81_FR_17475 81 FR 17415 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

81 FR 17415 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 60 (March 29, 2016)

Page Range17415-17417
FR Document2016-07023

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and 900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the S-14L and S-14R lap splices are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections for cracking in the lower fastener row of the S-14L and S-14R lap splices and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct widespread cracking in the S-14L and S-14R lap splices that could rapidly link up and result in possible rapid decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17415-17417]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07023]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5034; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-172-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and 900ER 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the 
design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the S-14L and S-14R lap 
splices are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed 
AD would require repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections for 
cracking in the lower fastener row of the S-14L and S-14R lap splices 
and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
widespread cracking in the S-14L and S-14R lap splices that could 
rapidly link up and result in possible rapid decompression and reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: 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-2016-5034.

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-2016-
5034; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Deutschman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6595; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-5034; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-172-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Structural fatigue damage is progressive. It begins as minute 
cracks, and those cracks grow under the action of repeated stresses. 
This can happen because of normal operational conditions and design 
attributes, or because of isolated situations or incidents such as 
material defects, poor fabrication quality, or corrosion pits, dings, 
or scratches. Fatigue damage can occur locally, in small areas or 
structural design details, or globally. Global fatigue damage is 
general degradation of large areas of structure with similar structural 
details and stress levels. Multiple-site damage is global damage that 
occurs in a large structural element such as a single rivet line of a 
lap splice joining two large skin panels. Global damage can also occur 
in multiple elements such as adjacent frames or stringers. Multiple-
site-

[[Page 17416]]

damage and multiple-element-damage cracks are typically too small 
initially to be reliably detected with normal inspection methods. 
Without intervention, these cracks will grow, and eventually compromise 
the structural integrity of the airplane, in a condition known as WFD. 
As an airplane ages, WFD will likely occur, and will certainly occur if 
the airplane is operated long enough without any intervention.
    The FAA's WFD final rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010) became 
effective on January 14, 2011. The WFD rule requires certain actions to 
prevent structural failure due to WFD throughout the operational life 
of certain existing transport category airplanes and all of these 
airplanes that will be certificated in the future. For existing and 
future airplanes subject to the WFD rule, the rule requires that DAHs 
establish a limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that 
support the structural maintenance program. Operators affected by the 
WFD rule may not fly an airplane beyond its LOV, unless an extended LOV 
is approved.
    The WFD rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010) does not require 
identifying and developing maintenance actions if the DAHs can show 
that such actions are not necessary to prevent WFD before the airplane 
reaches the LOV. Many LOVs, however, do depend on accomplishment of 
future maintenance actions. As stated in the WFD rule, any maintenance 
actions necessary to reach the LOV will be mandated by airworthiness 
directives through separate rulemaking actions.
    In the context of WFD, this action is necessary to enable DAHs to 
propose LOVs that allow operators the longest operational lives for 
their airplanes, and still ensure that WFD will not occur. This 
approach allows for an implementation strategy that provides 
flexibility to DAHs in determining the timing of service information 
development (with FAA approval), while providing operators with 
certainty regarding the LOV applicable to their airplanes.
    We received reports that the existing inspection program is not 
sufficient to preclude the occurrence of WFD in the S-14L and S-14R lap 
splices. This condition, if not corrected, could result in widespread 
cracking that could rapidly link up and result in possible rapid 
decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1352, dated 
October 2, 2015. The service information describes procedures for low 
frequency eddy current inspections for cracking in the lower fastener 
row of the S-14L and S-14R lap splices 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.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.'' For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-5034.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1352, dated October 2, 2015, 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair 
certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing those 
conditions in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,513 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for Group 1 airplanes   84 work-hours x $85              $0  $7,140 per           $10,502,940 per
 (1,471 airplanes).                 per hour = $7,140                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
Inspection for Group 2 airplanes   65 work-hours x $85              $0  $5,525 per           $232,050 per
 (42 airplanes).                    per hour = $5,525                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation 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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

[[Page 17417]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2016-5034; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-172-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 13, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(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 the S-14L and S-14R lap splices are 
subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct widespread cracking in the S-14L and S-14R lap 
splices that could rapidly link up and result in possible rapid 
decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1352, dated 
October 2, 2015, do a low frequency eddy current inspection for 
cracking of the lower fastener row of S-14L and S-14R lap splices, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1352, dated October 2, 2015. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1352, 
dated October 2, 2015. If any cracking is found, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (i)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(h)(4)(i) and (h)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jason 
Deutschman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, 
Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 
425-917-6595; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) 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.

    Issued in Renton Washington, on March 20, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07023 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                          17415

                                                      (1) The ‘‘fuel control drive’’ is a series of               Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                            ACTION:                                               Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                    mating splines located between the fuel                 (NPRM).                                               and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                    pump and fuel control governor.                                                                               except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                      (2) The fuel control drive consists of four           SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                  contains this proposed AD, the
                                                    drive splines: The fuel pump internal spline,           airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
                                                    the fuel control external ‘‘quill shaft’’ spline,
                                                                                                                                                                  regulatory evaluation, any comments
                                                                                                            Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700,                   received, and other information. The
                                                    and the stub shaft internal and external
                                                                                                            –700C, –800, –900, and 900ER series                   street address for the Docket Office
                                                    splines.
                                                                                                            airplanes. This proposed AD was                       (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
                                                    (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   prompted by an evaluation by the                      ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
                                                    (AMOCs)                                                 design approval holder (DAH)                          available in the AD docket shortly after
                                                      The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft                     indicating that the S–14L and S–14R lap               receipt.
                                                    Certification Office, FAA, may approve                  splices are subject to widespread fatigue
                                                    AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                            damage (WFD). This proposed AD
                                                    found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request.                                                                   Jason Deutschman, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                                                                            would require repetitive low frequency
                                                                                                                                                                  Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
                                                    (i) Related Information                                 eddy current inspections for cracking in
                                                                                                                                                                  Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
                                                       (1) For more information about this AD,              the lower fastener row of the S–14L and
                                                                                                                                                                  (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
                                                    contact Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer,               S–14R lap splices and repair if
                                                                                                                                                                  WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6595;
                                                    Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,              necessary. We are proposing this AD to
                                                                                                                                                                  fax: 425–917–6590; email:
                                                    FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960               detect and correct widespread cracking
                                                    Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712–
                                                                                                                                                                  Jason.deutschman@faa.gov.
                                                                                                            in the S–14L and S–14R lap splices that
                                                    4137; phone: 562–627–5246; fax: 562–627–                could rapidly link up and result in                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov.                      possible rapid decompression and
                                                       (2) Information pertaining to operating                                                                    Comments Invited
                                                                                                            reduced structural integrity of the
                                                    recommendations for affected engines after a                                                                    We invite you to send any written
                                                    fuel control drive failure is contained in              airplane.
                                                                                                                                                                  relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                    Honeywell Operating Information Letter                  DATES:  We must receive comments on                   this proposal. Send your comments to
                                                    (OIL) OI331–12R6, dated May 26, 2009, for               this proposed AD by May 13, 2016.                     an address listed under the ADDRESSES
                                                    multi-engine airplanes; and OIL OI331–18R4,
                                                                                                            ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                     section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
                                                    dated May 26, 2009, for single-engine
                                                    airplanes. Information on fuel control drive            using the procedures found in 14 CFR                  2016–5034; Directorate Identifier 2015–
                                                    inspection can be found in Section 72–00–00             11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following              NM–172–AD’’ at the beginning of your
                                                    of the applicable TPE331 maintenance                    methods:                                              comments. We specifically invite
                                                    manuals. These Honeywell OILs and the                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                 comments on the overall regulatory,
                                                    TPE331 maintenance manuals can be                       http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                economic, environmental, and energy
                                                    obtained from Honeywell using the contact               instructions for submitting comments.                 aspects of this proposed AD. We will
                                                    information in paragraph (i)(3) of this                   • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                consider all comments received by the
                                                    proposed AD.                                              • Mail: U.S. Department of                          closing date and may amend this
                                                       (3) For service information identified in
                                                    this AD, contact Honeywell International
                                                                                                            Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 proposed AD because of those
                                                    Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034–            30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  comments.
                                                    2802; phone: 800–601–3099; Internet:                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                    We will post all comments we
                                                    https://myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/                  Washington, DC 20590.                                 receive, without change, to http://
                                                    portal.                                                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail                    www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                       (4) You may view this service information            address above between 9 a.m. and 5                    personal information you provide. We
                                                    at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,             p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   will also post a report summarizing each
                                                    1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For               Federal holidays.                                     substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                    information on the availability of this                   For service information identified in               about this proposed AD.
                                                    material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
                                                                                                            this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
                                                      Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on                                                                     Discussion
                                                                                                            Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
                                                    March 15, 2016.                                         Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,                     Structural fatigue damage is
                                                    Ann C. Mollica,                                         Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone                     progressive. It begins as minute cracks,
                                                    Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller                    206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–                   and those cracks grow under the action
                                                    Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.            766–5680; Internet https://                           of repeated stresses. This can happen
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–06936 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]             www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view                   because of normal operational
                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  this referenced service information at                conditions and design attributes, or
                                                                                                            the FAA, Transport Airplane                           because of isolated situations or
                                                                                                            Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                    incidents such as material defects, poor
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            Renton, WA. For information on the                    fabrication quality, or corrosion pits,
                                                                                                            availability of this material at the FAA,             dings, or scratches. Fatigue damage can
                                                    Federal Aviation Administration                         call 425–227–1221. It is also available               occur locally, in small areas or
                                                                                                            on the Internet at http://                            structural design details, or globally.
                                                    14 CFR Part 39                                          www.regulations.gov by searching for                  Global fatigue damage is general
                                                                                                                                                                  degradation of large areas of structure
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    [Docket No. FAA–2016–5034; Directorate                  and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                    Identifier 2015–NM–172–AD]                              5034.                                                 with similar structural details and stress
                                                                                                                                                                  levels. Multiple-site damage is global
                                                    RIN 2120–AA64                                           Examining the AD Docket                               damage that occurs in a large structural
                                                    Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                      You may examine the AD docket on                    element such as a single rivet line of a
                                                    Company Airplanes                                       the Internet at http://                               lap splice joining two large skin panels.
                                                                                                            www.regulations.gov by searching for                  Global damage can also occur in
                                                    AGENCY:Federal Aviation                                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     multiple elements such as adjacent
                                                    Administration (FAA), DOT.                              5034; or in person at the Docket                      frames or stringers. Multiple-site-


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:52 Mar 28, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00004   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM   29MRP1


                                                    17416                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    damage and multiple-element-damage                          In the context of WFD, this action is                  described previously is likely to exist or
                                                    cracks are typically too small initially to              necessary to enable DAHs to propose                       develop in other products of these same
                                                    be reliably detected with normal                         LOVs that allow operators the longest                     type designs.
                                                    inspection methods. Without                              operational lives for their airplanes, and
                                                                                                                                                                       Proposed AD Requirements
                                                    intervention, these cracks will grow,                    still ensure that WFD will not occur.
                                                    and eventually compromise the                            This approach allows for an                                  This proposed AD would require
                                                    structural integrity of the airplane, in a               implementation strategy that provides                     accomplishing the actions specified in
                                                    condition known as WFD. As an                            flexibility to DAHs in determining the                    the service information described
                                                    airplane ages, WFD will likely occur,                    timing of service information                             previously, except as discussed under
                                                    and will certainly occur if the airplane                 development (with FAA approval),                          ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD
                                                    is operated long enough without any                      while providing operators with certainty                  and the Service Information.’’ For
                                                    intervention.                                            regarding the LOV applicable to their                     information on the procedures and
                                                       The FAA’s WFD final rule (75 FR                       airplanes.                                                compliance times, see this service
                                                    69746, November 15, 2010) became                            We received reports that the existing                  information at http://
                                                    effective on January 14, 2011. The WFD                   inspection program is not sufficient to                   www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                    rule requires certain actions to prevent                 preclude the occurrence of WFD in the                     and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                    structural failure due to WFD                            S–14L and S–14R lap splices. This                         5034.
                                                    throughout the operational life of                       condition, if not corrected, could result                 Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                    certain existing transport category                      in widespread cracking that could                         and the Service Information
                                                    airplanes and all of these airplanes that                rapidly link up and result in possible
                                                    will be certificated in the future. For                  rapid decompression and reduced                              Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
                                                    existing and future airplanes subject to                 structural integrity of the airplane.                     53A1352, dated October 2, 2015,
                                                    the WFD rule, the rule requires that                                                                               specifies to contact the manufacturer for
                                                    DAHs establish a limit of validity (LOV)                 Relevant Service Information Under 1                      instructions on how to repair certain
                                                    of the engineering data that support the                 CFR Part 51                                               conditions, but this proposed AD would
                                                    structural maintenance program.                            We reviewed Boeing Alert Service                        require repairing those conditions in
                                                    Operators affected by the WFD rule may                   Bulletin 737–53A1352, dated October 2,                    one of the following ways:
                                                    not fly an airplane beyond its LOV,                      2015. The service information describes                      • In accordance with a method that
                                                    unless an extended LOV is approved.                      procedures for low frequency eddy                         we approve; or
                                                       The WFD rule (75 FR 69746,                            current inspections for cracking in the                      • Using data that meet the
                                                    November 15, 2010) does not require                      lower fastener row of the S–14L and S–                    certification basis of the airplane, and
                                                    identifying and developing maintenance                   14R lap splices and repair. This service                  that have been approved by the Boeing
                                                    actions if the DAHs can show that such                   information is reasonably available                       Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                                    actions are not necessary to prevent                     because the interested parties have                       Designation Authorization (ODA) whom
                                                    WFD before the airplane reaches the                      access to it through their normal course                  we have authorized to make those
                                                    LOV. Many LOVs, however, do depend                       of business or by the means identified                    findings.
                                                    on accomplishment of future                              in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                    maintenance actions. As stated in the                                                                              Costs of Compliance
                                                    WFD rule, any maintenance actions                        FAA’s Determination                                          We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                    necessary to reach the LOV will be                         We are proposing this AD because we                     affects 1,513 airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                                    mandated by airworthiness directives                     evaluated all the relevant information                    We estimate the following costs to
                                                    through separate rulemaking actions.                     and determined the unsafe condition                       comply with this proposed AD:

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

                                                    Inspection for Group 1 air-           84 work-hours × $85 per hour                          $0     $7,140 per inspection cycle ...   $10,502,940 per inspection
                                                      planes (1,471 airplanes).             = $7,140 per inspection                                                                        cycle.
                                                                                            cycle.
                                                    Inspection for Group 2 air-           65 work-hours × $85 per hour                          $0     $5,525 per inspection cycle ...   $232,050 per inspection
                                                      planes (42 airplanes).                = $5,525 per inspection                                                                        cycle.
                                                                                            cycle.



                                                      We have received no definitive data                       We are issuing this rulemaking under                   products identified in this rulemaking
                                                    that would enable us to provide cost                     the authority described in Subtitle VII,                  action.
                                                    estimates for the on-condition actions                   Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                       Regulatory Findings
                                                    specified in this proposed AD.                           ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                    Authority for This Rulemaking                            section, Congress charges the FAA with                      We determined that this proposed AD
                                                                                                             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                would not have federalism implications
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                                                      Title 49 of the United States Code                     air commerce by prescribing regulations                   under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                    specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                   for practices, methods, and procedures                    proposed AD would not have a
                                                    rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                    the Administrator finds necessary for                     substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                    section 106, describes the authority of                  safety in air commerce. This regulation                   the relationship between the national
                                                    the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                     is within the scope of that authority                     Government and the States, or on the
                                                    Aviation Programs, describes in more                     because it addresses an unsafe condition                  distribution of power and
                                                    detail the scope of the Agency’s                         that is likely to exist or develop on                     responsibilities among the various
                                                    authority.                                                                                                         levels of government.


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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                 17417

                                                      For the reasons discussed above, I                    (g) Repetitive Inspections                            Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
                                                    certify this proposed regulation:                          At the applicable compliance time                  6595; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
                                                      (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                 specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of       Jason.deutschman@faa.gov.
                                                    action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                   Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1352,               (2) For service information identified in
                                                      (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under               dated October 2, 2015, do a low frequency             this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
                                                                                                            eddy current inspection for cracking of the           Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
                                                    the DOT Regulatory Policies and
                                                                                                            lower fastener row of S–14L and S–14R lap             Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
                                                    Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,                                                                         Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
                                                    1979),                                                  splices, in accordance with the
                                                                                                            Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert           544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
                                                      (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation                                                                     Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                                                                                            Service Bulletin 737–53A1352, dated October
                                                    in Alaska, and                                          2, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at          may view this referenced service information
                                                      (4) Will not have a significant                       the applicable times specified in paragraph           at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                                    economic impact, positive or negative,                  1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service         1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                                    on a substantial number of small entities               Bulletin 737–53A1352, dated October 2,                information on the availability of this
                                                    under the criteria of the Regulatory                    2015. If any cracking is found, before further        material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                    Flexibility Act.                                        flight, repair using a method approved in               Issued in Renton Washington, on March
                                                                                                            accordance with the procedures specified in           20, 2016.
                                                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      paragraph (h) of this AD.
                                                                                                                                                                  Michael Kaszycki,
                                                      Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                    safety, Incorporation by reference,                     (AMOCs)                                               Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                    Safety.                                                    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft                  [FR Doc. 2016–07023 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    The Proposed Amendment                                  Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                            authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
                                                      Accordingly, under the authority                      requested using the procedures found in 14
                                                    delegated to me by the Administrator,                   CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
                                                    the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                   send your request to your principal inspector
                                                                                                                                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                    39 as follows:                                          or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                                                                                                            appropriate. If sending information directly          Federal Aviation Administration
                                                    PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
                                                    DIRECTIVES                                              attention of the person identified in                 14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                            paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may
                                                                                                                                                                  [Docket No. FAA–2016–5035; Directorate
                                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-
                                                                                                                                                                  Identifier 2015–NM–042–AD]
                                                    continues to read as follows:                           Requests@faa.gov.
                                                                                                               (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                RIN 2120–AA64
                                                        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                                    § 39.13   [Amended]                                     or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
                                                                                                            of the local flight standards district office/        Services B.V. Airplanes
                                                    ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   certificate holding district office.
                                                    the following new airworthiness                            (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable            AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                    directive (AD):                                         level of safety may be used for any repair,           Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                    The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–                     modification, or alteration required by this          ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                        2016–5034; Directorate Identifier 2015–             AD if it is approved by the Boeing
                                                                                                            Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                                                                                                                                                  (NPRM).
                                                        NM–172–AD.
                                                                                                            Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
                                                    (a) Comments Due Date                                                                                         SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                                                                            been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
                                                      We must receive comments by May 13,                   ACO, to make those findings. To be                    airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                                    2016.                                                   approved, the repair method, modification             Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark
                                                                                                            deviation, or alteration deviation must meet          0070 and Mark 0100 airplanes. This
                                                    (b) Affected ADs                                                                                              proposed AD was prompted by reports
                                                                                                            the certification basis of the airplane, and the
                                                      None.                                                 approval must specifically refer to this AD.          of cracking in a certain area of the
                                                    (c) Applicability                                          (4) For service information that contains          pressure bulkhead webplate and skin
                                                                                                            steps that are labeled as Required for                connection angle. This proposed AD
                                                       This AD applies to all The Boeing                    Compliance (RC), the provisions of
                                                    Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C,                                                                           would require a one-time inspection of
                                                                                                            paragraphs (h)(4)(i) and (h)(4)(ii) of this AD
                                                    –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes,                                                                      the affected pressure bulkhead webplate
                                                                                                            apply.
                                                    certificated in any category.                              (i) The steps labeled as RC, including             and skin connection angle, and
                                                    (d) Subject                                             substeps under an RC step and any figures             corrective actions if necessary. We are
                                                                                                            identified in an RC step, must be done to             proposing this AD to detect and correct
                                                      Air Transport Association (ATA) of                                                                          cracking of the pressure bulkhead
                                                    America Code 53, Fuselage.                              comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
                                                                                                            for any deviations to RC steps, including             webplate and skin connection angle that
                                                    (e) Unsafe Condition                                    substeps and identified figures.                      could lead to sudden inflight
                                                       This AD was prompted by an evaluation by                (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                decompression of the airplane resulting
                                                    the design approval holder (DAH) indicating             deviated from using accepted methods in               in injury to occupants.
                                                    that the S–14L and S–14R lap splices are                accordance with the operator’s maintenance
                                                                                                            or inspection program without obtaining               DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                    subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD).
                                                                                                            approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,           this proposed AD by May 13, 2016.
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                                                    We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
                                                    widespread cracking in the S–14L and S–14R              including substeps and identified figures, can        ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                                    lap splices that could rapidly link up and              still be done as specified, and the airplane          using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                                    result in possible rapid decompression and              can be put back in an airworthy condition.            11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                                    reduced structural integrity of the airplane.                                                                 methods:
                                                                                                            (i) Related Information
                                                    (f) Compliance                                             (1) For more information about this AD,              • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                       Comply with this AD within the                       contact Jason Deutschman, Aerospace                   http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                    compliance times specified, unless already              Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,                  instructions for submitting comments.
                                                    done.                                                   FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                 • Fax: 202–493–2251.


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Document Created: 2016-03-30 08:29:43
Document Modified: 2016-03-30 08:29:43
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2016.
ContactJason Deutschman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6595; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 17415 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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