81_FR_59716 81 FR 59548 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

81 FR 59548 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 168 (August 30, 2016)

Page Range59548-59549
FR Document2016-20704

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), which would have applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. The NPRM would have required repetitive inspections to detect cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM would also have provided optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the NPRM was issued, all affected airplanes worldwide have had applicable terminating actions accomplished, and one airplane was mistakenly included in the applicability. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59548-59549]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20704]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0923; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-176-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

[[Page 59549]]


ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that 
proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), which would have applied 
to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series 
airplanes. The NPRM would have required repetitive inspections to 
detect cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM would also 
have provided optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. Since the NPRM was issued, all affected airplanes 
worldwide have had applicable terminating actions accomplished, and one 
airplane was mistakenly included in the applicability. Accordingly, the 
NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: As of August 30, 2016, the proposed rule, which was published in 
the Federal Register on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74032), is withdrawn.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0923; 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 action, the NPRM (79 FR 74032, December 15, 2014), the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The address for the Docket Office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gaetano Settineri, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We proposed to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR part 39) with a NPRM for a new AD for certain The Boeing 
Company Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74032) 
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM would have required repetitive inspections to 
detect cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM would also 
have provided optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. The NPRM was prompted by reports of troughs in the skin 
along the chem-mill pocket edges of certain fuselage crown skin panel 
assemblies. The proposed actions were intended to detect and correct 
cracking from troughs in the chem-mill pocket edges, which could lead 
to rapid decompression of the airplane.

Actions Since NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, we have determined that all affected 
airplanes worldwide have had applicable terminating actions 
accomplished, and one airplane had been included mistakenly in the 
applicability. The unsafe condition identified in the NPRM was created 
due to a production escapement and was limited to 11 airplanes. 
However, the affected airplanes have all been inspected for the unsafe 
condition and in instances where the unsafe condition was present, the 
discrepant parts were replaced with conforming parts. With the 
discrepant parts replaced, the unsafe condition no longer exists.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in considering 
the NPRM. Two commenters, Boeing and Aviation Partners Boeing, 
requested certain changes to the NPRM that are considered moot by this 
withdrawal.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration, we have determined that the unsafe 
condition described in the NPRM no longer exists. Accordingly, the NPRM 
is withdrawn.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM does not preclude the FAA from issuing 
another related action or commit the FAA to any course of action in the 
future.

Regulatory Impact

    Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed 
nor a final rule and therefore is not covered under Executive Order 
12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Withdrawal

    Accordingly, we withdraw the NPRM, Docket No. FAA-2014-0923, 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-176-AD, which was published in the 
Federal Register on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74032).

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20704 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

59548 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules The Proposed Amendment accordance with the Accomplishment (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Instructions of the applicable service requirement in this AD to obtain corrective Accordingly, under the authority information identified in paragraph (g)(1), actions from a manufacturer, the action must delegated to me by the Administrator, (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. be accomplished using a method approved the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–0396, by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 39 as follows: dated November 25, 2015. 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–2142, the European Aviation Safety Agency PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS dated November 17, 2015. (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design DIRECTIVES (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6182, Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by dated November 17, 2015. the DOA, the approval must include the ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 (h) Replace the Aft Hinge Bolt Assemblies DOA-authorized signature. continues to read as follows: (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any Having P/N A53612713000 service information contains procedures or Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Within 10,000 flight cycles after tests that are identified as RC, those modification of an airplane as required by procedures and tests must be done to comply § 39.13 [Amended] paragraph (g) of this AD, replace each aft with this AD; any procedures or tests that are ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding hinge bolt assembly having P/N not identified as RC are recommended. Those the following new airworthiness A53612713000 on the left and right aft NLG procedures and tests that are not identified directive (AD): doors, with a new aft hinge bolt assembly as RC may be deviated from using accepted Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–9052; having P/N A53612713000 on the left and methods in accordance with the operator’s Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–080–AD. right NLG aft doors, in accordance with the maintenance or inspection program without Accomplishment Instructions of the obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided (a) Comments Due Date applicable service information specified in the procedures and tests identified as RC can We must receive comments by October 14, paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD. be done and the airplane can be put back in 2016. Repeat the replacement thereafter at intervals an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or not to exceed 10,000 flight cycles. changes to procedures or tests identified as (b) Affected ADs (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–0397, RC require approval of an AMOC. None. dated January 18, 2016. (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–2144, (l) Related Information (c) Applicability dated January 18, 2016. (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing This AD applies to Airbus airplanes (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6186, Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) dated January 18, 2016. Airworthiness Directive 2016–0100 dated of this AD, certificated in any category, all (i) Parts Installation Prohibition (P/N May 24, 2016, for related information. This manufacturer serial numbers. A53612600000) MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the (1) Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C, Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by B2–203, B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 After modification of an airplane NLG aft searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– airplanes. door as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 2016–9052. (2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, do not install an aft hinge bolt assembly (2) For service information identified in and B4–622 airplanes. having P/N A53612600000 on any NLG aft this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness (3) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R door of that airplane. Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice airplanes. (j) Parts Installation Limitation (P/N Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; (4) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R A53612713000) telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 airplanes. 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ (5) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F After removal of an aft hinge bolt assembly having P/N A53612713000 from an airplane airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. airplanes. You may view this service information at the (6) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222, aft NLG door, as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, do not install an aft hinge bolt FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes. Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For assembly having that part number on any (d) Subject airplane unless it is a new aft hinge bolt information on the availability of this assembly. material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 19, 2016. (e) Reason The following provisions also apply to this Dorr M. Anderson, This AD was prompted by reports of failure AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Acting Manager, Transport Airplane of an aft hinge bolt assembly in the nose (AMOCs): The Manager, International Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. landing gear (NLG) aft doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an aft hinge bolt Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane [FR Doc. 2016–20699 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am] assembly in an NLG aft door while the Directorate, FAA, has the authority to BILLING CODE 4910–13–P airplane is in flight, which could lead to an approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in-flight loss of an NLG aft door, and damage using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. to the airplane. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION request to your principal inspector or local (f) Compliance Flight Standards District Office, as Federal Aviation Administration Comply with this AD within the appropriate. If sending information directly compliance times specified, unless already to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: done. Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 14 CFR Part 39 International Branch, ANM–116, Transport [Docket No. FAA–2014–0923; Directorate (g) Replace the Aft Hinge Bolt Assemblies Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS Having Part Number (P/N) A53612600000 Identifier 2014–NM–176–AD] Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; Before the accumulation of 10,000 total telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149. RIN 2120–AA64 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- or within 2,000 flight cycles after the AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing effective date of this AD, whichever occurs any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate Company Airplanes later, replace each aft hinge bolt assembly principal inspector, or lacking a principal having P/N A53612600000 on the left and inspector, the manager of the local flight AGENCY: Federal Aviation right NLG aft doors, with a new hinge bolt standards district office/certificate holding Administration (FAA), Department of assembly having P/N A53612713000, in district office. Transportation (DOT). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Aug 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules 59549 ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. by reports of troughs in the skin along Issued in Renton, Washington, on August the chem-mill pocket edges of certain 18, 2016. SUMMARY: The FAA withdraws a notice fuselage crown skin panel assemblies. Dorr M. Anderson, of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that The proposed actions were intended to Acting Manager, Transport Airplane proposed a new airworthiness directive detect and correct cracking from troughs Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. (AD), which would have applied to in the chem-mill pocket edges, which [FR Doc. 2016–20704 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am] certain The Boeing Company Model could lead to rapid decompression of BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 737–700, –800, and –900ER series the airplane. airplanes. The NPRM would have required repetitive inspections to detect Actions Since NPRM Was Issued DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM would also have Since we issued the NPRM, we have Federal Aviation Administration provided optional terminating action for determined that all affected airplanes the repetitive inspections. Since the worldwide have had applicable 14 CFR Part 39 NPRM was issued, all affected airplanes terminating actions accomplished, and one airplane had been included [Docket No. FAA–2016–8850; Directorate worldwide have had applicable Identifier 2016–NM–031–AD] terminating actions accomplished, and mistakenly in the applicability. The one airplane was mistakenly included unsafe condition identified in the RIN 2120–AA64 in the applicability. Accordingly, the NPRM was created due to a production escapement and was limited to 11 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing NPRM is withdrawn. Company Airplanes airplanes. However, the affected DATES: As of August 30, 2016, the airplanes have all been inspected for the AGENCY: Federal Aviation proposed rule, which was published in unsafe condition and in instances where Administration (FAA), DOT. the Federal Register on December 15, the unsafe condition was present, the ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 2014 (79 FR 74032), is withdrawn. discrepant parts were replaced with (NPRM). ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD conforming parts. With the discrepant docket on the Internet at http:// parts replaced, the unsafe condition no SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new www.regulations.gov by searching for longer exists. airworthiness directive (AD) for certain and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– The Boeing Company Model 767–200 0923; or in person at the Docket Comments and –300 series airplanes. This Management Facility between 9 a.m. proposed AD was prompted by a report and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, We gave the public the opportunity to participate in considering the NPRM. of a fire in the bilge area of the cargo except Federal holidays. The AD docket compartment that burned through the contains this AD action, the NPRM (79 Two commenters, Boeing and Aviation Partners Boeing, requested certain insulation blankets that were intended FR 74032, December 15, 2014), the to prevent smoke from migrating behind regulatory evaluation, any comments changes to the NPRM that are considered moot by this withdrawal. the cargo compartment sidewall liners received, and other information. The and upward into the main cabin. This address for the Docket Office FAA’s Conclusions proposed AD would require replacing (telephone: 800–647–5527) is the Docket the cargo compartment insulation Management Facility, U.S. Department Upon further consideration, we have blankets on the left and right sides with of Transportation, Docket Operations, determined that the unsafe condition new insulation blankets that incorporate M–30, West Building Ground Floor, described in the NPRM no longer exists. fire stops. We are proposing this AD to Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn. prevent a fire in the bilge area of the Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Withdrawal of the NPRM does not cargo compartment burning through the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: preclude the FAA from issuing another insulation blankets and consequently Gaetano Settineri, Aerospace Engineer, related action or commit the FAA to any allowing smoke to migrate behind the Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, course of action in the future. cargo compartment sidewall liners and Seattle Aircraft Certification Office upward into the main cabin. (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Regulatory Impact DATES: We must receive comments on WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6577; Since this action only withdraws an this proposed AD by October 14, 2016. fax: 425–917–6590; email: NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a ADDRESSES: You may send comments, gaetano.settineri@faa.gov. final rule and therefore is not covered using the procedures found in 14 CFR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: under Executive Order 12866, the 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following Discussion Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT methods: Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to We proposed to amend part 39 of the FR 11034, February 26, 1979). http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR instructions for submitting comments. part 39) with a NPRM for a new AD for List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 • Fax: 202–493–2251. certain The Boeing Company Model • Mail: U.S. Department of 737–700, –800, and –900ER series Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Transportation, Docket Operations, M– airplanes. The NPRM published in the safety, Incorporation by reference, 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register on December 15, 2014 Safety. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., (79 FR 74032) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The The Withdrawal Washington, DC 20590. NPRM would have required repetitive • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail inspections to detect cracking in the Accordingly, we withdraw the NPRM, address above between 9 a.m. and 5 crown skin panel assembly. The NPRM Docket No. FAA–2014–0923, Directorate p.m., Monday through Friday, except would also have provided optional Identifier 2014–NM–176–AD, which Federal holidays. terminating action for the repetitive was published in the Federal Register For service information identified in inspections. The NPRM was prompted on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74032). this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Aug 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1


Document Created: 2018-02-09 11:42:25
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 11:42:25
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule; withdrawal.
DatesAs of August 30, 2016, the proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74032), is withdrawn.
ContactGaetano Settineri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 59548 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR