82_FR_10285 82 FR 10258 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

82 FR 10258 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 27 (February 10, 2017)

Page Range10258-10262
FR Document2017-01824

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-19-04 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2013-19-04 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the skin around the fasteners common to the ends of certain bulkhead chords, and related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary; and provided an optional terminating modification. This new AD reduces the inspection threshold and repetitive inspection intervals. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in the skin at fasteners of certain bulkhead chords. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10258-10262]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01824]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6670; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-006-AD; 
Amendment 39-18789; AD 2017-02-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-19-04 for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 
series airplanes. AD 2013-19-04 required repetitive inspections for 
cracking of the skin around the fasteners common to the ends of certain 
bulkhead chords, and related investigative actions and corrective 
actions if necessary; and

[[Page 10259]]

provided an optional terminating modification. This new AD reduces the 
inspection threshold and repetitive inspection intervals. This AD was 
prompted by a report of cracks found in the skin at fasteners of 
certain bulkhead chords. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; 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-
6670.

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-
6670; 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, 
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 to supersede AD 2013-19-04, Amendment 39-17586 (78 FR 59801, 
September 30, 2013) (``AD 2013-19-04''). AD 2013-19-04 applied to 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 12, 
2016 (81 FR 29505) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report of 
cracks found in the skin at body station (STA) 540 just below stringer 
S-22L. The NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive detailed and 
high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the skin around 
the eight fasteners common to the ends of the STA 540 bulkhead chords 
between stringers S-22 and S-23, left and right sides; related 
investigative actions and corrective actions, if necessary; and to 
provide an optional terminating modification. The NPRM also proposed to 
reduce the inspection threshold and repetitive inspection intervals. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the 
fuselage skin around the eight fasteners securing the STA 540 bulkhead 
chords, which could result in rapid decompression 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.

Support for the NPRM

    Boeing and United Airlines had no objections to the NPRM.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that installation of winglets, as 
provided in Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE, does not 
affect the ability to accomplish the actions proposed in the NPRM.
    We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of 
the proposed AD as (c)(1) and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to 
state that installation of STC 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.

Request To Clarify Access and Restoration Requirements

    All Nippon Airways requested that we clarify if the access and 
restoration instructions specified in the service information 
referenced in paragraph (k) of the proposed AD are required actions.
    We agree to clarify this issue. Access and restoration actions are 
not part of the actions required to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD. Therefore, access and restoration actions were 
excluded from the required actions in AD 2013-19-04 and are excluded 
from the required actions in this AD. We have added the service 
information referenced in paragraph (k) of this AD to paragraph (i)(4) 
of this AD. Paragraph (i)(4) of this AD specifies that the access and 
restoration actions specified in the referenced service information are 
not required by this AD.

Request To Clarify Corrective Action

    Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that we clarify the corrective 
action for drilling the new drag link assembly. SWA stated that the 
service information only provides instructions for parts constructed of 
aluminum and that the drag link assembly is made from titanium.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Boeing has informed us 
that revised service information is forthcoming. However, since the 
revised service information is not yet available, we do not consider 
that delaying this action until after the release of the manufacturer's 
revised service bulletin is warranted. When this service information 
becomes available, and upon satisfactory review, we plan to approve it 
as a global alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to the appropriate 
requirements of this AD. The issue raised by SWA affects only the on-
condition repair instructions and not the required inspection to detect 
the identified unsafe condition. We have added paragraph (i)(5) to this 
AD to specify that repairs provided in Part 4 or Part 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1294, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2015 (``SASB 737-
53-1294 R2''), must be done before further flight, using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) 
of this AD. We have revised paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD 
accordingly.

Clarification of Exception to Repetitive Intervals

    For clarity, we have changed the format of paragraph (g) of this AD 
to make it clear the exceptions apply to the entire paragraph, 
including the repetitive inspection sentence specified in paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

Clarification of Terminating Actions

    We have clarified paragraph (h) of this AD to specify that 
accomplishing the skin repair or preventive modification,

[[Page 10260]]

as specified in the applicable part of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing SASB 737-53-1294 R2, is terminating action for the side on 
which the skin repair or preventive modification is done.

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 SASB 737-53-1294 R2. The service information describes 
procedures for inspecting the skin around the eight fasteners common to 
the ends of the STA 540 bulkhead chords between stringers S-22 and S-
23, left and right sides, for cracking, repairing cracks, and 
installing a chord splice as a preventive modification. 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 903 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (left and right        12 work-hours x $85 per            $0  $1,020 per           $921,060 per
 sides).                           hour = $1,020 per                      inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
                                   inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Action                       Labor cost              Parts cost             Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preventive modification (each      7 work-hours x $85 per     $894................  $1,489.
 side).                             hour = $595.
Skin repair (each side)..........  39 work-hours x $85 per    Up to $5,635........  Up to $8,950.
                                    hour = $3,315.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-19-04, Amendment 39-17586 (78 FR 59801, September 30, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-02-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18789; Docket No. FAA-
2016-6670; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 17, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-19-04, Amendment 39-17586 (78 FR 59801, 
September 30, 2013) (``AD 2013-19-04'').

[[Page 10261]]

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category, 
as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-
1294, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2015 (``SASB 737-53-1294 R2'').
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST00830SE [http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/184DE9A71EC3FA5586257EAE00707DA6?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 a report of cracks found in the skin at 
body station (STA) 540 just below the left side of stringer S-22. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the 
fuselage skin around the eight fasteners securing the STA 540 
bulkhead chords, which could result in rapid decompression of the 
cabin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Except as required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD: 
At the applicable time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1294 R2, do detailed and high 
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the skin 
in the area around the eight fasteners securing the STA 540 bulkhead 
chords between stringers S-22 and S-23; and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with 
Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 
737-53-1294 R2, except as required by paragraphs (i)(3), (i)(4), and 
(i)(5) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions before further flight. Except as required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, repeat the detailed and HFEC 
inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in table 1 of 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1294 R2, until the 
optional preventive modification specified in paragraph (h) of this 
AD is done.

(h) Skin Repair or Optional Preventive Modification

    Accomplishing the skin repair or preventive modification, 
including an HFEC inspection for cracking of the skin and STA 540 
bulkhead chords, and all applicable repairs, in accordance with 
paragraph 3.B, Part 2 or Part 4 (left side), or Part 3 or Part 5 
(right side), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
SASB 737-53-1294 R2, except as required by paragraphs (i)(2) and 
(i)(5) of this AD, terminates the inspection requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD for the side on which the skin repair or 
preventive modification is done.

(i) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1294 
R2, specifies a compliance time ``after the Revision 2 date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which Boeing Business Jet Lower Cabin 
Altitude Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01697SE (http://
rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
0812969a86af879b8625766400600105/$FILE/ST01697SE.pdf) (6,500 feet 
maximum cabin altitude in lieu of 8,000 feet) has been incorporated, 
the flight-cycle related compliance times for the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD are different from those 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1294 R2. 
All initial compliance times specified in total flight cycles or 
flight cycles must be reduced to half of those specified in SASB 
737-53-1294 R2. All repetitive interval compliance times specified 
in flight cycles must be reduced to one-quarter of those specified 
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1294 R2.
    (3) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
this AD, and SASB 737-53-1294 R2, specifies to contact Boeing for 
appropriate action: Before further flight, repair using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(l) of this AD.
    (4) The access and restoration actions identified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1294, dated March 31, 2011; Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1294, Revision 1, dated June 14, 2013; or 
SASB 737-53-1294 R2; are not required by this AD. Operators may 
perform those actions in accordance with accepted maintenance 
procedures.
    (5) For doing repairs specified in Part 4 or Part 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1294 R2: Before further 
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(j) Supplemental Inspections Not Required by This AD

    Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1294 
R2, specifies post-modification airworthiness limitation inspections 
in compliance with 14 CFR 25.571(a)(3) at the 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 AMOC.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1294, dated March 31, 2011, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD; or Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-53-1294, Revision 1, dated June 14, 2013, which 
was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-19-04.

(l) 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 (m)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for the optional preventive 
modification installed in accordance with paragraph (h) of AD 2013-
19-04, and AMOCs approved previously for repairs for AD 2013-19-04, 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD, 
provided that such modification or repair included installation of 
the splice plate as specified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1294, except as provided by paragraph (l)(5) of this 
AD.
    (5) The time-limited repair approved as specified in FAA Letter 
120S-15-140, dated June 3, 2015, is approved as an AMOC to the 
corresponding requirements of this AD.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 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 (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference

[[Page 10262]]

(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 737-53-1294, 
Revision 2, dated December 9, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; 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 January 18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01824 Filed 2-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                             10258             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             the fasteners and on the surface of the                 flight hours divided by the total accumulated         available at the addresses specified in
                                             forward and aft lower surface panels, in                flight cycles at the time of the inspection           paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.
                                             accordance with the Accomplishment                      threshold.
                                             Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–                                                                 (o) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                                                                        (3) For all inspection intervals onward, the
                                             57–0204, Revision 01, dated April 2, 1999; or           AFT is the flight hours accumulated between              (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                             Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,                   the two most recent inspections divided by            approved the incorporation by reference
                                             Revision 06, dated October 17, 2011; as                 the flight cycles accumulated between the             (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                             applicable. Repeat the fatigue inspections              two most recent inspections.                          paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                             thereafter at the applicable interval specified                                                               part 51.
                                             in paragraph B.(5) of Airbus Service Bulletin           (l) Credit for Previous Actions                          (2) You must use this service information
                                             A300–57–0204, Revision 01, dated April 2,                 This paragraph provides credit for the              as applicable to do the actions required by
                                             1999; or Figure A–FBGAA, Sheet 01, of                   inspections and corrective actions required           this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
                                             Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,                   by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those           (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–0204,
                                             Revision 06, dated October 17, 2011; as                 actions were performed before the effective           Revision 01, dated April 2, 1999.
                                             applicable; except as required by paragraph             date of this AD using the applicable service             (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,
                                             (j)(2) of this AD. If any cracking is found             information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)            Revision 06, dated October 17, 2011.
                                             during any fatigue inspection required by               through (l)(3) of this AD.                               (3) For service information identified in
                                             this paragraph: Before further flight, repair             (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,           this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
                                             using a method approved by the Manager,                 Revision 02, dated April 2, 1999.                     Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
                                             International Branch, ANM–116, Transport                  (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,           Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
                                             Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European              Revision 03, dated September 28, 1999.                telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
                                             Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s                (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,           93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
                                             EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).                Revision 05, dated May 27, 2008.                      airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
                                                (i) For Model A300 series airplanes: Do the                                                                   (4) You may view this service information
                                             initial inspection at the applicable time               (m) Other FAA AD Provisions                           at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                             specified in paragraph B.(5) of Airbus Service             The following provisions also apply to this        1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                             Bulletin A300–57–0204, Revision 01, dated               AD:                                                   information on the availability of this
                                             April 2, 1999.                                             (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance              material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                (ii) For Model A300–600 series airplanes:            (AMOCs): The Manager, International                      (5) You may view this service information
                                             Do the initial inspection at the later of the           Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane                   that is incorporated by reference at the
                                             times specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(ii)(A) and         Directorate, FAA, has the authority to                National Archives and Records
                                             (i)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD.                               approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested               Administration (NARA). For information on
                                                (A) At the applicable time specified in              using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.           the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                             Figure A–FBGAA, Sheet 01, of Airbus                     In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your            202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                             Service Bulletin A300–57–6047, Revision 06,             request to your principal inspector or local          www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                             dated October 17, 2011.
                                                                                                     Flight Standards District Office, as                  locations.html.
                                                (B) Within 500 flight cycles or 1,050 flight
                                                                                                     appropriate. If sending information directly
                                             hours after the effective date of this AD,                                                                      Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
                                                                                                     to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
                                             whichever occurs first, without exceeding the                                                                 18, 2017.
                                                                                                     Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
                                             compliance time specified in Airbus Service                                                                   Michael Kaszycki,
                                                                                                     International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
                                             Bulletin A300–57–6047, Revision 05, dated                                                                     Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                                                                     Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
                                             May 27, 2008.                                                                                                 Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                     Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                             (j) Exceptions to Service Bulletin                      telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227–              [FR Doc. 2017–01776 Filed 2–9–17; 8:45 am]
                                             Specifications                                          1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-               BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                (1) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300–              ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
                                             57–0204, Revision 01, dated April 2, 1999; or              (i) Before using any approved AMOC,
                                             Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6047,                   notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                                                                                     or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                                                                                                                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                             Revision 06, dated October 17, 2011;
                                             specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate             of the local flight standards district office/
                                                                                                     certificate holding district office. The AMOC
                                                                                                                                                           Federal Aviation Administration
                                             corrective action, this AD requires repair
                                             before further flight using a method approved           approval letter must specifically reference
                                                                                                     this AD.                                              14 CFR Part 39
                                             by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
                                             116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or               (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD              [Docket No. FAA–2016–6670; Directorate
                                             EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA.                             98–21–34 are approved as AMOCs for the                Identifier 2016–NM–006–AD; Amendment
                                                (2) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300–              corresponding provisions of paragraphs (h)            39–18789; AD 2017–02–10]
                                             57–6047, Revision 06, dated October 17,                 and (i) of this AD.
                                             2011, specifies to contact Airbus for the                  (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any           RIN 2120–AA64
                                             appropriate threshold or repetitive interval,           requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
                                             this AD requires that the compliance time be            actions from a manufacturer, the action must          Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                             determined using a method approved by the               be accomplished using a method approved               Company Airplanes
                                             Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,                 by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
                                             Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or                 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or          AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA.                             the EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If                    Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                     approved by the DOA, the approval must                ACTION: Final rule.
                                             (k) Calculating Average Flight Time (AFT)               include the DOA-authorized signature.
                                                For the purposes of paragraph (i)(2) of this                                                               SUMMARY:   We are superseding
                                                                                                     (n) Related Information
                                             AD, the AFT must be established as specified                                                                  Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013–19–
                                             in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this          (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing                   04 for certain The Boeing Company
                                             AD.                                                     Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD              Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                (1) For the initial inspection, the AFT is           2013–0230, dated September 24, 2013, for
                                                                                                                                                           –900 series airplanes. AD 2013–19–04
                                             the total accumulated flight hours, counted             related information. This MCAI may be
                                             from take-off to touch-down, divided by the             found in the AD docket on the Internet at             required repetitive inspections for
                                             total accumulated flight cycles at the                  http://www.regulations.gov by searching for           cracking of the skin around the fasteners
                                             effective date of this AD.                              and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–5040.                common to the ends of certain bulkhead
                                                (2) For the first repeated inspection                  (2) Service information identified in this          chords, and related investigative actions
                                             interval, the AFT is the total accumulated              AD that is not incorporated by reference is           and corrective actions if necessary; and


