81_FR_30260 81 FR 30166 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

81 FR 30166 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 94 (May 16, 2016)

Page Range30166-30170
FR Document2016-11200

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked antenna support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 very high frequency (VHF) antenna, and cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure. This AD requires repetitive inspections to determine the condition of the skin and the internal support structure, and follow-on actions including corrective action as necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the fuselage. Such cracking could result in separation of the number 2 VHF antenna from the airplane and rapid depressurization of the cabin.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30166-30170]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11200]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-224-AD; 
Amendment 39-18515; AD 2016-10-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked antenna 
support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 very high 
frequency (VHF) antenna, and cracking in the frames attached to the 
internal support structure. This AD requires repetitive inspections to 
determine the condition of the skin and the internal support structure, 
and follow-on actions including corrective action as necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the fuselage. 
Such cracking could result in separation of the number 2 VHF antenna 
from the airplane and rapid depressurization of the cabin.

DATES: This AD is effective June 20, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 20, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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

[[Page 30167]]

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-2015-2462.

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-2015-
2462; 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 Document 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2015 (80 FR 42756) 
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracked antenna 
support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 VHF antenna, 
and cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure. 
The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections to determine the 
condition of the skin and the internal support structure, and follow-on 
actions including corrective action as necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the fuselage. Such cracking 
could result in separation of the number 2 VHF antenna from the 
airplane and rapid depressurization of the cabin.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment. Boeing concurred with the NPRM.

Request To Correct a Typographical Error in Paragraph (h)(4) of the 
Proposed AD

    Southwest Airlines requested that we correct a typographical error 
in paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD, which states that 
accomplishment of the preventative modification terminates the 
inspection required by ``paragraphs (g), (g)(1), and (h)(2) of the 
AD.'' Southwest Airlines noted that the NPRM does not contain paragraph 
(g)(1). Southwest Airlines concluded that this appears to be a 
typographical error and the references to paragraphs (g) and (g)(1) of 
the proposed AD should be to paragraphs (h) and (h)(1) of the proposed 
AD, similar to what is stated in paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD.
    British Airways stated that it has identified a potential 
contradiction between paragraphs (h)(4) and (k)(3) of the proposed AD. 
British Airways stated that paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD refers 
to paragraph (h)(2), whereas paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD refers 
to paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of the proposed AD.
    We agree to revise paragraph (h)(4) of this AD because there is a 
typographical error. We have changed the references in paragraph (h)(4) 
of this AD to specify paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD. 
This change resolves the contradiction noted by British Airways.

Request a Provision To Terminate Inspections Required by Paragraph (h) 
of the Proposed AD

    Southwest Airlines requested that we provide a provision to 
terminate the inspections required by paragraph (h) of the proposed AD 
for previously installed repairs that have received FAA approval. The 
commenter stated that these repairs would inhibit the inspections 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request because previously 
installed FAA-approved repairs may not have been designed to address 
the specified unsafe condition identified in this AD. We understand 
that some of these repairs may not allow inspection of the area 
specified in the AD; in those cases, the operator must request approval 
for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph 
(m) of this AD. We have not revised this AD in this regard.

Request To Add Terminating Action to Paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
the Proposed AD

    British Airways asked why the terminating action specified in 
paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD is not included in the text ``until 
the accomplishment of paragraphs'' references in paragraphs (h)(1) and 
(h)(2) of the proposed AD. We infer British Airways is requesting that 
we revise paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the proposed AD.
    We agree with the commenter because installation of the preventive 
modification in accordance with paragraph (k)(3) of this AD is 
acceptable for terminating the repetitive inspections. In addition, we 
note the reference to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD in paragraph (h)(2) 
of this AD is redundant. We have made the following changes to this AD:
     In paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, we specify to repeat the 
inspections ``until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or 
(k)(3) of this AD, as applicable.''
     In paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, we specify to repeat the 
inspections ``until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(2) or (k)(3) of 
this AD, as applicable.''

Request To Correct the Language in Paragraph (h)(2) of the Proposed AD

    Southwest Airlines requested a correction to the language in 
paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD to add the term ``as applicable'' 
after the listed inspections. Southwest Airlines stated that there are 
multiple sections of Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, 
dated October 20, 2014. Southwest Airlines noted that each group/
configuration has its own Part 2 instructions and that Groups 3 through 
6, Configurations 2 and 3, do not contain instructions for internal 
detailed inspections or internal high frequency eddy current 
inspections.
    We agree with the commenter because certain inspections are 
applicable to only certain configurations. We have added the language 
``as applicable'' to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

Request To Revise Certain Paragraphs To Include a Terminating Action 
for the Preventive Modification

    Southwest Airlines requested that we revise paragraph (k)(2) of the 
proposed AD to include a statement that accomplishment of the repair 
specified in paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD also terminates the 
preventive modification specified in paragraph

[[Page 30168]]

(h)(4) of the proposed AD. Southwest Airlines stated that there is no 
language in the NPRM or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, that states whether the 
preventative modification is required after the repair is installed.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request because, for some 
airplane configurations, the repair only installs an external skin 
doubler and the preventative modification includes replacement of the 
internal support structure. For some airplane configurations, the 
preventive modification specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, 
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, is required after installation of 
the repair specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, 
dated October 20, 2014. We have not revised this AD in this regard.

Request To Provide Statement for Terminating Actions in Paragraph 
(k)(2) of the Proposed AD

    Southwest Airlines requested that we revise paragraph (k)(2) of the 
proposed AD to specify the repair also terminates the initial 
inspections in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD. Southwest Airlines 
stated that the current statement in paragraph (k)(2) of the proposed 
AD does not address a terminating action for the initial inspection 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the proposed AD for 
aircraft that have previously installed the repair specified in 
paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD.
    We agree with the commenter's request because repairs installed in 
accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated 
October 20, 2014, prior to the effective date of this AD, will not 
allow accomplishment of the initial inspections as specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD. We revised paragraph (k)(2) of this AD to 
specify that accomplishment of the repair required by paragraph (h)(3) 
of this AD terminates the initial and repetitive inspections required 
in paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental 
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect 
the actions specified in the NPRM.
    We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of 
the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added new paragraph 
(c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not 
affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. 
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a 
``change in product'' AMOC approval request is not necessary to comply 
with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

Change to Paragraph (j) of This AD

    We have revised paragraph (j) of this AD to clarify that the post-
repair and post-modification inspections are airworthiness limitations 
that are required by maintenance and operational rules; therefore, 
these inspections are not required by this AD.

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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    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

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, 
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014. The service information describes 
procedures for repetitive inspections to determine the condition of the 
skin and the internal support structure, and follow-on actions 
including corrective action as necessary. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 609 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections..............  33 work-hours x $85                 $0  $2,805 per inspection   $1,708,245 per
                            per hour = $2,805 per                   cycle.                  inspection cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs/
modifications that would be required based on the results of the 
inspections. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these repairs/modifications.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair and preventive modification............  63 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $10,432         $15,787
                                                 $5,355.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue

[[Page 30169]]

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

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-10-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18515; Docket No. FAA-
2015-2462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-224-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 20, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) 
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by 
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is 
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the 
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked antenna support 
channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 VHF antenna, and 
cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the 
fuselage. Such cracking could result in separation of the number 2 
VHF antenna from the airplane and rapid depressurization of the 
cabin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Follow-On Actions: Group 1

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014: 
Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect for 
cracking at the number 2 VHF antenna location, and do all applicable 
follow-on actions, using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.

(h) Inspection and Follow-On Actions: Groups 2 Through 6, 
Configurations 1 Through 3

    For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 6, Configurations 1 
through 3 in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, 
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014: Within 1,250 flight cycles after 
the effective date of this AD, do an external detailed inspection 
for cracking of the fuselage skin, as applicable, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014. 
Thereafter, at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-
1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, except as required by 
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Repeat the Part 1 inspections specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or 
(k)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (2) Inspect for cracking at the number 2 VHF antenna location 
using internal and external detailed inspections, internal and 
external high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections, and an HFEC 
open-hole inspection, as applicable, in accordance with Part 2 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014. Repeat the 
inspections until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(2) or (k)(3) 
of this AD, as applicable.
    (3) Repair any crack found, in accordance with Part 3 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, except as 
required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
    (4) Do a preventive modification, in accordance with Part 4 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, except as 
specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. The accomplishment of this 
preventive modification terminates the inspections required by 
paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.

(i) Inspection and Follow-On Actions: Groups 3 Through 6, Configuration 
4

    For airplanes identified as Groups 3 through 6, Configuration 4, 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 
1, dated October 20, 2014: At the applicable time specified in table 
10 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, do an external 
detailed inspection for cracking at the outer row of fasteners 
common to the internal repair doubler, and do an internal general 
visual inspection for cracking on the modified internal support 
structure of the number 2 VHF antenna, skin, and surrounding 
stringers, channel, and frames, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
    (1) If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (m) of this AD.
    (2) If no cracking is found, repeat the inspections at the time 
specified in table 10 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated 
October 20, 2014.

[[Page 30170]]

(j) Post Repair/Post Modification Inspections

    Tables 7 through 9 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated 
October 20, 2014, specify post-repair and post-modification 
airworthiness limitation inspections in compliance with 14 CFR 
25.571(a)(3) at the repaired and modified locations, which support 
compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). As 
airworthiness limitations, these inspections are required by 
maintenance and operational rules. It is therefore unnecessary to 
mandate them in this AD. Deviations from these inspections require 
FAA approval, but do not require an alternative method of 
compliance.

(k) Terminating Action Provisions

    The following describes terminating action for the airplane 
groups and configurations, as identified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
    (1) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 2; and Groups 3 
through 6, Configuration 2: Accomplishment of the inspections 
specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD terminates the repetitive 
inspection requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1; and Groups 3 
through 6, Configurations 1, 2, and 3: Accomplishment of the repair 
specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD terminates the initial and 
repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and 
(h)(2) of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1; and Groups 3 
through 6, Configurations 1 and 3: Accomplishment of the preventive 
modification specified in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD terminates the 
initial and repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (h), 
(h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.

(l) Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, 
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, specifies a compliance time 
``after the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD 
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, 
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for 
appropriate action, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required 
for Compliance): Before further flight, repair the cracking using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD.

(m) 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 (n) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the 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 Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Los Angeles 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) Except as required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD, for 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required 
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (m)(4)(i) and 
(m)(4)(ii) 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.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer 
Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los 
Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

(o) 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, 
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) 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 May 4, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11200 Filed 5-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                           30166               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           The Special Conditions                                    (3) A battery failure sensing and                   by test or analysis, with the concurrence
                                           ■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority                warning system with a means for                       of the Wichita Aircraft Certification
                                           delegated to me by the Administrator,                   automatically disconnecting the battery               Office.
                                           the following special conditions are                    from its charging source in the event of                Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on May 9,
                                           issued as part of the type certification                battery failure.                                      2016.
                                           basis for Cessna Aircraft Company, 208                    h. Any lithium battery installation                 Pat Mullen,
                                           and 208B Caravan airplanes modified by                  functionally required for safe operation
                                                                                                                                                         Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
                                           Peregrine.                                              of the airplane, must incorporate a                   Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                   monitoring and warning feature that
                                           1. Installation of Lithium Battery                                                                            [FR Doc. 2016–11502 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                   will provide an indication to the
                                                                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                              The FAA states in this Notice that the               appropriate flight crewmembers,
                                           following special conditions be applied                 whenever the capacity and state of
                                           to lithium battery installations on the                 charge of the batteries have fallen below
                                                                                                                                                         DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                           208 and 208B airplanes in lieu of the                   levels considered acceptable for
                                           requirements § 23.1353(a)(b)(c)(d)(e),                  dispatch of the airplane.                             Federal Aviation Administration
                                           amendment 49.                                             i. The ICAW must contain
                                              Lithium battery installations on the                 recommended manufacturer’s                            14 CFR Part 39
                                           208 and 208B airplanes must be                          maintenance and inspection
                                           designed and installed as follows:                      requirements to ensure that batteries,                [Docket No. FAA–2015–2462; Directorate
                                              a. Safe cell temperatures and                        including single cells, meet a                        Identifier 2014–NM–224–AD; Amendment
                                                                                                   functionally safe level essential to the              39–18515; AD 2016–10–04]
                                           pressures must be maintained during
                                           any probable charging or discharging                    aircraft’s continued airworthiness.                   RIN 2120–AA64
                                           condition, or during any failure of the                   (1) The ICAW must contain operating
                                           charging or battery monitoring system                   instructions and equipment limitations                Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                           not shown to be extremely remote. The                   in an installation maintenance manual.                Company Airplanes
                                           lithium battery installation must be                      (2) The ICAW must contain
                                                                                                   installation procedures and limitations               AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                           designed to preclude explosion or fire in                                                                     Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                           the event of those failures.                            in a maintenance manual, sufficient to
                                                                                                   ensure that cells or batteries, when                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                              b. Lithium batteries must be designed
                                           to preclude the occurrence of self-                     installed according to the installation
                                                                                                                                                         SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                           sustaining, uncontrolled increases in                   procedures, still meet safety functional
                                                                                                   levels essential to the aircraft’s                    airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                           temperature or pressure.                                                                                      The Boeing Company Model 737–100,
                                              c. No explosive or toxic gasses                      continued airworthiness. The
                                                                                                   limitations must identify any unique                  –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
                                           emitted by any lithium battery in                                                                             series airplanes. This AD was prompted
                                           normal operation or as the result of any                aspects of the installation.
                                                                                                     (3) The ICAW must contain corrective                by reports of cracked antenna support
                                           failure of the battery charging or                                                                            channels, skin cracking underneath the
                                           monitoring system, or battery                           maintenance procedures to check
                                                                                                   battery capacity at manufacturer’s                    number 2 very high frequency (VHF)
                                           installation not shown to be extremely                                                                        antenna, and cracking in the frames
                                           remote, may accumulate in hazardous                     recommended inspection intervals.
                                                                                                     (4) The ICAW must contain scheduled                 attached to the internal support
                                           quantities within the airplane.                                                                               structure. This AD requires repetitive
                                              d. Lithium batteries that contain                    servicing information to replace
                                                                                                   batteries at manufacturer’s                           inspections to determine the condition
                                           flammable fluids must comply with the                                                                         of the skin and the internal support
                                           flammable fluid fire protection                         recommended replacement time.
                                                                                                     (5) The ICAW must contain                           structure, and follow-on actions
                                           requirements of 14 CFR 23.863(a)                                                                              including corrective action as necessary.
                                                                                                   maintenance and inspection
                                           through (d).                                                                                                  We are issuing this AD to detect and
                                                                                                   requirements how to check visually for
                                              e. No corrosive fluids or gases that                                                                       correct skin cracking of the fuselage.
                                                                                                   battery and charger degradation.
                                           may escape from any lithium battery                       j. Batteries in a rotating stock (spares)           Such cracking could result in separation
                                           may damage airplane structure or                        that have degraded charge retention                   of the number 2 VHF antenna from the
                                           essential equipment.                                    capability or other damage due to                     airplane and rapid depressurization of
                                              f. Each lithium battery installation
                                                                                                   prolonged storage must be checked at                  the cabin.
                                           must have provisions to prevent any
                                                                                                   manufacturer’s recommended                            DATES: This AD is effective June 20,
                                           hazardous effect on structure or
                                                                                                   inspection intervals.                                 2016.
                                           essential systems that may be caused by                   k. If the lithium battery application
                                           the maximum amount of heat the                                                                                   The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                   contains software and/or complex                      approved the incorporation by reference
                                           battery can generate during a short                     hardware, in accordance with AC 20–
                                           circuit of the battery or of its individual                                                                   of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                                                                                   115 1 and AC 20–152,2 they should be                  as of June 20, 2016.
                                           cells.                                                  developed to the standards of DO–178
                                              g. Lithium battery installations must                                                                      ADDRESSES: For service information
                                                                                                   for software and DO–254 for complex                   identified in this final rule, contact
                                           have—                                                   hardware.
                                              (1) A system to control the charging                                                                       Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
                                                                                                     Compliance with the requirements of
                                           rate of the battery automatically to                                                                          Attention: Data & Services Management,
                                                                                                   this Special Condition must be shown
                                           prevent battery overheating or                                                                                P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA
                                           overcharging, or                                                                                              98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000,
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                                                                                                     1 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                              (2) A battery temperature sensing and                Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/                     extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet
                                           over-temperature warning system with a                  E35FBC0060E2159186257BBE00719FB3?Open                 https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                           means for automatically disconnecting                   Document&Highlight=ac%2020-115b.                      may view this referenced service
                                                                                                     2 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                           the battery from its charging source in                 Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/
                                                                                                                                                         information at the FAA, Transport
                                           the event of an over-temperature                        6D4AE0BF1BDE3579862570360055D119?Open                 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                           condition or,                                           Document&Highlight=ac%2020-152.                       SW., Renton, WA. For information on


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                           30167

                                           the availability of this material at the                received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                    Request To Add Terminating Action to
                                           FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also                      response to each comment. Boeing                      Paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the
                                           available on the Internet at http://                    concurred with the NPRM.                              Proposed AD
                                           www.regulations.gov by searching for                                                                            British Airways asked why the
                                           and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                       Request To Correct a Typographical
                                                                                                   Error in Paragraph (h)(4) of the                      terminating action specified in
                                           2462.                                                                                                         paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD is
                                                                                                   Proposed AD
                                           Examining the AD Docket                                                                                       not included in the text ‘‘until the
                                                                                                      Southwest Airlines requested that we               accomplishment of paragraphs’’
                                             You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                   correct a typographical error in                      references in paragraphs (h)(1) and
                                           the Internet at http://
                                                                                                   paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD,                  (h)(2) of the proposed AD. We infer
                                           www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                   which states that accomplishment of the               British Airways is requesting that we
                                           and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                                                                                   preventative modification terminates                  revise paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the
                                           2462; or in person at the Docket
                                                                                                   the inspection required by ‘‘paragraphs               proposed AD.
                                           Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                                                                   (g), (g)(1), and (h)(2) of the AD.’’                    We agree with the commenter because
                                           and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                                                                   Southwest Airlines noted that the                     installation of the preventive
                                           except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                                                                   NPRM does not contain paragraph                       modification in accordance with
                                           contains this AD, the regulatory
                                                                                                   (g)(1). Southwest Airlines concluded                  paragraph (k)(3) of this AD is acceptable
                                           evaluation, any comments received, and
                                                                                                   that this appears to be a typographical               for terminating the repetitive
                                           other information. The address for the
                                                                                                   error and the references to paragraphs                inspections. In addition, we note the
                                           Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
                                                                                                   (g) and (g)(1) of the proposed AD should              reference to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD
                                           Document Management Facility, U.S.
                                                                                                   be to paragraphs (h) and (h)(1) of the                in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD is
                                           Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                                                                         redundant. We have made the following
                                           Operations, M–30, West Building                         proposed AD, similar to what is stated
                                                                                                                                                         changes to this AD:
                                           Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        in paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD.
                                                                                                                                                           • In paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, we
                                           New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                         British Airways stated that it has                 specify to repeat the inspections ‘‘until
                                           DC 20590.                                               identified a potential contradiction                  the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(1),
                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        between paragraphs (h)(4) and (k)(3) of               (k)(2), or (k)(3) of this AD, as
                                           Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace                         the proposed AD. British Airways stated               applicable.’’
                                           Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L,                    that paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD                • In paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, we
                                           FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification                 refers to paragraph (h)(2), whereas                   specify to repeat the inspections ‘‘until
                                           Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount                            paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD                   the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(2)
                                           Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;                     refers to paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and                 or (k)(3) of this AD, as applicable.’’
                                           phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627–                      (h)(2) of the proposed AD.
                                           5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@                                                                            Request To Correct the Language in
                                           faa.gov.                                                   We agree to revise paragraph (h)(4) of             Paragraph (h)(2) of the Proposed AD
                                                                                                   this AD because there is a typographical
                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                                                       Southwest Airlines requested a
                                                                                                   error. We have changed the references
                                                                                                                                                         correction to the language in paragraph
                                           Discussion                                              in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD to specify             (h)(2) of the proposed AD to add the
                                                                                                   paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this            term ‘‘as applicable’’ after the listed
                                              We issued a notice of proposed
                                           rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                       AD. This change resolves the                          inspections. Southwest Airlines stated
                                           part 39 by adding an AD that would                      contradiction noted by British Airways.               that there are multiple sections of Part
                                           apply to certain The Boeing Company                     Request a Provision To Terminate                      2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
                                           Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300,                       Inspections Required by Paragraph (h)                 Boeing Special Attention Service
                                           –400, and –500 series airplanes. The                    of the Proposed AD                                    Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated
                                           NPRM published in the Federal                                                                                 October 20, 2014. Southwest Airlines
                                           Register on July 20, 2015 (80 FR 42756)                   Southwest Airlines requested that we                noted that each group/configuration has
                                           (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was                            provide a provision to terminate the                  its own Part 2 instructions and that
                                           prompted by reports of cracked antenna                  inspections required by paragraph (h) of              Groups 3 through 6, Configurations 2
                                           support channels, skin cracking                         the proposed AD for previously                        and 3, do not contain instructions for
                                           underneath the number 2 VHF antenna,                    installed repairs that have received FAA              internal detailed inspections or internal
                                           and cracking in the frames attached to                  approval. The commenter stated that                   high frequency eddy current
                                           the internal support structure. The                     these repairs would inhibit the                       inspections.
                                           NPRM proposed to require repetitive                     inspections required by paragraph (h) of                 We agree with the commenter because
                                           inspections to determine the condition                  this AD.                                              certain inspections are applicable to
                                           of the skin and the internal support                                                                          only certain configurations. We have
                                                                                                     We do not agree with the commenter’s                added the language ‘‘as applicable’’ to
                                           structure, and follow-on actions
                                                                                                   request because previously installed                  paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
                                           including corrective action as necessary.
                                           We are issuing this AD to detect and                    FAA-approved repairs may not have
                                                                                                   been designed to address the specified                Request To Revise Certain Paragraphs
                                           correct skin cracking of the fuselage.
                                                                                                   unsafe condition identified in this AD.               To Include a Terminating Action for the
                                           Such cracking could result in separation
                                                                                                   We understand that some of these                      Preventive Modification
                                           of the number 2 VHF antenna from the
                                           airplane and rapid depressurization of                  repairs may not allow inspection of the                 Southwest Airlines requested that we
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                                           the cabin.                                              area specified in the AD; in those cases,             revise paragraph (k)(2) of the proposed
                                                                                                   the operator must request approval for                AD to include a statement that
                                           Comments                                                an alternative method of compliance                   accomplishment of the repair specified
                                             We gave the public the opportunity to                 (AMOC) according to paragraph (m) of                  in paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD
                                           participate in developing this AD. The                  this AD. We have not revised this AD                  also terminates the preventive
                                           following presents the comments                         in this regard.                                       modification specified in paragraph


