81 FR 61985 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 174 (September 8, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web for any cracking, crack indications, discrepant fastener holes, and corrosion; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web, which could result in an uncontrolled decompression of the fuselage.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61985-61987]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21410]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6901; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-192-AD; 
Amendment 39-18646; AD 2016-18-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to 
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web for any cracking, crack 
indications, discrepant fastener holes, and corrosion; and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web, which could result in an 
uncontrolled decompression of the fuselage.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 
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 the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6901.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6901; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6450; fax: 425-917-6590; 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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2016 (81 FR 40208) (``the 
NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to 
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web for any 
cracking, crack indications, discrepant fastener holes, and corrosion; 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web, which could result 
in an uncontrolled decompression of the fuselage.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comments received. Boeing, the Airline 
Pilots Association International, and United Airlines supported the 
NPRM.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the supplemental 
type certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not affect compliance with the 
actions specified in the NPRM.
    We agree with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of 
the NPRM as (c)(1) and added a new paragraph (c)(2) to this final rule 
to state that installation of STC ST00830SE does not affect the ability 
to accomplish the actions required by this final rule. Therefore, for 
airplanes on which STC ST00830SE 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.

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 change 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.

[[Page 61986]]

    We also determined that this change 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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, Revision 2, 
dated October 14, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for low frequency eddy current, or high frequency eddy current, and 
detailed inspections of the bulkhead web for cracking, crack 
indications, discrepant fastener holes, and corrosion. 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 680 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action                       Labor cost               Cost per product       Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections..................  34 work-hours x $85 per hour   $2,890 per inspection     $1,965,200 per
                                = $2,890 per inspection        cycle.                    inspection cycle.
                                cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2016-18-15 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18646; Docket No. FAA-
2016-6901; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-192-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 13, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    Certain requirements of this AD terminate certain requirements 
of AD 2005-21-06, Amendment 39-14344 (70 FR 61226, October 21, 2005) 
(``AD 2005-21-06'').

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category, 
line number 1 through 1755, as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1248, Revision 2, dated October 14, 2015.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST00830SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/0/38B606833BBD98B386257FAA00602538?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se) 
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by 
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE 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 an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to 
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web, which could 
result in an uncontrolled decompression of the fuselage.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, 
Revision 2, dated October 14, 2015, or within 18 months after 
November 25, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-21-06), whichever 
occurs later: Do a low frequency eddy current (LFEC) or high 
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection, and a detailed inspection, 
of the aft and forward sides, as applicable, of the aft pressure 
bulkhead web at the Y chord, above and below stringer S-15L and 
stringer S-15R, to detect discrepancies (including cracking, crack 
indications, discrepant fastener holes, and corrosion), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, Revision 2, dated October 14, 2015. 
Access and restoration procedures specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, Revision 
2, dated October 14, 2015, are not required by this AD. Operators 
may do those procedures following their maintenance practices.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found: Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, 
Revision 2, dated October 14, 2015.

[[Page 61987]]

    (2) If any discrepancy is found: Do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Repair the discrepancy before further flight using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(j) of this AD.
    (ii) On areas that are not repaired, repeat the inspections 
thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, 
Revision 2, dated October 14, 2015.

(h) Terminating Action for AD 2005-21-06

    Accomplishment of the initial inspections required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2005-21-06.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1248, dated September 9, 2004; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-53A1248, Revision 1, dated September 10, 2007; which are not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, Revision 2, dated 
October 14, 2015.
    (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 August 30, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21410 Filed 9-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P