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:51 Feb 09, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00004   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM   10FER1


                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                         10259

                                             provided an optional terminating                        September 30, 2013) (‘‘AD 2013–19–                       We agree to clarify this issue. Access
                                             modification. This new AD reduces the                   04’’). AD 2013–19–04 applied to certain               and restoration actions are not part of
                                             inspection threshold and repetitive                     The Boeing Company Model 737–600,                     the actions required to correct the
                                             inspection intervals. This AD was                       –700, –700C, –800, and –900 series                    unsafe condition identified in this AD.
                                             prompted by a report of cracks found in                 airplanes. The NPRM published in the                  Therefore, access and restoration actions
                                             the skin at fasteners of certain bulkhead               Federal Register on May 12, 2016 (81                  were excluded from the required actions
                                             chords. We are issuing this AD to                       FR 29505) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM                    in AD 2013–19–04 and are excluded
                                             address the unsafe condition on these                   was prompted by a report of cracks                    from the required actions in this AD. We
                                             products.                                               found in the skin at body station (STA)               have added the service information
                                             DATES: This AD is effective March 17,                   540 just below stringer S–22L. The                    referenced in paragraph (k) of this AD
                                             2017.                                                   NPRM proposed to continue to require                  to paragraph (i)(4) of this AD. Paragraph
                                                The Director of the Federal Register                 repetitive detailed and high frequency                (i)(4) of this AD specifies that the access
                                             approved the incorporation by reference                 eddy current inspections for cracking of              and restoration actions specified in the
                                             of a certain publication listed in this AD              the skin around the eight fasteners                   referenced service information are not
                                             as of March 17, 2017.                                   common to the ends of the STA 540                     required by this AD.
                                             ADDRESSES: For service information                      bulkhead chords between stringers S–22                Request To Clarify Corrective Action
                                             identified in this final rule, contact                  and S–23, left and right sides; related
                                                                                                     investigative actions and corrective                     Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested
                                             Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
                                                                                                     actions, if necessary; and to provide an              that we clarify the corrective action for
                                             Attention: Contractual & Data Services
                                                                                                     optional terminating modification. The                drilling the new drag link assembly.
                                             (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
                                                                                                     NPRM also proposed to reduce the                      SWA stated that the service information
                                             110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
                                                                                                     inspection threshold and repetitive                   only provides instructions for parts
                                             telephone 562–797–1717; Internet
                                                                                                     inspection intervals. We are issuing this             constructed of aluminum and that the
                                             https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                                                                                     AD to detect and correct fatigue                      drag link assembly is made from
                                             may view this referenced service
                                                                                                     cracking in the fuselage skin around the              titanium.
                                             information at the FAA, Transport                                                                                We agree that clarification is
                                             Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue                  eight fasteners securing the STA 540
                                                                                                     bulkhead chords, which could result in                necessary. Boeing has informed us that
                                             SW., Renton, WA. For information on                                                                           revised service information is
                                             the availability of this material at the                rapid decompression of the cabin.
                                                                                                                                                           forthcoming. However, since the revised
                                             FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also                      Comments                                              service information is not yet available,
                                             available on the Internet at http://                                                                          we do not consider that delaying this
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                      We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                     participate in developing this AD. The                action until after the release of the
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                                                                             manufacturer’s revised service bulletin
                                             6670.                                                   following presents the comments
                                                                                                     received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                    is warranted. When this service
                                             Examining the AD Docket                                 response to each comment.                             information becomes available, and
                                               You may examine the AD docket on                                                                            upon satisfactory review, we plan to
                                                                                                     Support for the NPRM                                  approve it as a global alternative method
                                             the Internet at http://
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                      Boeing and United Airlines had no                   of compliance (AMOC) to the
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                       objections to the NPRM.                               appropriate requirements of this AD.
                                             6670; or in person at the Docket                                                                              The issue raised by SWA affects only
                                                                                                     Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment
                                             Management Facility between 9 a.m.                                                                            the on-condition repair instructions and
                                                                                                     of the Proposed Actions
                                             and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                                                                            not the required inspection to detect the
                                                                                                        Aviation Partners Boeing stated that               identified unsafe condition. We have
                                             except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                                                                     installation of winglets, as provided in              added paragraph (i)(5) to this AD to
                                             contains this AD, the regulatory
                                                                                                     Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)                   specify that repairs provided in Part 4
                                             evaluation, any comments received, and
                                                                                                     ST00830SE, does not affect the ability to             or Part 5 of the Accomplishment
                                             other information. The address for the
                                                                                                     accomplish the actions proposed in the                Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
                                             Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
                                                                                                     NPRM.                                                 Service Bulletin 737–53–1294, Revision
                                             Docket Management Facility, U.S.                           We concur with the commenter. We
                                             Department of Transportation, Docket                                                                          2, dated December 9, 2015 (‘‘SASB 737–
                                                                                                     have redesignated paragraph (c) of the                53–1294 R2’’), must be done before
                                             Operations, M–30, West Building                         proposed AD as (c)(1) and added
                                             Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                                                                              further flight, using a method approved
                                                                                                     paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that             in accordance with the procedures
                                             New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                      installation of STC ST00830SE does not
                                             DC 20590.                                                                                                     specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. We
                                                                                                     affect the ability to accomplish the                  have revised paragraphs (g) and (h) of
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        actions required by this AD. Therefore,               this AD accordingly.
                                             Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,                          for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
                                             Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,                         is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’                 Clarification of Exception to Repetitive
                                             Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,                  alternative method of compliance                      Intervals
                                             1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                        (AMOC) approval request is not                          For clarity, we have changed the
                                             98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6450; fax:                   necessary to comply with the                          format of paragraph (g) of this AD to
                                             425–917–6590; email: alan.pohl@                         requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.                         make it clear the exceptions apply to the
                                             faa.gov.                                                                                                      entire paragraph, including the
                                                                                                     Request To Clarify Access and
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                                                    repetitive inspection sentence specified
                                                                                                     Restoration Requirements
                                                                                                                                                           in paragraph (g) of this AD.
                                             Discussion                                                All Nippon Airways requested that
                                               We issued a notice of proposed                        we clarify if the access and restoration              Clarification of Terminating Actions
                                             rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                       instructions specified in the service                   We have clarified paragraph (h) of this
                                             part 39 to supersede AD 2013–19–04,                     information referenced in paragraph (k)               AD to specify that accomplishing the
                                             Amendment 39–17586 (78 FR 59801,                        of the proposed AD are required actions.              skin repair or preventive modification,


