                                is within the scope of that authority                    N) 2349M62G01, installed, that do not                 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                                because it addresses an unsafe condition                 contain any of the following markings after
                                                                                                         the P/N on the oil filler cap scupper: ‘‘P/M
                                                                                                                                                               Company Airplanes
                                                that is likely to exist or develop on
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                products identified in this rulemaking                   BALL PP,’’ or ‘‘RW,’’ or ‘‘79–0022.’’                 AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                action.                                                  (d) Unsafe Condition                                  Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                           This AD was prompted by reports of                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                                Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                         GEnx–1B engine oil loss. We are issuing this
                                                  This AD will not have federalism                       AD to prevent loss of engine oil, which could         SUMMARY:   We are superseding
                                                implications under Executive Order                       lead to failure of one or more engines, loss          Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002–07–
                                                13132. This AD will not have a                           of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.        08 for certain The Boeing Company


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014    17:30 Nov 10, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12NOR1.SGM   12NOR1


                                                69840            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Model 737 airplanes. AD 2002–07–08                       contains this AD, the regulatory                      July 23, 2014) and the FAA’s response
                                                required repetitive inspections for                      evaluation, any comments received, and                to each comment.
                                                cracking of the lower skin at the lower                  other information. The address for the
                                                                                                                                                               Request To Identify New Inspection
                                                row of fasteners in the lap joints of the                Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
                                                                                                                                                               Locations
                                                fuselage; repair of any cracking found;                  Docket Management Facility, U.S.
                                                modification of the fuselage lap joints at               Department of Transportation, Docket                    Boeing requested that we revise the
                                                certain locations, which terminated the                  Operations, M–30, West Building                       preamble of the NPRM (79 FR 42710,
                                                repetitive inspections of the modified                   Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      July 23, 2014), by adding references to
                                                areas; and replacement of a certain                      New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    new inspection locations on the
                                                preventive modification with an                          DC 20590.                                             window belt skin panels. Boeing
                                                improved modification. This new AD                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                               pointed out that the NPRM preamble
                                                adds repetitive inspections for cracking                 Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace                       defined structure that has been found to
                                                at certain window corner fastener holes,                 Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L,                  crack since release of AD 2002–07–08,
                                                a preventive modification, and repair if                                                                       Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917,
                                                                                                         FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
                                                necessary. This AD was prompted by                                                                             April 12, 2002). Boeing also indicated
                                                                                                         Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount
                                                the FAA’s determination that certain                                                                           that Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                                                                         Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
                                                modifications of the fuselage lap joints                                                                       53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14,
                                                                                                         phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627–
                                                do not provide an adequate level of                                                                            2013, provides inspections for skin
                                                                                                         5210; email: Jennifer.Tsakoumakis@
                                                safety, and the subsequent discovery of                                                                        cracking at nine additional fastener
                                                                                                         faa.gov.
                                                cracks in additional fastener locations in                                                                     holes in the corners of certain passenger
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            windows from what is mandated by AD
                                                the window belt skin panels, adjacent
                                                stringers, and window frames in                          Discussion                                            2002–07–08.
                                                                                                                                                                 We agree that clarification is
                                                locations outside the previous                              We issued a notice of proposed                     necessary. We have added the
                                                inspection area. We are issuing this AD                  rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     description of the new inspection
                                                to detect and correct fatigue cracking of                part 39 to supersede AD 2002–07–08,                   locations in the SUMMARY of this final
                                                the fuselage lap joints and window belt                  Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917,                      rule accordingly. The unspecified
                                                skin panels, which could result in                       April 12, 2002). AD 2002–07–08 applied                inspection areas were accounted for in
                                                reduced structural integrity and sudden                  to certain The Boeing Company Model                   paragraph (p) of the proposed AD (79 FR
                                                decompression of the airplane.                           737 airplanes. The NPRM published in                  42710, July 23, 2014), which is retained
                                                DATES: This AD is effective December                     the Federal Register on July 23, 2014                 in this AD.
                                                17, 2015.                                                (79 FR 42710). The NPRM was
                                                   The Director of the Federal Register                  prompted by the FAA’s determination                   Request To Remove Post Repair/
                                                approved the incorporation by reference                  that certain modifications of the                     Modification Requirements
                                                of a certain publication listed in this AD               fuselage lap joints do not provide an                    Boeing requested that we revise the
                                                as of December 17, 2015.                                 adequate level of safety, and the                     NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014) to
                                                   The Director of the Federal Register                  subsequent discovery of cracks in                     remove the ‘‘post-repair/alteration and
                                                approved the incorporation by reference                  additional fastener locations in the                  butt joint repetitive inspections’’
                                                of certain other publications listed in                  window belt skin panels, adjacent                     requirement as specified in paragraph
                                                this AD as of May 17, 2002 (67 FR                        stringers and window frames in                        (r) of the proposed AD. Boeing pointed
                                                17917, April 12, 2002).                                  locations outside the previous                        out that one of the proposed actions,
                                                ADDRESSES: For service information                       inspection area. The NPRM proposed to                 ‘‘post-repair/alteration and butt joint
                                                identified in this AD, contact Boeing                    continue to require repetitive                        repetitive inspections,’’ defined in
                                                Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data                    inspections for cracking of the lower                 paragraph (r) of the proposed AD, refers
                                                & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,                    skin at the lower row of fasteners in the             to damage-tolerance-based structural
                                                MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;                        lap joints of the fuselage; repair of any             post-repair/post-alteration inspections.
                                                telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;                     cracking found; modification of the                   Boeing also stated that the inspections
                                                fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://                      fuselage lap joints at certain locations,             are provided in the service bulletin for
                                                www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view                      which would terminate the repetitive                  operators’ use to comply with the
                                                this referenced service information at                   inspections of the modified areas; and                operational requirements of 14 CFR part
                                                the FAA, Transport Airplane                              replacement of a certain preventive                   121.1109 and Part 129.109 and,
                                                Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                       modification with an improved                         therefore, the inspections do not need to
                                                Renton, WA. For information on the                       modification. The NPRM also proposed                  be mandated separately in the NPRM.
                                                availability of this material at the FAA,                to require repetitive inspections for                    We agree with the request. As Boeing
                                                call 425–227–1221. It is also available                  cracking at certain window corner                     stated, the inspections that were
                                                on the Internet at http://                               fastener holes, a preventive                          specified in paragraph (r) of the
                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for                     modification, and repair if necessary.                proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23,
                                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–                        We are issuing this AD to detect and                  2014) may be used in support of
                                                0454.                                                    correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage              compliance with section 121.1109(c)(2)
                                                                                                         lap joints and window belt skin panels,               or 129.109(b)(2) of the Federal Aviation
                                                Examining the AD Docket                                                                                        Regulations (14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or
                                                                                                         which could result in reduced structural
                                                  You may examine the AD docket on                       integrity and sudden decompression of                 129.109(b)(2)). However, this AD does
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                                                the Internet at http://                                  the airplane.                                         not require those post-modification
                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for                                                                           inspections. We have therefore removed
                                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–                        Comments                                              paragraph (r) of the proposed AD and
                                                0454; or in person at the Docket                           We gave the public the opportunity to               redesignated subsequent paragraphs
                                                Management Facility between 9 a.m.                       participate in developing this AD. The                accordingly. We have also revised the
                                                and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                       following presents the comments                       SUMMARY of this final rule to remove
                                                except Federal holidays. The AD docket                   received on the NPRM (79 FR 42710,                    reference to the inspections.


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                       69841

                                                Request To Reference Related AD                          Request for New Exception                             2014) specifically directed operators to
                                                                                                            Boeing requested that we clarify                   contact the FAA for instructions when
                                                   Boeing requested that we clarify the                                                                        the service information specified to
                                                ‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD                     paragraph (m) of the proposed AD (79
                                                                                                         FR 42710, July 23, 2014), to include an               contact Boeing. We revised paragraph
                                                and the Service Information’’ section of                                                                       (m) of this AD to refer to paragraph (t)
                                                the NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014),                   exception. Boeing indicated that Boeing
                                                                                                         Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision                of this AD, which provides directions to
                                                by adding a reference to AD 2002–07–                                                                           request approval of an alternative
                                                11, Amendment 39–12705 (67 FR                            7, dated June 14, 2013, added an
                                                                                                         optional window belt skin panel                       method of compliance (AMOC).
                                                17931, April 12, 2002), for Model 737
                                                airplanes, line numbers 1 through 291                    replacement as terminating action for                 Request To Remove Reference to
                                                inclusive. Boeing pointed out that the                   the S–10 and S–14 lap joint inspections               Paragraphs (m) and (n) of the Proposed
                                                ‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD                     and for the window corner inspections                 AD (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014)
                                                                                                         on Model 737–300 and 737–500                            Boeing requested that we clarify
                                                and the Service Information’’ section of
                                                                                                         airplanes. Boeing also stated that                    paragraph (o) of the proposed AD (79 FR
                                                the NPRM (79 FR 42710, July 23, 2014)
                                                                                                         paragraph (q) of the proposed AD                      42710, July 23, 2014), by removing
                                                defined the applicability of the NPRM
                                                                                                         addressed the optional terminating                    references to paragraphs (m) and (n) of
                                                as Model 737 airplanes, line numbers
                                                                                                         action, and that follow-on inspections                the proposed AD. Boeing indicated that
                                                292 through 2565 inclusive, and
                                                                                                         are also necessary for the optional                   paragraph (o) of the proposed AD
                                                explained that Model 737 airplanes, line
                                                                                                         window belt skin panel replacement,                   addresses repair of crack damage and
                                                numbers 1 through 291 inclusive, have
                                                                                                         and paragraph (q) of the proposed AD                  references PART II of the
                                                been addressed by AD 2003–23–03,
                                                                                                         should be added as an exception to                    Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                                                Amendment 39–13367 (68 FR 64980,
                                                                                                         paragraph (m) of the proposed AD.                     Service Bulletin SB 737–53A1177,
                                                November 18, 2003). Boeing also                             We disagree with the request to
                                                indicated that AD 2002–07–11,                                                                                  Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. Boeing
                                                                                                         include an exception. Paragraph (q) of                also stated that PART II of Boeing
                                                Amendment 39–12705 (67 FR 17931,                         this AD is an optional action and
                                                April 12, 2002), addresses Model 737                                                                           Service Bulletin SB 737–53A1177,
                                                                                                         terminates only paragraph (g) of this                 Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,
                                                airplanes line numbers 1 through 291                     AD. If an operator chooses to use the
                                                inclusive, and mandates the actions                                                                            provides instructions for repair of cracks
                                                                                                         modification option in paragraph (q) of               found in the lower skin of the lower row
                                                defined in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                  this AD to do the repair required by
                                                53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31,                                                                             of the production lap joint, which could
                                                                                                         paragraph (g) of this AD, the                         be found by the inspections defined in
                                                2001.                                                    requirements of paragraph (m) of this                 paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of the
                                                   Although the ‘‘Difference Between the                 AD have not been terminated, and those                proposed AD. Boeing pointed out that
                                                Proposed AD and the Service                              inspections must be accomplished. We                  cracks found by the inspections in
                                                Information’’ section of the NPRM (79                    have not changed this AD regarding this               paragraphs (m) and (n) of the proposed
                                                FR 42710, July 23, 2014) is not restated                 issue.                                                AD are addressed individually by the
                                                in this final rule, we agree with the                                                                          same paragraphs respectively (with
                                                                                                         Request for Additional Instruction
                                                commenter’s clarification of the                                                                               changes to paragraph (m) of the
                                                applicability. Paragraph (c) of this AD is                  Boeing requested that we clarify                   proposed AD, as discussed in the
                                                retained as proposed in the NPRM, and                    paragraph (m) of the proposed AD (79                  previous comment); therefore, repair of
                                                no change has been made to this AD                       FR 42710, July 23, 2014), to include                  any crack found during the inspections
                                                regarding this issue.                                    instruction for any crack found by the                in paragraphs (m) and (n) of the
                                                                                                         inspections. Boeing stated that                       proposed AD should not be included in
                                                Request for Additional Exception                         paragraph (m) of the proposed AD                      paragraph (o) of the proposed AD.
                                                                                                         contains follow-on inspections of the                   We agree with the request to revise
                                                  Boeing requested that we clarify
                                                                                                         lap joint modification, which are                     paragraph (o) of this AD (79 FR 42710,
                                                paragraph (g) of the proposed AD (79 FR
                                                                                                         contained in the Compliance and                       July 23, 2014) to remove references to
                                                42710, July 23, 2014), to include an
                                                                                                         Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                 paragraphs (m) and (n) of the AD, for the
                                                additional exception. Boeing pointed
                                                                                                         Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision                reasons provided by the commenter. We
                                                out that paragraph (g) of the proposed
                                                                                                         7, dated June 14, 2013. Boeing also                   revised paragraph (o) of this AD
                                                AD provided an exception for paragraph
                                                                                                         stated that if any crack is found during              accordingly.
                                                (h) of the proposed AD to address lap
                                                                                                         the follow-on inspections, the
                                                joint modification (repair) instructions                 Compliance section of Boeing Service                  Request To Revise Paragraph (q)(1) of
                                                for certain lap joint areas on 737–200                   Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,                     the Proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23,
                                                and 737–200C airplanes. Boeing also                      dated June 14, 2013, instructs operators              2014)
                                                indicated that paragraph (q)(2) of the                   to contact Boeing for repair instructions;              Boeing requested that we clarify
                                                proposed AD addresses an optional                        therefore, reference to paragraph (s)(2)              paragraph (q)(1) of the proposed AD (79
                                                terminating action, window belt                          of the proposed AD should be added to                 FR 42710, July 23, 2014), by revising the
                                                replacement for 737–300 and 737–500                      paragraph (m) of the proposed AD.                     wording for consistency with paragraph
                                                airplanes, for the lap joint modification.                  We agree with the request to include               (q)(2) of the proposed AD, adding
                                                Boeing also stated that paragraph (q)(2)                 instruction for any crack found by the                references to inspections in paragraph
                                                of the proposed AD should be included                    inspections. The instructions for repair              (n) of the proposed AD that are
                                                as an exception for the lap joint                        were inadvertently omitted in paragraph               terminated by the actions in paragraph
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                                                modification (repair) defined in                         (m) of AD 2002–07–08, Amendment 39–                   (q)(2) of the proposed AD, and adding
                                                paragraph (g) of the proposed AD.                        12702 (67 FR 17917, April 12, 2002).                  wording to limit the number of window
                                                  We agree with the request for an                       The associated service information                    inspections that can be terminated by
                                                additional exception. We revised                         recommended that this repair be done                  the replacement panel. Boeing pointed
                                                paragraph (g) of this AD to include a                    by contacting Boeing for instructions.                out that paragraphs (q)(1) and (q)(2) of
                                                reference to paragraph (q)(2) of this AD                 However paragraph (s)(2) of the                       the proposed AD address the same
                                                as an exception.                                         proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23,                    action, replacement of window belt skin


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                                                69842            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                panels. Boeing also pointed out that the                 There is a direct AMOC connection                                   paragraphs have been redesignated
                                                inspections in paragraph (n) of the                      between the window belt skin panel                                  accordingly.
                                                proposed AD, Retained Repetitive HFEC                    replacement and the inspections
                                                                                                                                                                             Conclusion
                                                Inspections of the Window Corners, can                   required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this
                                                also be terminated by replacement of the                 AD. However, we have added new                                        We reviewed the relevant data,
                                                window belt panel and therefore,                         paragraph (q)(3) of this AD to explain                              considered the comments received, and
                                                wording should be added to paragraph                     that the skin panel replacement                                     determined that air safety and the
                                                (q)(1) of the proposed AD to ensure                      terminates the specified inspections                                public interest require adopting this AD
                                                inspections would only be terminated at                  required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of AD                            with the changes described previously
                                                window corners common to the                             2013–09–01, Amendment 39–17442 (78                                  and minor editorial changes. We have
                                                replaced panel.                                          FR 27001, May 9, 2013), for the replaced                            determined that these minor changes:
                                                  We partially agree. We agree to                        skin panel only.                                                      • Are consistent with the intent that
                                                reword paragraph (q)(1) of this AD                                                                                           was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR
                                                because consistent language makes the                    Request To Change FAA Contact
                                                                                                         Information                                                         42710, July 23, 2014) for correcting the
                                                AD easier to read, and replacement of a                                                                                      unsafe condition; and
                                                panel will terminate the inspections                       Boeing requested that we clarify                                    • Do not add any additional burden
                                                only for the panel that is replaced. We                  paragraphs (t)(1) and (t)(2) of the                                 upon the public than was already
                                                disagree to add references to inspections                proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23,                                  proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 42710,
                                                in paragraph (n) of this AD, as Boeing                   2014), by revising the wording to                                   July 23, 2014).
                                                proposed. Paragraph (q)(1) of this AD                    reference the Manager of the Los                                      We also determined that these
                                                terminates the actions required by                       Angeles ACO instead of the Manager of                               changes will not increase the economic
                                                paragraph (p) of this AD, and doing the                  the Seattle ACO. Boeing indicated that                              burden on any operator or increase the
                                                actions required by paragraph (p) of this                responsibility for the 737 Classic models                           scope of this AD.
                                                AD terminates the inspections required                   (which include the airplanes affected by
                                                by paragraph (n) of this AD.                             this AD) has been transferred from the                              Related Service Information Under 1
                                                                                                         Seattle ACO to the Los Angeles ACO                                  CFR Part 51
                                                Request To Revise Paragraph (q)(2) of
                                                the Proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23,                   and that authority for approval of                                    Boeing has issued Service Bulletin
                                                2014)                                                    AMOCs for the proposed AD should be                                 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated June
                                                                                                         changed from the Manager, Seattle ACO,                              14, 2013. The service information
                                                  Boeing requested that we clarify
                                                                                                         to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.                                    procedures for repetitive inspections for
                                                paragraph (q)(2) of the proposed AD (79
                                                FR 42710, July 23, 2014), by revising the                  We infer that Boeing requested that                               cracking of the lower skin at the lower
                                                wording to show that the optional                        we clarify paragraphs (t)(1) and (t)(3) of                          row of fasteners in the lap joints of the
                                                window belt skin panel replacement                       the proposed AD (79 FR 42710, July 23,                              fuselage; repair of any cracking found;
                                                terminates the lap joint lower row                       2014).                                                              modification of the fuselage lap joints at
                                                inspections of AD 2013–09–01,                              We agree with the request, and have                               certain locations to terminate the
                                                Amendment 39–17442 (78 FR 27001,                         revised paragraphs (t)(1) and (t)(3) of                             repetitive inspections of the modified
                                                May 9, 2013), rather than terminating                    this AD as requested, and included the                              areas; replacement of a certain
                                                the lap joint modification. Boeing                       following in paragraph (t)(1) of this AD:                           preventive modification with an
                                                pointed out that paragraph (q)(2) of the                 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-                                                   improved modification; repetitive
                                                proposed AD addresses an optional                        Requests@faa.gov. We also revised                                   inspections for cracking at certain
                                                window belt skin panel replacement.                      paragraph (u) of this AD to include the                             window corner fastener holes; a
                                                Boeing also indicated that the skin                      appropriate contact information.                                    preventive modification; and repair.
                                                panel replacement was included in                                                                                            This service information is reasonably
                                                                                                         Additional Changes to This Final Rule
                                                Boeing Service Bulletin SB 737–                                                                                              available because the interested parties
                                                53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14,                         We have included a new paragraph (s)                             have access to it through their normal
                                                2013, to provide an option for operators                 in this AD to provide credit for                                    course of business or by the means
                                                to terminate the lap joint lower row                     accomplishing lap joint repair before the                           identified in the ADDRESSES section of
                                                inspections, and was mandated by                         effective date of this AD using Boeing                              this AD.
                                                paragraphs (g) and (i) of AD 2013–09–                    Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision
                                                                                                                                                                             Costs of Compliance
                                                01, in lieu of the lap joint modification                4, dated September 2, 1999; Boeing
                                                which is addressed by paragraph (g) of                   Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision                                We estimate that this AD affects 247
                                                the proposed AD.                                         5, dated February 15, 2001; or Boeing                               airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
                                                  We agree with the request for the                      Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision                              the following costs to comply with this
                                                reasons provided by the commenter.                       6, dated May 31, 2001. The subsequent                               AD:

                                                                                                                       ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                            Cost per                          Cost on U.S.
                                                           Action                           Labor cost                          Parts cost                                  product                            operators

                                                Retained lap joint modifica-      4,650 work-hours × $85            Up to $204,000 .................            $599,250 ...........................   $95,280,750 (estimated
                                                  tion.                             per hour = $395,250.                                                                                                 159 airplanes).
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                                                Retained lap joint inspec-        90 work-hours × $85 per           $0 ......................................   $7,650 per inspection                  $1,889,550 per inspection
                                                  tion.                             hour = $7,650 per in-                                                         cycle.                                 cycle.
                                                                                    spection cycle.
                                                Retained post-NACA in-            110 work-hours × $85 per          $0 ......................................   $9,350 per inspection                  $308,550 per inspection
                                                  spection.                         hour = $9,350 per in-                                                         cycle.                                 cycle (estimated 33 air-
                                                                                    spection cycle.                                                                                                      planes).




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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                             69843

                                                                                                                   ESTIMATED COSTS—Continued
                                                                                                                                                                               Cost per                      Cost on U.S.
                                                             Action                            Labor cost                             Parts cost                               product                        operators

                                                Retained window corner in-           36 work-hours × $85 per              $0 ......................................   $3,060 per inspection          $755,820 per inspection
                                                  spection.                            hour = $3,060 per in-                                                            cycle.                         cycle.
                                                                                       spection cycle.
                                                New window corner in-                108 work-hours × $85 per             $0 ......................................   $9,180 per inspection          $2,267,460 per inspection
                                                  spection.                            hour = $9,180 per in-                                                            cycle.                         cycle.
                                                                                       spection cycle.


                                                                                                             ESTIMATED COSTS: OPTIONAL ACTIONS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cost per
                                                                              Action                                                                  Labor cost                                   Parts cost       product

                                                New preventive modification ........................................   134 work-hours × $85 per hour = $11,390 ..................                     $0            $11,390



                                                  We estimate the following costs to do                      will be required based on the results of                          determining the number of aircraft that
                                                any necessary corrective actions that                        the inspection. We have no way of                                 might need these corrective actions:

                                                                                                                          ON-CONDITION COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cost per
                                                                              Action                                                                  Labor cost                                   Parts cost       product

                                                Window corner repair, per corner ................................      9 work-hours × $85 per hour = $765 ...........................                 ( 1)            $765
                                                   1Parts   fabricated by operator; cost unknown.


                                                   The cost estimate figures discussed                       that is likely to exist or develop on                             the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                                above are based on assumptions that no                       products identified in this rulemaking                            follows:
                                                operator has yet accomplished any of                         action.
                                                the actions required by this AD, and that                                                                                      PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                             Regulatory Findings
                                                no operator will accomplish those                                                                                              DIRECTIVES
                                                actions in the future if this AD is not                        We have determined that this AD will
                                                adopted. However, we have been                               not have federalism implications under                            ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                advised that the lap joint modification                      Executive Order 13132. This AD will                               continues to read as follows:
                                                has already been installed on some                           not have a substantial direct effect on
                                                                                                                                                                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                affected airplanes. Therefore, based on                      the States, on the relationship between
                                                the current number of U.S.-registered                        the national government and the States,                           § 39.13    [Amended]
                                                airplanes below the threshold of 50,000                      or on the distribution of power and
                                                total flight cycles, the future economic                     responsibilities among the various                                ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
                                                cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators                     levels of government.                                             removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
                                                is expected to be less than the cost                           For the reasons discussed above, I                              2002–07–08, Amendment 39–12702 (67
                                                impact figure indicated above.                               certify that this AD:                                             FR 17917, April 12, 2002), and adding
                                                Authority for This Rulemaking                                  (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                           the following new AD:
                                                                                                             action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                             2015–21–06 The Boeing Company:
                                                   Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                         (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under                             Amendment 39–18298; Docket No.
                                                rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                        DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                                FAA–2014–0454; Directorate Identifier
                                                                                                             (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                                     2013–NM–138–AD.
                                                Section 106, describes the authority of
                                                the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,                           (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation                         (a) Effective Date
                                                Aviation Programs, describes in more                         in Alaska, and
                                                                                                                                                                                   This AD is effective December 17, 2015.
                                                detail the scope of the Agency’s                               (4) Will not have a significant
                                                authority.                                                   economic impact, positive or negative,                            (b) Affected ADs
                                                   We are issuing this rulemaking under                      on a substantial number of small entities                           This AD replaces AD 2002–07–08,
                                                the authority described in Subtitle VII,                     under the criteria of the Regulatory                              Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April
                                                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,                          Flexibility Act.                                                  12, 2002). Certain provisions of this AD affect
                                                ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                                                                                           certain requirements of AD 2013–09–01,
                                                                                                             List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                section, Congress charges the FAA with                                                                                         Amendment 39–17442 (78 FR 27001, May 9,
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                                                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                     Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                          2013).
                                                air commerce by prescribing regulations                      safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                for practices, methods, and procedures                       Safety.                                                           (c) Applicability
                                                the Administrator finds necessary for                                                                                             This AD applies to The Boeing Company
                                                                                                             Adoption of the Amendment                                         Model 737–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
                                                safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                is within the scope of that authority                          Accordingly, under the authority                                series airplanes, certificated in any category,
                                                because it addresses an unsafe condition                     delegated to me by the Administrator,                             line numbers 292 through 2565 inclusive.



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                                                69844            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                (d) Subject                                                 (3) For airplanes that have accumulated            dated May 31, 2001; or as identified in
                                                  Air Transport Association (ATA) of                     45,000 total flight cycles or more, but fewer         Figures 50 through 64 of the
                                                America Code 53, Fuselage.                               than 65,000 total flight cycles as of May 17,         Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                                                                                                         2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–07–08,            Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,
                                                (e) Unsafe Condition                                     Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                dated June 14, 2013. Do the inspection per
                                                   This AD was prompted by an evaluation by              12, 2002)): Within 5,000 flight cycles after          Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                the design approval holder (DAH) indicating              May 17, 2002.                                         Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing
                                                that certain fuselage lap joints are subject to             (4) For airplanes that have accumulated            Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,
                                                widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are                  less than 45,000 total flight cycles as of May        dated June 14, 2013. As of the effective date
                                                issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue            17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–07–           of this AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                cracking of the fuselage lap joints, which               08, Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917,                  53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,
                                                could result in reduced structural integrity             April 12, 2002)): Before the accumulation of          may be used to do the actions required by
                                                and sudden decompression of the airplane.                50,000 total flight cycles.                           this paragraph. Repeat the inspection after
                                                                                                            (5) Notwithstanding the times specified in         that at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight
                                                (f) Compliance
                                                                                                         paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of      cycles.
                                                   Comply with this AD within the                        this AD, for airplanes on which the
                                                compliance times specified, unless already               ‘‘Preventive Change’’ (NACA modification)             (j) Retained Post-NACA Modification
                                                done.                                                    has been accomplished per PART III of the             Inspections—Crown Areas
                                                (g) Retained Lap Joint Modification                      Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert              This paragraph restates the actions
                                                (Repair)—Crown Areas                                     Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 1,             required by paragraph (j) of AD 2002–07–08,
                                                                                                         dated September 19, 1996; Revision 2, dated           Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April
                                                   This paragraph restates the actions                   July 24, 1997; or Revision 3, dated September         12, 2002), with revised service information.
                                                required by paragraph (g) of AD 2002–07–08,              18, 1997: Within 18,000 flight cycles after           For airplanes that have the ‘‘Preventive
                                                Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                   accomplishment of the NACA modification.              Change’’ (NACA modification) of the crown
                                                12, 2002), with revised service information.                                                                   lap joint stringers (‘‘Crown Laps’’) done per
                                                Except as provided by paragraphs (h) and                 (h) Retained Lap Joint Modification for               PART III of the Accomplishment Instructions
                                                (q)(2) of this AD: Install the lap joint repair          Certain Airplanes                                     of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
                                                as specified in Part 1.E.1. (‘‘Compliance’’) of             This paragraph restates the requirements of        53A1177, Revision 1, dated September 19,
                                                Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                     paragraph (h) of AD 2002–07–08,                       1996; Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                Revision 4, dated September 2, 1999; Boeing              Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                Revision 2, dated July 24, 1997; or Boeing
                                                Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 5,
                                                                                                         12, 2002), with revised service information           Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 3,
                                                dated February 15, 2001; or Boeing Service
                                                                                                         and revised airplane groups.                          dated September 18, 1997: Within 12,000
                                                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6, dated
                                                                                                            (1) For airplanes identified as Groups 3 and       flight cycles after accomplishment of the
                                                May 31, 2001; per PART III or IV (‘‘Lap Joint
                                                                                                         5 in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,             NACA modification, or within 750 flight
                                                Repair’’), as applicable; or Boeing Service
                                                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated                  Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001: Install the           cycles after May 17, 2002 (the effective date
                                                June 14, 2013; per PART III, IV, VI, or VII              lap joint repair at stringers 4R and 10R, as          of AD 2002–07–08), whichever is later, do
                                                (‘‘Lap Joint Modification (Repair)’’), as                specified in Part 1.E.1. (‘‘Compliance’’) of          either an external or internal LFEC
                                                applicable, of the Accomplishment                        Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                  inspection to find cracking and corrosion as
                                                Instructions of the applicable service                   Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001, at the time           specified in Part 1.E.4.a. (‘‘Compliance’’) of
                                                bulletin; at the time specified in paragraph             specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3),        Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), or (g)(5) of this AD,    (g)(4), or (g)(5) of this AD, as applicable,          Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing
                                                as applicable. Accomplishment of this repair             using a method approved in accordance with            Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,
                                                terminates the repetitive inspections required           the procedures specified in paragraph (t) of          dated June 14, 2013; per PART I
                                                by paragraph (j) of this AD. As of the effective         this AD.                                              (‘‘Inspection’’) of the Accomplishment
                                                date of this AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin               (2) For airplanes identified in Groups 6, 7,       Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14,                  and 8 in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                 53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or
                                                2013, may be used to do the actions required             53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013:             Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                by this paragraph. A lap splice modification             Install the lap joint repair at stringers 4R and      Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. The external
                                                (repair) done in accordance with the                     10R, in accordance with the Accomplishment            and internal LFEC inspections are specified
                                                Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                    Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–          in Figures 8 and 9, respectively, of Boeing
                                                Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,                53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, at          Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6,
                                                dated June 14, 2013, terminates the                      the time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2),       dated May 31, 2001; and Boeing Service
                                                inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (i)           (g)(3), (g)(4), or (g)(5) of this AD, as              Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated
                                                of AD 2013–09–01, Amendment 39–17442                     applicable, unless previously accomplished            June 14, 2013. As of the effective date of this
                                                (78 FR 27001, May 9, 2013), for the modified             as specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.          AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                (repaired) area only.                                                                                          53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,
                                                                                                         (i) Retained Repetitive Low Frequency Eddy
                                                   (1) For airplanes that have accumulated                                                                     may be used to do the actions required by
                                                                                                         Current (LFEC) Inspections—Outside Crown
                                                70,000 total flight cycles or more as of May                                                                   this paragraph.
                                                                                                         Areas
                                                17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–07–                                                                       (1) If the external inspection is done:
                                                08, Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917,                        This paragraph restates the actions                Repeat the inspection after that at intervals
                                                April 12, 2002)): Within 600 flight cycles               required by paragraph (i) of AD 2002–07–08,           not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles until
                                                after May 17, 2002, do the lap joint repair.             Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                accomplishment of the lap joint repair
                                                   (2) For airplanes that have accumulated               12, 2002), with revised service information.          required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
                                                65,000 total flight cycles or more, but fewer            Before the accumulation of 70,000 total flight           (2) If the internal inspection is done:
                                                than 70,000 total flight cycles as of May 17,            cycles, or within 2,500 flight cycles after May       Repeat the inspection after that at intervals
                                                2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–07–08,               17, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–07–           not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles until
                                                Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                   08), whichever comes later: Do an LFEC                accomplishment of the lap joint repair
                                                12, 2002)): Do the repair at the later of the            inspection to find cracking of the lap joints         required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
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                                                times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and              of the fuselage, as specified in Part 1.E.2.
                                                (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.                                   (‘‘Compliance’’) of Boeing Service Bulletin           (k) Retained Post-NACA Modification
                                                   (i) Before the accumulation of 70,000 total           737–53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31,                Inspections—Outside Crown Areas
                                                flight cycles.                                           2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                   This paragraph restates the actions
                                                   (ii) Within 600 flight cycles after May 17,           53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013;             required by paragraph (k) of AD 2002–07–08,
                                                2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–07–08,               and as identified in Figures 2 through 6 of           Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April
                                                Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                   the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing             12, 2002), with revised service information.
                                                12, 2002)).                                              Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6,             For airplanes that have the ‘‘Preventive



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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                             69845

                                                Change’’ (NACA modification) outside the                 1.E.7. (‘‘Compliance’’) of Boeing Service             (‘‘Crack Repair’’) of the Accomplishment
                                                crown areas done per PART III of the                     Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6, dated               Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert              May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin              53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or
                                                Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 1,                737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14,               Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                dated September 19, 1996; Boeing Service                 2013; to find cracking of the lap joint repair,       Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; except as
                                                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 2, dated July             per PART I (‘‘Inspection’’) of the                    required by paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. As of
                                                24, 1997; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                 the effective date of this AD, only Boeing
                                                53A1177, Revision 3, dated September 18,                 Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6,             Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,
                                                1997: Before the accumulation of 20,000                  dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service                 dated June 14, 2013, may be used to do the
                                                flight cycles after accomplishment of the                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated               actions required by this paragraph.
                                                NACA modification, or within 750 flight                  June 14, 2013. Repair any crack found before
                                                cycles after May 17, 2002 (the effective date            further flight using a method approved in             (p) New Inspections, Repair, and Preventive
                                                of AD 2002–07–08), whichever is later, do                accordance with the procedures specified in           Modification
                                                either an external or internal LFEC                      paragraph (t) of this AD. The internal LFEC              For airplanes identified as Groups 2
                                                inspection to find cracking and corrosion as             inspection is specified in Figure 9 of Boeing         through 28 in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                specified in Part 1.E.4.b. (‘‘Compliance’’) of           Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6,             53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013: At
                                                Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                     dated May 31, 2001; and Boeing Service                the applicable times specified in tables 8, 9,
                                                Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated               10, and 11 of paragraph 1.E.10,
                                                Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,                June 14, 2013. As of the effective date of this       ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Service Bulletin
                                                dated June 14, 2013; per PART I                          AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14,
                                                (‘‘Inspection’’) of the Accomplishment                   53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,             2013, except as required by paragraph (r)(1)
                                                Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–             may be used to do the actions required by             of this AD, do a surface HFEC inspection for
                                                53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or              this paragraph. Repeat the inspection after           cracking at the applicable window corner
                                                Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                     that at intervals not to exceed 2,800 flight          fastener holes, and do a preventive
                                                Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. The external            cycles.                                               modification, as applicable, in accordance
                                                and internal LFEC inspections are specified                                                                    with Part V of the Accomplishment
                                                in Figures 8 and 9, respectively, of Boeing              (n) Retained Repetitive High Frequency                Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6,                Eddy Current (HFEC) Inspections—Window                53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,
                                                dated May 31, 2001; and Boeing Service                   Corners                                               except as required by paragraph (r)(2) of this
                                                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated                     This paragraph restates the actions                AD. Repair any crack found before further
                                                June 14, 2013. As of the effective date of this          required by paragraph (n) of AD 2002–07–08,           flight, in accordance with Part V of the
                                                AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                    Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                                                53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,                12, 2002), with revised service information.          Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,
                                                may be used to do the actions required by                For airplanes having line numbers 520                 dated June 14, 2013, except as required by
                                                this paragraph.                                          through 2565 inclusive: Before the                    paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. Repeat the
                                                   (1) If the external inspection is done:               accumulation of 50,000 total flight cycles, or        applicable inspection thereafter at the
                                                Repeat the external inspection after that at             within 2,250 flight cycles after May 17, 2002         applicable times specified in tables 8, 9, 10,
                                                intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles.             (the effective date of AD 2002–07–08),                and 11 of paragraph 1.E.10, ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
                                                   (2) If the internal inspection is done:               whichever comes later, do an HFEC                     Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                Repeat the internal inspection after that at             inspection to find cracking as specified in           Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013.
                                                intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles.             Part 1.E.10 (‘‘Compliance’’) of Boeing Service        Accomplishment of the initial inspection
                                                                                                         Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6, dated               specified in this paragraph terminates the
                                                (l) Retained Modification of Tear Strap                  May 31, 2001, or Boeing Service Bulletin              repetitive inspection requirements of
                                                Splice Straps                                            737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14,               paragraph (n) of this AD. Accomplishment of
                                                   This paragraph restates the actions                   2013; per PART V (‘‘Window Corner Fastener            the preventive modification specified in this
                                                required by paragraph (l) of AD 2002–07–08,              Hole Cracking, Inspection and Repair’’) of the        paragraph terminates the repetitive
                                                Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                   Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                 inspection requirements of this paragraph for
                                                12, 2002), with revised service information.             Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 6,             the applicable corner fastener locations
                                                For airplanes that have the ‘‘lap joint repair,’’        dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing Service                 specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                as specified in Part IV of the                           Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated               53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013.
                                                Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert              June 14, 2013. Repeat the inspection after
                                                Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 2,                that at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight          (q) Optional Terminating Action
                                                dated July 24, 1997; or Revision 3, dated                cycles, until the initial actions required by           (1) Replacement of the skin panel as
                                                September 18, 1997: Within 45,000 flight                 paragraph (p) of this AD have been done.              specified in Part VIII or Part IX, as applicable,
                                                cycles after accomplishment of this lap joint            Accomplishment of the modification (which             of the Accomplishment Instructions of
                                                repair, modify the splice straps per Figures             includes removing and discarding fasteners,           Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                10, 11, and 12 of the Accomplishment                     oversizing fastener holes, and installing             Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, terminates
                                                Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–             rivets or Hi-Lok fasteners, as applicable), per       the repetitive inspections at the window
                                                53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or              PART V of the Accomplishment Instructions             corners specified in paragraph (p) of this AD
                                                Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                     of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,               for the windows common to the replaced
                                                Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013. As of the               Revision 5, dated February 15, 2001; or               panel only.
                                                effective date of this AD, only Boeing Service           Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                    (2) Replacement of the skin panel as
                                                Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7, dated                  Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001; or Boeing             specified in Part VIII or Part IX, as applicable,
                                                June 14, 2013, may be used to do the actions             Service Bulletin 737–53A1177, Revision 7,             of the Accomplishment Instructions of
                                                required by this paragraph.                              dated June 14, 2013; constitutes terminating          Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                                                                         action for the inspections required by this           Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, terminates
                                                (m) Retained Follow-On LFEC Inspections                                                                        the lap joint modification required by
                                                                                                         paragraph.
                                                  This paragraph restates the actions                                                                          paragraph (g) of this AD for the S–10 and S–
                                                                                                         (o) Retained Crack Repair
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                                                required by paragraph (m) of AD 2002–07–                                                                       14 lap joints common to the replaced panel
                                                08, Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917,                        This paragraph restates the actions                only.
                                                April 12, 2002), with revised service                    required by paragraph (d) of AD 2002–07–08,             (3) Replacement of the skin panels as
                                                information. Within 45,000 flight cycles after           Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                specified in Part VIII or Part IX, as applicable,
                                                accomplishment of the lap joint repair                   12, 2002), with revised service information.          of the Accomplishment Instructions of
                                                required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD,             If any crack is found during any inspection           Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                as applicable: Do either an external or                  required by paragraph (i), (j), or (k) of this        Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013, terminates
                                                internal LFEC inspection as specified in Part            AD: Before further flight, repair per PART II         the inspections required by paragraphs (g)



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                                                69846            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                and (i) of AD 2013–09–01, Amendment 39–                    (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                   Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
                                                17442 (78 FR 27001, May 9, 2013), for the                notify your appropriate principal inspector,          11, 2015.
                                                replaced skin panel only.                                or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         Jeffrey E. Duven,
                                                (r) Exceptions to Service Information                    of the local flight standards district office/        Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                                Specifications                                           certificate holding district office.                  Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                           (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
                                                   (1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                                                                      [FR Doc. 2015–26616 Filed 11–10–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         level of safety may be used for any repair
                                                53A1177, Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013,                required by this AD if it is approved by the          BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the
                                                                                                         Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                                Revision 7 date of this service bulletin,’’ this
                                                AD requires compliance within the specified              Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
                                                                                                         been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                compliance time after the effective date of
                                                this AD.                                                 ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
                                                                                                         method to be approved, the repair must meet
                                                                                                                                                               Federal Aviation Administration
                                                   (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737–
                                                53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001;                 the certification basis of the airplane, and the
                                                                                                         approval must specifically refer to this AD.          14 CFR Part 39
                                                and Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; specify to                (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2002–07–08,               [Docket No. FAA–2015–2461; Directorate
                                                contact Boeing for certain procedures: Do the            Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                Identifier 2013–NM–202–AD; Amendment
                                                specified actions before further flight using a          12, 2002), are approved as AMOCs for the              39–18310; AD 2015–22–05]
                                                method approved in accordance with the                   corresponding provisions of this AD.
                                                procedures specified in paragraph (t) of this                                                                  RIN 2120–AA64
                                                AD.                                                      (u) Related Information
                                                   (3) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737–                  (1) For more information about this AD,             Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001;                 contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace               Airplanes
                                                and Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                 Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L,                  AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013; include the             FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
                                                phrase ‘‘or is Boeing or FAA approved,’’ this                                                                  Administration (FAA), Department of
                                                                                                         Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
                                                AD requires the ‘‘Boeing Approval’’ to be                Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
                                                                                                                                                               Transportation (DOT).
                                                requested in accordance with the procedures              5264; fax: 562–627–5210; email:                       ACTION: Final rule.
                                                specified in paragraph (t) of this AD.                   Jennifer.Tsakoumakis@faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                               SUMMARY:    We are superseding
                                                (s) Credit for Previous Actions                            (2) Service information identified in this
                                                                                                         AD that is not incorporated by reference is
                                                                                                                                                               Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009–18–
                                                   (1) This paragraph provides credit for the                                                                  15, for all Airbus Model A300, A310,
                                                                                                         available at the addresses specified in
                                                actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,                                                                  and A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–
                                                if those actions were performed before the               paragraphs (v)(3) and (v)(4) of this AD.
                                                                                                                                                               600R series airplanes, and Model A300
                                                effective date of this AD using the applicable           (v) Material Incorporated by Reference                C4–605R Variant F airplanes
                                                service information specified in paragraphs
                                                (s)(1)(i), (s)(1)(ii), and (s)(1)(iii) of this AD,          (1) The Director of the Federal Register           (collectively called Model A300–600
                                                which were incorporated by reference in AD               approved the incorporation by reference               series airplanes). AD 2009–18–15
                                                2002–07–08, Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR                    (IBR) of the service information listed in this       required revising the Airworthiness
                                                17917, April 12, 2002).                                  paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             Limitations section (ALS) of the
                                                   (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,              part 51.                                              Instructions for Continued
                                                Revision 4, dated September 2, 1999.                        (2) You must use this service information          Airworthiness (ICA) to require
                                                   (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,             as applicable to do the actions required by           additional life limits and/or
                                                Revision 5, dated February 15, 2001, which               this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
                                                                                                                                                               replacements for certain main landing
                                                continues to be incorporated by reference in                (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,
                                                                                                         Revision 7, dated June 14, 2013.
                                                                                                                                                               gear and nose landing gear components.
                                                this AD.
                                                   (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,               (ii) Reserved.                                     This new AD requires revising the
                                                Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001, which                       (3) The following service information was          maintenance or inspection program to
                                                continues to be incorporated by reference in             approved for IBR on May 17, 2002 (67 FR               incorporate new maintenance
                                                this AD.                                                 17917, April 12, 2002).                               requirements and airworthiness
                                                   (2) This paragraph provides credit for the               (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,           limitations. This AD was prompted by
                                                actions required by paragraphs (i) through (o)           Revision 5, dated February 15, 2001.                  a determination that existing
                                                of this AD, if those actions were performed                 (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,          maintenance requirements and
                                                before the effective date of this AD using               Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001.                       airworthiness limitations are inadequate
                                                Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53A1177,                        (4) For Boeing service information                 to ensure the structural integrity of the
                                                Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001, which was                identified in this AD, contact Boeing
                                                incorporated by reference in AD 2002–07–08,                                                                    airplane. We are issuing this AD to
                                                                                                         Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &               prevent failure of certain system
                                                Amendment 39–12702 (67 FR 17917, April                   Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC
                                                12, 2002) and continues to be incorporated                                                                     components, which could result in
                                                                                                         2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone
                                                by reference in this AD.                                 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–
                                                                                                                                                               reduced structural integrity of the
                                                                                                         5680; Internet https://                               airplane.
                                                (t) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                (AMOCs)                                                  www.myboeingfleet.com.                                DATES: This AD becomes effective
                                                   (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft                    (5) You may view this service information          December 17, 2015.
                                                Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the                 at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601            The Director of the Federal Register
                                                authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if               Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                      approved the incorporation by reference
                                                requested using the procedures found in 14               information on the availability of this               of certain publications listed in this AD
                                                CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,              material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.               as of December 17, 2015.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                send your request to your principal inspector               (6) You may view this service information            The Director of the Federal Register
                                                or local Flight Standards District Office, as            that is incorporated by reference at the
                                                                                                                                                               approved the incorporation by reference
                                                appropriate. If sending information directly             National Archives and Records
                                                                                                         Administration (NARA). For information on
                                                                                                                                                               of certain other publications listed in
                                                to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
                                                attention of the person identified in                    the availability of this material at NARA, call       this AD as of October 27, 2009 (74 FR
                                                paragraph (u)(1) of this AD. Information may             202–741–6030, or go to: http://                       48143, September 22, 2009).
                                                be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-                         www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-            ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
                                                Requests@faa.gov.                                        locations.html.                                       docket on the Internet at http://


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Document Created: 2015-12-14 14:53:27
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 14:53:27
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective December 17, 2015.
ContactJennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 69839 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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