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                                           30168                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           (h)(4) of the proposed AD. Southwest                         We agree with the commenter’s                          required by maintenance and
                                           Airlines stated that there is no language                  request because repairs installed in                     operational rules; therefore, these
                                           in the NPRM or Boeing Special                              accordance with Part 3 of the                            inspections are not required by this AD.
                                           Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–                         Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                                                                                                                                                               Conclusion
                                           1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,                        Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–
                                           2014, that states whether the                              53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,                     We reviewed the relevant data,
                                           preventative modification is required                      2014, prior to the effective date of this                considered the comments received, and
                                           after the repair is installed.                             AD, will not allow accomplishment of                     determined that air safety and the
                                                                                                      the initial inspections as specified in                  public interest require adopting this AD
                                              We do not agree with the commenter’s
                                                                                                      paragraph (h) of this AD. We revised                     with the changes described previously
                                           request because, for some airplane
                                                                                                      paragraph (k)(2) of this AD to specify                   and minor editorial changes. We have
                                           configurations, the repair only installs
                                                                                                      that accomplishment of the repair                        determined that these minor changes:
                                           an external skin doubler and the
                                                                                                      required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD                    • Are consistent with the intent that
                                           preventative modification includes
                                                                                                      terminates the initial and repetitive                    was proposed in the NPRM for
                                           replacement of the internal support
                                                                                                      inspections required in paragraphs (h),                  correcting the unsafe condition; and
                                           structure. For some airplane
                                                                                                      (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.                             • Do not add any additional burden
                                           configurations, the preventive
                                                                                                                                                               upon the public than was already
                                           modification specified in Part 4 of the                    Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment
                                                                                                                                                               proposed in the NPRM.
                                           Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                      of the Proposed Actions
                                                                                                                                                                 We also determined that these
                                           Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–                      Aviation Partners Boeing stated that                   changes will not increase the economic
                                           53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,                     accomplishing Supplemental Type                          burden on any operator or increase the
                                           2014, is required after installation of the                Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http://                     scope of this AD.
                                           repair specified in Part 3 of the                          rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                           Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                      Library/rgstc.nsf/0/                                     Related Service Information Under 1
                                           Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–                    be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/                        CFR Part 51
                                           53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,                     $FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect                       We reviewed Boeing Special
                                           2014. We have not revised this AD in                       the actions specified in the NPRM.                       Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
                                           this regard.                                                 We concur with the commenter. We                       1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,
                                           Request To Provide Statement for                           have redesignated paragraph (c) of the                   2014. The service information describes
                                           Terminating Actions in Paragraph                           proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this                  procedures for repetitive inspections to
                                           (k)(2) of the Proposed AD                                  AD and added new paragraph (c)(2) to                     determine the condition of the skin and
                                                                                                      this AD to state that installation of STC                the internal support structure, and
                                             Southwest Airlines requested that we                     ST01219SE does not affect the ability to                 follow-on actions including corrective
                                           revise paragraph (k)(2) of the proposed                    accomplish the actions required by this                  action as necessary. This service
                                           AD to specify the repair also terminates                   AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which                    information is reasonably available
                                           the initial inspections in paragraph (h)                   STC ST01219SE is installed, a ‘‘change                   because the interested parties have
                                           of the proposed AD. Southwest Airlines                     in product’’ AMOC approval request is                    access to it through their normal course
                                           stated that the current statement in                       not necessary to comply with the                         of business or by the means identified
                                           paragraph (k)(2) of the proposed AD                        requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.                            in the ADDRESSES section.
                                           does not address a terminating action
                                           for the initial inspection specified in                    Change to Paragraph (j) of This AD                       Costs of Compliance
                                           paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the                          We have revised paragraph (j) of this                    We estimate that this AD affects 609
                                           proposed AD for aircraft that have                         AD to clarify that the post-repair and                   airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                           previously installed the repair specified                  post-modification inspections are                          We estimate the following costs to
                                           in paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD.                    airworthiness limitations that are                       comply with this AD:
                                                                                                                    ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                Action                         Labor cost                       Parts cost                  Cost per product                      Cost on U.S. operators

                                           Inspections .....    33 work-hours × $85 per hour =                               $0   $2,805 per inspection cycle ...........   $1,708,245 per inspection cycle.
                                                                  $2,805 per inspection cycle.



                                             We estimate the following costs to do                    would be required based on the results                   determining the number of aircraft that
                                           any necessary repairs/modifications that                   of the inspections. We have no way of                    might need these repairs/modifications.

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

                                           Repair and preventive modification ..............................   63 work-hours × $85 per hour = $5,355 ......................          $10,432          $15,787
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                                             According to the manufacturer, some                      do not control warranty coverage for                     Authority for This Rulemaking
                                           of the costs of this AD may be covered                     affected individuals. As a result, we
                                           under warranty, thereby reducing the                       have included all costs in our cost                        Title 49 of the United States Code
                                           cost impact on affected individuals. We                    estimate.                                                specifies the FAA’s authority to issue



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                               30169

                                           rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                   2016–10–04 The Boeing Company:                        applicable corrective actions, in accordance
                                           section 106, describes the authority of                     Amendment 39–18515; Docket No.                    with Part 1 of the Accomplishment
                                           the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                        FAA–2015–2462; Directorate Identifier             Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
                                                                                                       2014–NM–224–AD.                                   Service Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1,
                                           Aviation Programs, describes in more                                                                          dated October 20, 2014. Thereafter, at the
                                           detail the scope of the Agency’s                        (a) Effective Date                                    applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
                                           authority.                                                This AD is effective June 20, 2016.                 ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention
                                              We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                       Service Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1,
                                                                                                   (b) Affected ADs
                                           the authority described in Subtitle VII,                                                                      dated October 20, 2014, except as required by
                                           Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                       None.                                               paragraph (l)(1) of this AD: Do all applicable
                                           ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                    (c) Applicability                                     actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through
                                           section, Congress charges the FAA with                                                                        (h)(4) of this AD.
                                                                                                      (1) This AD applies to The Boeing                     (1) Repeat the Part 1 inspections specified
                                           promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in              Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C,                   in paragraph (h) of this AD until the
                                           air commerce by prescribing regulations                 –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes,                accomplishment of paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or
                                           for practices, methods, and procedures                  certificated in any category, as identified in        (k)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
                                           the Administrator finds necessary for                   Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin                (2) Inspect for cracking at the number 2
                                           safety in air commerce. This regulation                 737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,            VHF antenna location using internal and
                                           is within the scope of that authority                   2014.                                                 external detailed inspections, internal and
                                                                                                      (2) Installation of Supplemental Type              external high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
                                           because it addresses an unsafe condition                Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http://
                                           that is likely to exist or develop on                                                                         inspections, and an HFEC open-hole
                                                                                                   rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_                  inspection, as applicable, in accordance with
                                           products identified in this rulemaking                  Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
                                           action.                                                                                                       Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
                                                                                                   be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/$FILE/               Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
                                                                                                   ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect the ability to
                                           Regulatory Findings                                                                                           737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,
                                                                                                   accomplish the actions required by this AD.
                                                                                                                                                         2014. Repeat the inspections until the
                                             This AD will not have federalism                      Therefore, for airplanes on which STC
                                                                                                                                                         accomplishment of paragraph (k)(2) or (k)(3)
                                           implications under Executive Order                      ST01219SE is installed, a ‘‘change in
                                                                                                                                                         of this AD, as applicable.
                                           13132. This AD will not have a                          product’’ alternative method of compliance
                                                                                                                                                            (3) Repair any crack found, in accordance
                                                                                                   (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to
                                           substantial direct effect on the States, on                                                                   with Part 3 of the Accomplishment
                                                                                                   comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
                                           the relationship between the national                   39.17.
                                                                                                                                                         Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
                                           government and the States, or on the                                                                          Service Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1,
                                           distribution of power and                               (d) Subject                                           dated October 20, 2014, except as required by
                                           responsibilities among the various                        Air Transport Association (ATA) of                  paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
                                                                                                   America Code 53, Fuselage.                               (4) Do a preventive modification, in
                                           levels of government.                                                                                         accordance with Part 4 of the
                                             For the reasons discussed above, I                    (e) Unsafe Condition                                  Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                                           certify that this AD:                                                                                         Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
                                                                                                      This AD was prompted by reports of
                                             (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                 cracked antenna support channels, skin                1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014,
                                           action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                   cracking underneath the number 2 VHF                  except as specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this
                                             (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under               antenna, and cracking in the frames attached          AD. The accomplishment of this preventive
                                           DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  to the internal support structure. We are             modification terminates the inspections
                                           (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                       issuing this AD to detect and correct skin            required by paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2)
                                             (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation               cracking of the fuselage. Such cracking could         of this AD.
                                           in Alaska, and                                          result in separation of the number 2 VHF              (i) Inspection and Follow-On Actions:
                                             (4) Will not have a significant                       antenna from the airplane and rapid                   Groups 3 Through 6, Configuration 4
                                           economic impact, positive or negative,                  depressurization of the cabin.
                                                                                                                                                            For airplanes identified as Groups 3
                                           on a substantial number of small entities               (f) Compliance                                        through 6, Configuration 4, in Boeing Special
                                           under the criteria of the Regulatory                       Comply with this AD within the                     Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1159,
                                           Flexibility Act.                                        compliance times specified, unless already            Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014: At the
                                                                                                   done.                                                 applicable time specified in table 10 of
                                           List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                                                                            paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
                                                                                                   (g) Inspection and Follow-On Actions:                 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
                                             Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                   Group 1                                               1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014,
                                           safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                                                                      For airplanes identified as Group 1 in             except as required by paragraph (l)(1) of this
                                           Safety.                                                                                                       AD, do an external detailed inspection for
                                                                                                   Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
                                           Adoption of the Amendment                               737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,            cracking at the outer row of fasteners
                                                                                                   2014: Within 120 days after the effective date        common to the internal repair doubler, and
                                             Accordingly, under the authority                      of this AD, inspect for cracking at the number        do an internal general visual inspection for
                                           delegated to me by the Administrator,                   2 VHF antenna location, and do all                    cracking on the modified internal support
                                           the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                        applicable follow-on actions, using a method          structure of the number 2 VHF antenna, skin,
                                           follows:                                                approved in accordance with the procedures            and surrounding stringers, channel, and
                                                                                                   specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.                frames, in accordance with the
                                           PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                                                                         Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                                                                                                   (h) Inspection and Follow-On Actions:                 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
                                           DIRECTIVES
                                                                                                   Groups 2 Through 6, Configurations 1                  1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
                                                                                                   Through 3                                                (1) If any cracking is found, before further
                                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                           continues to read as follows:                              For airplanes identified as Groups 2               flight, repair using a method approved in
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                                                                                                   through 6, Configurations 1 through 3 in              accordance with the procedures specified in
                                               Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin             paragraph (m) of this AD.
                                                                                                   737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated October 20,               (2) If no cracking is found, repeat the
                                           § 39.13   [Amended]
                                                                                                   2014: Within 1,250 flight cycles after the            inspections at the time specified in table 10
                                           ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   effective date of this AD, do an external             of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
                                           the following new airworthiness                         detailed inspection for cracking of the               Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–
                                           directive (AD):                                         fuselage skin, as applicable, and do all              1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.



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                                           30170               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           (j) Post Repair/Post Modification Inspections           paragraph (n) of this AD. Information may be          National Archives and Records
                                              Tables 7 through 9 of paragraph 1.E.,                emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-                         Administration (NARA). For information on
                                           ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention             REQUESTS@faa.gov.                                     the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                           Service Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1,                  (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                           dated October 20, 2014, specify post-repair             notify your appropriate principal inspector,          www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                           and post-modification airworthiness                     or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         locations.html.
                                           limitation inspections in compliance with 14            of the local flight standards district office/          Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4,
                                           CFR 25.571(a)(3) at the repaired and                    certificate holding district office.                  2016.
                                           modified locations, which support                          (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
                                                                                                                                                         Michael Kaszycki,
                                           compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or                level of safety may be used for any repair,
                                                                                                   modification, or alteration required by this          Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                           129.109(b)(2). As airworthiness limitations,
                                                                                                   AD if it is approved by Boeing Commercial             Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                           these inspections are required by
                                           maintenance and operational rules. It is                Airplanes Organization Designation                    [FR Doc. 2016–11200 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                           therefore unnecessary to mandate them in                Authorization (ODA) that has been                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                           this AD. Deviations from these inspections              authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
                                           require FAA approval, but do not require an             ACO, to make those findings. To be
                                           alternative method of compliance.                       approved, the repair method, modification             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                   deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                                           (k) Terminating Action Provisions                       the certification basis of the airplane, and the      Federal Aviation Administration
                                              The following describes terminating action           approval must specifically refer to this AD.
                                           for the airplane groups and configurations, as             (4) Except as required by paragraph (l)(2)         14 CFR Part 39
                                           identified in Boeing Special Attention                  of this AD, for service information that
                                           Service Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1,               contains steps that are labeled as Required           [Docket No. FAA–2015–3141; Directorate
                                           dated October 20, 2014.                                 for Compliance (RC), the provisions of                Identifier 2014–NM–242–AD; Amendment
                                              (1) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration          paragraphs (m)(4)(i) and (m)(4)(ii) apply.            39–18516; AD 2016–10–05]
                                           2; and Groups 3 through 6, Configuration 2:                (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
                                           Accomplishment of the inspections specified             substeps under an RC step and any figures             RIN 2120–AA64
                                           in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD terminates the           identified in an RC step, must be done to
                                           repetitive inspection requirements of                   comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
                                                                                                                                                         Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                           paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.                            for any deviations to RC steps, including             Company Airplanes
                                              (2) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration          substeps and identified figures.                      AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                           1; and Groups 3 through 6, Configurations 1,               (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                           2, and 3: Accomplishment of the repair                  deviated from using accepted methods in
                                           specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD                accordance with the operator’s maintenance            ACTION: Final rule.
                                           terminates the initial and repetitive                   or inspection program without obtaining
                                                                                                                                                         SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new
                                           inspections specified in paragraphs (h),                approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
                                           (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.                          including substeps and identified figures, can        airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
                                              (3) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration          still be done as specified, and the airplane          Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes.
                                           1; and Groups 3 through 6, Configurations 1             can be put back in an airworthy condition.            This AD was prompted by a report of
                                           and 3: Accomplishment of the preventive                                                                       cracking in the fuselage frame. This AD
                                           modification specified in paragraph (h)(4) of           (n) Related Information                               requires inspections for cracking in the
                                           this AD terminates the initial and repetitive             For more information about this AD,                 fuselage frame, left and right sides, and
                                           inspections specified in paragraphs (h),                contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace               repair if necessary. We are issuing this
                                           (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.                          Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L,                  AD to detect and correct fuselage frame
                                                                                                   FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount
                                           (l) Exception to Service Bulletin                                                                             fatigue cracking. Such cracking could
                                                                                                   Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
                                           Specifications                                          phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627–5210;               result in loss of structural integrity and
                                              (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service           email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov.                  the inability to sustain loading
                                           Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated                                                                       conditions.
                                           October 20, 2014, specifies a compliance                (o) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                                                                                                                         DATES: This AD is effective June 20,
                                           time ‘‘after the Revision 1 date of this service           (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                   approved the incorporation by reference
                                                                                                                                                         2016.
                                           bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance                                                                         The Director of the Federal Register
                                           within the specified compliance time after              (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                           the effective date of this AD.                          paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             approved the incorporation by reference
                                              (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service           part 51.                                              of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                           Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated                    (2) You must use this service information          as of June 20, 2016.
                                           October 20, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing           as applicable to do the actions required by           ADDRESSES: For service information
                                           for appropriate action, and specifies that              this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.           identified in this final rule, contact
                                           action as ‘‘RC’’ (Required for Compliance):                (i) Boeing Special Attention Service               Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
                                           Before further flight, repair the cracking              Bulletin 737–53–1159, Revision 1, dated
                                                                                                                                                         Attention: Data & Services Management,
                                           using a method approved in accordance with              October 20, 2014.
                                                                                                      (ii) Reserved.                                     P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA
                                           the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of
                                           this AD.                                                   (3) For service information identified in          98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000,
                                                                                                   this AD, contact Boeing Commercial                    extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet
                                           (m) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services                 https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                           (AMOCs)                                                 Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,                  may view this referenced service
                                              (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft                Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–                information at the FAA, Transport
                                           Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the                544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;              Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                           authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if              Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.               SW., Renton, WA. For information on
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                                           requested using the procedures found in 14                 (4) You may view this service information
                                                                                                                                                         the availability of this material at the
                                           CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,             at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                           send your request to your principal inspector           1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                 FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
                                           or local Flight Standards District Office, as           information on the availability of this               available on the Internet at http://
                                           appropriate. If sending information directly            material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.               www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                           to the manager of the ACO, send it to the                  (5) You may view this service information          and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                           attention of the person identified in                   that is incorporated by reference at the              3141.


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Document Created: 2016-05-14 01:16:59
Document Modified: 2016-05-14 01:16:59
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 June 20, 2016.
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 Citation81 FR 30166 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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