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:51 Feb 09, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00005   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM   10FER1


                                             10260                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             as specified in the applicable part of the                           • Are consistent with the intent that               the ends of the STA 540 bulkhead
                                             Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                              was proposed in the NPRM for                          chords between stringers S–22 and S–
                                             SASB 737–53–1294 R2, is terminating                                correcting the unsafe condition; and                  23, left and right sides, for cracking,
                                             action for the side on which the skin                                • Do not add any additional burden                  repairing cracks, and installing a chord
                                             repair or preventive modification is                               upon the public than was already                      splice as a preventive modification. This
                                             done.                                                              proposed in the NPRM.                                 service information is reasonably
                                                                                                                  We also determined that these                       available because the interested parties
                                             Conclusion                                                         changes will not increase the economic                have access to it through their normal
                                                                                                                burden on any operator or increase the                course of business or by the means
                                               We reviewed the relevant data,                                   scope of this AD.                                     identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                             considered the comments received, and
                                             determined that air safety and the                                 Related Service Information Under 1                   Costs of Compliance
                                             public interest require adopting this AD                           CFR Part 51
                                             with the changes described previously,                               We reviewed SASB 737–53–1294 R2.                      We estimate that this AD affects 903
                                                                                                                The service information describes                     airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                             and minor editorial changes. We have
                                             determined that these minor changes:                               procedures for inspecting the skin                      We estimate the following costs to
                                                                                                                around the eight fasteners common to                  comply with this AD:
                                                                                                                            ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Cost on U.S.
                                                         Action                                           Labor cost                             Parts cost           Cost per product                       operators

                                             Inspection (left and right          12 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,020 per in-                             $0   $1,020 per inspection                $921,060 per inspection
                                               sides).                             spection cycle.                                                                cycle.                               cycle.



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

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

                                             Preventive modification (each side) ....................            7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 ...............     $894 ............................   $1,489.
                                             Skin repair (each side) ........................................    39 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,315 ..........       Up to $5,635 ...............        Up to $8,950.



                                                According to the manufacturer, some                             products identified in this rulemaking                Adoption of the Amendment
                                             of the costs of this AD may be covered                             action.
                                             under warranty, thereby reducing the                                                                                       Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                                Regulatory Findings                                   delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                             cost impact on affected individuals. We
                                             do not control warranty coverage for                                 We have determined that this AD will                the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                             affected individuals. As a result, we                              not have federalism implications under                follows:
                                             have included all costs in our cost                                Executive Order 13132. This AD will
                                                                                                                not have a substantial direct effect on               PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                             estimate.
                                                                                                                the States, on the relationship between               DIRECTIVES
                                             Authority for This Rulemaking                                      the national government and the States,
                                                                                                                or on the distribution of power and                   ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                                    continues to read as follows:
                                             specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                             responsibilities among the various
                                             rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                              levels of government.                                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                             Section 106, describes the authority of                              For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                                                                                certify that this AD:                                 § 39.13      [Amended]
                                             the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
                                                                                                                  (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                             Aviation Programs, describes in more                                                                                     ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
                                                                                                                action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                             detail the scope of the Agency’s                                                                                         removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
                                                                                                                  (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                             authority.                                                                                                               2013–19–04, Amendment 39–17586 (78
                                                                                                                DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                We are issuing this rulemaking under                            (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                     FR 59801, September 30, 2013), and
                                             the authority described in Subtitle VII,                             (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation             adding the following new AD:
                                             Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,                                in Alaska, and                                        2017–02–10 The Boeing Company:
                                             ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                                 (4) Will not have a significant                         Amendment 39–18789; Docket No.
                                             section, Congress charges the FAA with                             economic impact, positive or negative,                    FAA–2016–6670; Directorate Identifier
                                             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                         on a substantial number of small entities                 2016–NM–006–AD.
                                             air commerce by prescribing regulations
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                                under the criteria of the Regulatory                  (a) Effective Date
                                             for practices, methods, and procedures                             Flexibility Act.                                          This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
                                             the Administrator finds necessary for
                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation                            List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                    (b) Affected ADs
                                             is within the scope of that authority                                Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                This AD replaces AD 2013–19–04,
                                             because it addresses an unsafe condition                           safety, Incorporation by reference,                   Amendment 39–17586 (78 FR 59801,
                                             that is likely to exist or develop on                              Safety.                                               September 30, 2013) (‘‘AD 2013–19–04’’).



                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014      13:51 Feb 09, 2017     Jkt 241001     PO 00000     Frm 00006   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM      10FER1


                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                             10261

                                             (c) Applicability                                       Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737–              (k) Credit for Previous Actions
                                                (1) This AD applies to The Boeing                    53–1294 R2, except as required by                        This paragraph provides credit for the
                                             Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C,                     paragraphs (i)(2) and (i)(5) of this AD,              actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of
                                             –800, and –900 series airplanes, certificated           terminates the inspection requirements of             this AD, if those actions were performed
                                             in any category, as identified in Boeing                paragraph (g) of this AD for the side on              before the effective date of this AD using
                                             Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–              which the skin repair or preventive                   Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
                                             1294, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2015                modification is done.                                 737–53–1294, dated March 31, 2011, which
                                             (‘‘SASB 737–53–1294 R2’’).                                                                                    is not incorporated by reference in this AD;
                                                                                                     (i) Exceptions to Service Bulletin                    or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
                                                (2) Installation of Supplemental Type                Specifications
                                             Certificate (STC) ST00830SE [http://                                                                          737–53–1294, Revision 1, dated June 14,
                                             rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_                       (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of       2013, which was incorporated by reference in
                                             Library/rgstc.nsf/0/184DE9A71EC3FA                      SASB 737–53–1294 R2, specifies a                      AD 2013–19–04.
                                             5586257EAE00707DA6?Open                                 compliance time ‘‘after the Revision 2 date of
                                                                                                                                                           (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                             Document&Highlight=st00830se] does not                  this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires
                                                                                                                                                           (AMOCs)
                                             affect the ability to accomplish the actions            compliance within the specified compliance
                                             required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes           time after the effective date of this AD.                (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
                                             on which STC ST00830SE is installed, a                     (2) For airplanes on which Boeing Business         Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
                                                                                                     Jet Lower Cabin Altitude Supplemental Type            authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
                                             ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of
                                                                                                     Certificate (STC) ST01697SE (http://                  requested using the procedures found in 14
                                             compliance (AMOC) approval request is not
                                                                                                     rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_                  CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
                                             necessary to comply with the requirements of
                                                                                                                                                           send your request to your principal inspector
                                             14 CFR 39.17.                                           Library/rgstc.nsf/0/0812969a86af879b86257
                                                                                                                                                           or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                                                                                                     66400600105/$FILE/ST01697SE.pdf) (6,500
                                             (d) Subject                                                                                                   appropriate. If sending information directly
                                                                                                     feet maximum cabin altitude in lieu of 8,000          to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
                                               Air Transport Association (ATA) of                    feet) has been incorporated, the flight-cycle         attention of the person identified in
                                             America Code 53, Fuselage.                              related compliance times for the inspection           paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may
                                             (e) Unsafe Condition                                    required by paragraph (g) of this AD are              be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-
                                                                                                     different from those specified in paragraph           Requests@faa.gov.
                                                This AD was prompted by a report of                  1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of SASB 737–53–1294                (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
                                             cracks found in the skin at body station                R2. All initial compliance times specified in         notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                             (STA) 540 just below the left side of stringer          total flight cycles or flight cycles must be          or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                             S–22. We are issuing this AD to detect and              reduced to half of those specified in SASB            of the local flight standards district office/
                                             correct fatigue cracking in the fuselage skin           737–53–1294 R2. All repetitive interval               certificate holding district office.
                                             around the eight fasteners securing the STA             compliance times specified in flight cycles              (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
                                             540 bulkhead chords, which could result in              must be reduced to one-quarter of those               level of safety may be used for any repair,
                                             rapid decompression of the cabin.                       specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of       modification, or alteration required by this
                                             (f) Compliance                                          SASB 737–53–1294 R2.                                  AD if it is approved by the Boeing
                                                                                                        (3) If any cracking is found during any            Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                                Comply with this AD within the                                                                             Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
                                                                                                     inspection required by this AD, and SASB
                                             compliance times specified, unless already                                                                    been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
                                                                                                     737–53–1294 R2, specifies to contact Boeing
                                             done.                                                                                                         ACO, to make those findings. To be
                                                                                                     for appropriate action: Before further flight,
                                             (g) Inspection and Corrective Action                    repair using a method approved in                     approved, the repair method, modification
                                                                                                     accordance with the procedures specified in           deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                                                Except as required by paragraphs (i)(1) and                                                                the certification basis of the airplane, and the
                                             (i)(2) of this AD: At the applicable time               paragraph (l) of this AD.
                                                                                                        (4) The access and restoration actions             approval must specifically refer to this AD.
                                             specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,                                                                          (4) AMOCs approved previously for the
                                             ‘‘Compliance,’’ of SASB 737–53–1294 R2, do              identified in the Accomplishment
                                                                                                     Instructions of Boeing Special Attention              optional preventive modification installed in
                                             detailed and high frequency eddy current                                                                      accordance with paragraph (h) of AD 2013–
                                             (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the skin             Service Bulletin 737–53–1294, dated March
                                                                                                     31, 2011; Boeing Special Attention Service            19–04, and AMOCs approved previously for
                                             in the area around the eight fasteners                                                                        repairs for AD 2013–19–04, are approved as
                                             securing the STA 540 bulkhead chords                    Bulletin 737–53–1294, Revision 1, dated June
                                                                                                     14, 2013; or SASB 737–53–1294 R2; are not             AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
                                             between stringers S–22 and S–23; and do all                                                                   this AD, provided that such modification or
                                             applicable related investigative and                    required by this AD. Operators may perform
                                                                                                     those actions in accordance with accepted             repair included installation of the splice
                                             corrective actions; in accordance with Parts                                                                  plate as specified in Boeing Special Attention
                                             1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Accomplishment                 maintenance procedures.
                                                                                                                                                           Service Bulletin 737–53–1294, except as
                                             Instructions of SASB 737–53–1294 R2,                       (5) For doing repairs specified in Part 4 or
                                                                                                                                                           provided by paragraph (l)(5) of this AD.
                                             except as required by paragraphs (i)(3), (i)(4),        Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
                                                                                                                                                              (5) The time-limited repair approved as
                                             and (i)(5) of this AD. Do all applicable related        SASB 737–53–1294 R2: Before further flight,
                                                                                                                                                           specified in FAA Letter 120S–15–140, dated
                                             investigative and corrective actions before             repair using a method approved in
                                                                                                                                                           June 3, 2015, is approved as an AMOC to the
                                             further flight. Except as required by                   accordance with the procedures specified in           corresponding requirements of this AD.
                                             paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, repeat the                 paragraph (l) of this AD.
                                             detailed and HFEC inspections thereafter at                                                                   (m) Related Information
                                                                                                     (j) Supplemental Inspections Not Required
                                             the intervals specified in table 1 of paragraph         by This AD                                              (1) For more information about this AD,
                                             1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of SASB 737–53–1294                                                                     contact Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
                                             R2, until the optional preventive                         Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’          Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
                                             modification specified in paragraph (h) of              of SASB 737–53–1294 R2, specifies post-               Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
                                             this AD is done.                                        modification airworthiness limitation                 Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                                                                     inspections in compliance with 14 CFR                 phone: 425–917–6450; fax: 425–917–6590;
                                             (h) Skin Repair or Optional Preventive                  25.571(a)(3) at the modified locations, which         email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
                                             Modification                                            support compliance with 14 CFR                          (2) Service information identified in this
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                Accomplishing the skin repair or                     121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). As                   AD that is not incorporated by reference is
                                             preventive modification, including an HFEC              airworthiness limitations, these inspections          available at the addresses specified in
                                             inspection for cracking of the skin and STA             are required by maintenance and operational           paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.
                                             540 bulkhead chords, and all applicable                 rules. It is therefore unnecessary to mandate
                                             repairs, in accordance with paragraph 3.B,              them in this AD. Deviations from these                (n) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                             Part 2 or Part 4 (left side), or Part 3 or Part         inspections require FAA approval, but do not            (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                             5 (right side), as applicable, of the                   require an AMOC.                                      approved the incorporation by reference



                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:51 Feb 09, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM   10FER1


                                             10262             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             (IBR) of the service information listed in this         inspections. We are issuing this AD to                skin inner surface along the upper
                                             paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR               address the unsafe condition on these                 bulkhead at certain stations between
                                             part 51.                                                products.                                             certain stringers. The NPRM proposed
                                                (2) You must use this service information                                                                  to require repetitive inspections of the
                                             as applicable to do the actions required by             DATES: This AD is effective March 17,
                                             this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.             2017.                                                 fuselage crown skin inner surface, and
                                                (i) Boeing Special Attention Service                    The Director of the Federal Register               related investigative and corrective
                                             Bulletin 737–53–1294, Revision 2, dated                 approved the incorporation by reference               actions if necessary. The NPRM would
                                             December 9, 2015.                                       of a certain publication listed in this AD            also allow for terminating actions for the
                                                (ii) Reserved.                                       as of March 17, 2017.                                 repetitive inspections. We are issuing
                                                (3) For Boeing service information                                                                         this AD to detect and correct cracks and
                                                                                                     ADDRESSES: For service information
                                             identified in this AD, contact Boeing                                                                         corrosion on the crown skin inner
                                             Commercial Airplanes, Attention:                        identified in this final rule, contact
                                                                                                     Boeing Commercial Airplanes,                          surface. If the cracks or corrosion are not
                                             Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600                                                                      repaired, the cracks can rapidly join
                                             Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal                    Attention: Contractual & Data Services
                                             Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–                (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC                    together and can cause a sudden
                                             1717; Internet https://                                 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;                       decompression and loss of structural
                                             www.myboeingfleet.com.                                  telephone 562–797–1717; Internet                      integrity of the airplane.
                                                (4) You may view this service information            https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You                    Comments
                                             at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,             may view this referenced service
                                             1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                                                                           We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                     information at the FAA, Transport
                                             information on the availability of this                                                                       participate in developing this AD. The
                                             material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                                                                                                                           following presents the comments
                                                (5) You may view this service information            SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                                                                                                                                           received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
                                             that is incorporated by reference at the                the availability of this material at the
                                                                                                                                                           response to each comment.
                                             National Archives and Records                           FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
                                             Administration (NARA). For information on               available on the Internet at http://                  Support for the NPRM
                                             the availability of this material at NARA, call         www.regulations.gov by searching for                    United Airlines supported the content
                                             202–741–6030, or go to: http://                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                             www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-                                                                    of the NPRM.
                                                                                                     9050.
                                             locations.html.                                                                                               Request To Clarify the Language in the
                                               Issued in Renton, Washington, on January              Examining the AD Docket                               Terminating Action Paragraph
                                             18, 2017.                                                 You may examine the AD docket on                       Boeing asked that we add
                                             Michael Kaszycki,                                       the Internet at http://                               accomplishment of Part 4 to the
                                             Acting Manager, Transport Airplane                      www.regulations.gov by searching for                  terminating action language specified in
                                             Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.            and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     paragraph (i) of the proposed AD for
                                             [FR Doc. 2017–01824 Filed 2–9–17; 8:45 am]              9050; or in person at the Docket                      clarification purposes. Boeing stated
                                             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    that Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph 1.E.,
                                                                                                     and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
                                                                                                     except Federal holidays. The AD docket                Bulletin 747–53A2878, dated May 19,
                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            contains this AD, the regulatory                      2016, specify that Action 1 is to
                                                                                                     evaluation, any comments received, and                complete Part 3: Skin Panel
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                         other information. The address for the                Modification or Repair; and Action 2 is
                                                                                                     Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is                to complete Part 4: Surface Finish
                                             14 CFR Part 39                                          Docket Management Facility, U.S.                      Restoration. Boeing noted that both
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2016–9050; Directorate                  Department of Transportation, Docket                  actions must be completed before
                                             Identifier 2016–NM–086–AD; Amendment                    Operations, M–30, West Building                       further flight.
                                             39–18788; AD 2017–02–09]                                Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                         We agree with the commenter’s
                                                                                                     New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    request to add accomplishment of Part
                                             RIN 2120–AA64                                           DC 20590.                                             4 of the referenced service information,
                                                                                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      for the reason provided. We have
                                             Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                             Company Airplanes                                       Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer,                   clarified the language in paragraph (i) of
                                                                                                     Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,                       this AD to specify that both Part 3 and
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               Seattle Aircraft Certification Office                 Part 4 of the referenced service
                                             Administration (FAA), DOT.                              (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,                  information must be accomplished to
                                             ACTION: Final rule.                                     WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6428;                   terminate the repetitive inspections
                                                                                                     fax: 425–917–6590; email:                             required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
                                             SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                        nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.                             However, we do not agree that both
                                             airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            actions must be done before further
                                             The Boeing Company Model 747–400,                                                                             flight because the terminating action is
                                             –400D, and –400F series airplanes. This                 Discussion
                                                                                                                                                           optional; therefore, no specific
                                             AD was prompted by widespread                             We issued a notice of proposed                      compliance time is required.
                                             corrosion damage that was found on the                  rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
                                             skin inner surface along the upper                      part 39 by adding an AD that would                    Conclusion
                                             bulkhead at certain stations between                    apply to certain The Boeing Company                     We reviewed the relevant data,
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                             certain stringers. This AD requires                     Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F                       considered the comments received, and
                                             repetitive inspections of the fuselage                  series airplanes. The NPRM published                  determined that air safety and the
                                             crown skin inner surface, and related                   in the Federal Register on August 30,                 public interest require adopting this AD
                                             investigative and corrective actions if                 2016 (81 FR 59532) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The                with the change described previously
                                             necessary. This AD also allows for                      NPRM was prompted by widespread                       and minor editorial changes. We have
                                             terminating actions for the repetitive                  corrosion damage that was found on the                determined that these minor changes:


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:51 Feb 09, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00008   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM   10FER1



Document Created: 2017-02-11 18:15:23
Document Modified: 2017-02-11 18:15:23
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 March 17, 2017.
ContactAlan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 10258 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR