82 FR 37366 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 153 (August 10, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 153 (August 10, 2017)
| Page Range | 37366-37369 | |
| FR Document | 2017-16355 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 153 (Thursday, August 10, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 37366-37369] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-16355] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0715; Product Identifier 2017-NM-073-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the fuselage crown skin panels are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections, replacement, and applicable on- condition actions for certain fuselage crown skin panels. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. [[Page 37367]] DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 25, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 202-493-2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: 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 Standards Branch, 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-2017-0715. 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-2017- 0715; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0715; Product Identifier 2017-NM-073-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion Fatigue damage can occur locally, in small areas or structural design details, or globally, in widespread areas. Multiple-site damage is widespread damage that occurs in a large structural element such as a single rivet line of a lap splice joining two large skin panels. Widespread damage can also occur in multiple elements such as adjacent frames or stringers. Multiple-site damage and multiple-element damage cracks are typically too small initially to be reliably detected with normal inspection methods. Without intervention, these cracks will grow, and eventually compromise the structural integrity of the airplane. This condition is known as WFD. It is associated with general degradation of large areas of structure with similar structural details and stress levels. As an airplane ages, WFD will likely occur, and will certainly occur if the airplane is operated long enough without any intervention. The FAA's WFD final rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010) became effective on January 14, 2011. The WFD rule requires certain actions to prevent structural failure due to WFD throughout the operational life of certain existing transport category airplanes and all of these airplanes that will be certificated in the future. For existing and future airplanes subject to the WFD rule, the rule requires that DAHs establish a limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the structural maintenance program. Operators affected by the WFD rule may not fly an airplane beyond its LOV, unless an extended LOV is approved. The WFD rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010) does not require identifying and developing maintenance actions if the DAHs can show that such actions are not necessary to prevent WFD before the airplane reaches the LOV. Many LOVs, however, do depend on accomplishment of future maintenance actions. As stated in the WFD rule, any maintenance actions necessary to reach the LOV will be mandated by airworthiness directives through separate rulemaking actions. In the context of WFD, this action is necessary to enable DAHs to propose LOVs that allow operators the longest operational lives for their airplanes, and still ensure that WFD will not occur. This approach allows for an implementation strategy that provides flexibility to DAHs in determining the timing of service information development (with FAA approval), while providing operators with certainty regarding the LOV applicable to their airplanes. We have received a report indicating that an operator of a Model 737-300 series airplane reported multiple cracks of the chem-milled steps in adjacent bays of the fuselage crown skin. These cracks were discovered by visual inspection 855 flight cycles after the most recent detailed inspection. The initial visual inspection revealed three cracks varying in length from 1.8 inches to 8.5 inches. Further inspection using ultrasonic phased array revealed nine additional subsurface cracks. The airplane had 55,232 total flight cycles. Multiple adjacent cracks in the fuselage crown skin panels, if not detected and corrected, could link up and lead to decompression or loss of structural integrity of the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017. The service information describes procedures for repetitive inspections, replacement, and applicable on-condition actions for certain fuselage crown skin panels. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service [[Page 37368]] Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0715. Explanation of Compliance Time The compliance time for the replacement specified in this proposed AD for addressing WFD was established to ensure that discrepant structure is replaced before WFD develops in airplanes. Standard inspection techniques cannot be relied on to detect WFD before it becomes a hazard to flight. We will not grant any extensions of the compliance time to complete any AD-mandated service bulletin related to WFD without extensive new data that would substantiate and clearly warrant such an extension. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 200 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parts Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost cost Cost per product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspection........................ Up to 507 work-hours $0 Up to $43,095 per Up to $8,619,000 per x $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle. $43,095 per inspection cycle. Replacement....................... 304 work-hours x $85 95,000 $120,840 per skin Up to $24,168,000. per hour = $25,840 panel. per skin panel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight Division. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0715; Product Identifier 2017-NM-073-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 25, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, - 300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that the fuselage crown skin panels are subject to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the fuselage crown skin panels. Multiple adjacent cracks in the fuselage crown skin could link up and lead to decompression or loss of structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017. [[Page 37369]] (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD, the phrase ``the effective date of this AD'' may be substituted for ``the original issue date of this service bulletin,'' as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737- 53A1358, dated April 27, 2017. (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as RC: This AD requires using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (3) Part 7 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, specifies post-modification airworthiness limitation inspections in compliance with 14 CFR 25.571(a)(3) at the modified locations to support compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). Although Part 7 is identified as RC, this AD does not require accomplishment of Part 7. 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 approval of an alternative method of compliance. (i) Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections (1) Replacement of a skin panel, in accordance with Part 8 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the actions specified in Parts 1, 4, and 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, for that replaced skin panel only. To be acceptable as terminating action, the replacement may not be done prior to the applicable time specified in Table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017. (2) Completion of a structural repair manual repair to repair cracking, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the repetitive inspections specified in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737- 53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, for that repair location only. (3) Completion of a ``Category C repair'' to repair cracking, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the repetitive inspections specified in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, for that repair location only. (4) Completion of a ``Change Category C Repair to SB Repair,'' in accordance with Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, for that repair location only. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) Except as required by paragraphs (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]. (2) For 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. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26, 2017. Jeffrey E. Duven, Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-16355 Filed 8-9-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![37366 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(q) Exception to Initial Inspection flight cycles after that inspection, and changes to procedures or tests identified as
Compliance Time provided the next inspection of all frame fork RC require approval of an AMOC.
For the purposes of table 1 to paragraph areas, frame head areas, and outer skin area
(t) Related Information
(h)(1) of this AD, table 2 to paragraph (l)(1) of each affected aft cargo door is
accomplished within 550 flight cycles after (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
of this AD, and table 3 to paragraph (l)(1) of
that inspection in accordance with the Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
this AD: As soon as a cargo door is inspected
Accomplishment Instructions of A330–52– 2016–0188, dated September 21, 2016;
using any applicable service information
3095, R2; A340–52–4101, R2; or A340–52– corrected September 22, 2016, for related
specified in this AD, the previous inspections
5023, R2, as applicable. information. This MCAI may be found in the
accomplished in accordance with any alert AD docket on the Internet at http://
operator transmission can be disregarded for (4) This paragraph provides credit for the
initial inspection required by paragraph (l) of www.regulations.gov by searching for and
the determination of the compliance time for locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0713.
the initial inspection required by this AD. this AD, if that inspection was performed
before the effective date of this AD using (2) For more information about this AD,
(r) Credit for Previous Actions Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3095, contact, Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Revision 01, dated July 28, 2014; Airbus Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116,
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
Service Bulletin A340–52–4101, Revision 01, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
initial inspection required by paragraph (h)
dated July 28, 2014; or Airbus Service Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
of this AD, if that inspection was performed
Bulletin A340–52–5023, Revision 01, dated telephone: 425–227–1138; fax: 425–227–
before the effective date of this AD using 1149.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3087, July 28, 2014; as applicable; provided that
the next inspection of all frame fork areas, (3) For service information identified in
dated August 29, 2013; Airbus Service this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Bulletin A340–52–4095, dated August 29, frame head areas, and outer skin area of each
affected aft cargo door is accomplished Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33
5020, dated August 29, 2013; as applicable; within 550 flight cycles after that inspection
5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email:
provided that the actions identified as in accordance with the Accomplishment
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
‘‘additional work’’ in the Accomplishment Instructions of A330–52–3095, R2; A340–52–
Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330– 4101, R2; or A340–52–5023, R2, as
view this service information at the FAA,
52–3087, Revision 01, dated July 9, 2014; applicable.
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–4095, Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
(s) Other FAA AD Provisions
Revision 01, dated July 28, 2014; or Airbus on the availability of this material at the
Service Bulletin A340–52–5020, Revision 01, The following provisions also apply to this
AD: FAA, call 425–227–1221.
dated July 9, 2014; as applicable; are
accomplished within 1,100 flight cycles after (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 19,
that inspection; and provided the next (AMOCs): The Manager, International 2017.
inspection of all frame fork areas, frame head Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Michael Kaszycki,
areas, and outer skin area of each affected Directorate, FAA, has the authority to Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
forward cargo door is accomplished within approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
1,100 flight cycles after that inspection, in using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your [FR Doc. 2017–16051 Filed 8–9–17; 8:45 am]
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of A330–52–3087, R2; A330–52– request to your principal inspector or local BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
3095, R2; or A340–52–5020, R2, as Flight Standards District Office, as
applicable. appropriate. If sending information directly
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the to the manager of the International Branch, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
initial inspection required by paragraph (h) send it to the attention of the person
of this AD, if that inspection was performed identified in paragraph (t)(2) of this AD. Federal Aviation Administration
before the effective date of this AD using Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3087, AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using 14 CFR Part 39
Revision 01, dated July 9, 2014; Airbus any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
Service Bulletin A340–52–4095, Revision 01, principal inspector, or lacking a principal [Docket No. FAA–2017–0715; Product
dated July 28, 2014; or Airbus Service inspector, the manager of the local flight Identifier 2017–NM–073–AD]
Bulletin A340–52–5020, Revision 01, dated standards district office/certificate holding RIN 2120–AA64
July 9, 2014; as applicable; provided that the district office.
next inspection of all frame fork areas, frame (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
head areas, and outer skin area of each effective date of this AD, for any requirement
Company Airplanes
affected forward cargo door, is accomplished in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
within 1,100 flight cycles after that a manufacturer, the action must be AGENCY: Federal Aviation
inspection in accordance with the accomplished using a method approved by Administration (FAA), DOT.
Accomplishment Instructions of A330–52– the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
3087, R2; A330–52–3095, R2; or A340–52– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
5020, R2, as applicable. the EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If (NPRM).
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the approved by the DOA, the approval must
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
initial inspection required by paragraph (l) of include the DOA-authorized signature.
this AD, if that inspection was performed (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
before the effective date of this AD using as required by paragraph (p) of this AD: If The Boeing Company Model 737–200,
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3095, any service information contains procedures –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series
dated August 29, 2013; Airbus Service or tests that are identified as RC, those airplanes. This AD was prompted by an
Bulletin A340–52–4101, dated August 29, procedures and tests must be done to comply evaluation by the design approval
2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– with this AD; any procedures or tests that are holder (DAH) indicating that the
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
5023, dated August 29, 2013; provided that not identified as RC are recommended. Those fuselage crown skin panels are subject
the actions identified as ‘‘additional work’’ in procedures and tests that are not identified to widespread fatigue damage (WFD).
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus as RC may be deviated from using accepted
This proposed AD would require
Service Bulletin A330–52–3095, Revision 01, methods in accordance with the operator’s
dated July 28, 2014; Airbus Service Bulletin maintenance or inspection program without repetitive inspections, replacement, and
A340–52–4101, Revision 01, dated July 28, obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided applicable on-condition actions for
2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– the procedures and tests identified as RC can certain fuselage crown skin panels. We
5023, Revision 01, dated July 28, 2014; as be done and the airplane can be put back in are proposing this AD to address the
applicable; are accomplished within 550 an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or unsafe condition on these products.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Aug 09, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10AUP1.SGM 10AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_37519/page/1.svg)
![37368 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April 27, Explanation of Compliance Time of the compliance time to complete any
2017, described previously, except for AD-mandated service bulletin related to
any differences identified as exceptions The compliance time for the WFD without extensive new data that
in the regulatory text of this proposed replacement specified in this proposed would substantiate and clearly warrant
AD. AD for addressing WFD was established such an extension.
For information on the procedures to ensure that discrepant structure is
replaced before WFD develops in Costs of Compliance
and compliance times, see this service
information at http:// airplanes. Standard inspection We estimate that this proposed AD
www.regulations.gov by searching for techniques cannot be relied on to detect affects 200 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– WFD before it becomes a hazard to estimate the following costs to comply
0715. flight. We will not grant any extensions with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
Inspection ............ Up to 507 work-hours × $85 per $0 Up to $43,095 per inspection cycle Up to $8,619,000 per inspection
hour = $43,095 per inspection cycle.
cycle.
Replacement ....... 304 work-hours × $85 per hour = 95,000 $120,840 per skin panel ................. Up to $24,168,000.
$25,840 per skin panel.
We have received no definitive data under Executive Order 13132. This The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
that would enable us to provide cost proposed AD would not have a 2017–0715; Product Identifier 2017–
estimates for the on-condition actions substantial direct effect on the States, on NM–073–AD.
specified in this proposed AD. the relationship between the national (a) Comments Due Date
Government and the States, or on the
Authority for This Rulemaking We must receive comments by September
distribution of power and
25, 2017.
Title 49 of the United States Code responsibilities among the various
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue levels of government. (b) Affected ADs
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, For the reasons discussed above, I None.
section 106, describes the authority of certify this proposed regulation:
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (c) Applicability
Aviation Programs, describes in more action’’ under Executive Order 12866, This AD applies to The Boeing Company
detail the scope of the Agency’s (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Model 737–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
authority. the DOT Regulatory Policies and series airplanes, certificated in any category,
We are issuing this rulemaking under Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
the authority described in Subtitle VII, 1979), 737–53A1358, dated April 27, 2017.
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (d) Subject
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that in Alaska, and Air Transport Association (ATA) of
section, Congress charges the FAA with (4) Will not have a significant America Code 53, Fuselage.
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in economic impact, positive or negative,
air commerce by prescribing regulations on a substantial number of small entities (e) Unsafe Condition
for practices, methods, and procedures under the criteria of the Regulatory This AD was prompted by an evaluation by
the Administrator finds necessary for Flexibility Act. the design approval holder indicating that
safety in air commerce. This regulation the fuselage crown skin panels are subject to
is within the scope of that authority List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing
because it addresses an unsafe condition Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation this AD to detect and correct cracking in the
that is likely to exist or develop on safety, Incorporation by reference, fuselage crown skin panels. Multiple
products identified in this rulemaking Safety. adjacent cracks in the fuselage crown skin
action. could link up and lead to decompression or
This proposed AD is issued in The Proposed Amendment loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
accordance with authority delegated by Accordingly, under the authority (f) Compliance
the Executive Director, Aircraft delegated to me by the Administrator,
Certification Service, as authorized by Comply with this AD within the
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance compliance times specified, unless already
39 as follows: done.
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (g) Required Actions
and Airworthiness Division, but during DIRECTIVES Except as required by paragraph (h) of this
this transition period, the Executive
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
AD: At the applicable times specified in
Director has delegated the authority to ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
issue ADs applicable to transport continues to read as follows: Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated
category airplanes to the Director of the Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. April 27, 2017, do all applicable actions
System Oversight Division. identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance)
§ 39.13 [Amended] in, and in accordance with, the
Regulatory Findings ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
We determined that this proposed AD the following new airworthiness Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April
would not have federalism implications directive (AD): 27, 2017.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Aug 09, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10AUP1.SGM 10AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_37519/page/3.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2017 / Proposed Rules 37369
(h) Exceptions to Service Information 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
Specifications Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
(1) For purposes of determining dated April 27, 2017, except as required by www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
compliance with the requirements of this AD, paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the referenced service information at the FAA,
the phrase ‘‘the effective date of this AD’’ inspections specified in Part 4 of the Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind
may be substituted for ‘‘the original issue Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
date of this service bulletin,’’ as specified in Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April on the availability of this material at the
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, 27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this FAA, call 425–227–1221.
dated April 27, 2017. AD, for that repair location only.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26,
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance 2017.
737–53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, specifies (AMOCs) Jeffrey E. Duven,
contacting Boeing, and specifies that action
as RC: This AD requires using a method (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
approved in accordance with the procedures FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs Certification Service.
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. for this AD, if requested using the procedures [FR Doc. 2017–16355 Filed 8–9–17; 8:45 am]
(3) Part 7 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
737–53A1358, dated April 27, 2017, specifies 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
post-modification airworthiness limitation principal inspector or local Flight Standards
inspections in compliance with 14 CFR District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
25.571(a)(3) at the modified locations to
support compliance with 14 CFR certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of Federal Aviation Administration
121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). Although
Part 7 is identified as RC, this AD does not this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-
require accomplishment of Part 7. As ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. 14 CFR Part 71
airworthiness limitations, these inspections (2) Before using any approved AMOC, [Docket No. FAA–2016–9546; Airspace
are required by maintenance and operational notify your appropriate principal inspector, Docket No. 16–AGL–32]
rules. It is therefore unnecessary to mandate or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
them in this AD. Deviations from these of the local flight standards district office/ Proposed Establishment of Class E
inspections require FAA approval, but do not certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
Airspace; Onida, SD
require approval of an alternative method of
compliance. level of safety may be used for any repair, AGENCY: Federal Aviation
modification, or alteration required by this Administration (FAA), DOT.
(i) Terminating Action for Repetitive AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Inspections Commercial Airplanes Organization ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(1) Replacement of a skin panel, in Designation Authorization (ODA) that has (NPRM).
accordance with Part 8 of the been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be SUMMARY: This action proposes to
Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April approved, the repair method, modification establish Class E airspace at Onida, SD.
27, 2017, except as required by paragraph deviation, or alteration deviation must meet Controlled airspace is necessary to
(h)(2) of this AD, terminates the actions the certification basis of the airplane, and the accommodate new special instrument
specified in Parts 1, 4, and 6 of the approval must specifically refer to this AD. approach procedures developed at
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert (4) Except as required by paragraphs (h)(2) Onida Municipal Airport, for the safety
Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April and (h)(3) of this AD: For service information and management of instrument flight
27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
AD, for that replaced skin panel only. To be rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii)
acceptable as terminating action, the of this AD apply. DATES: Comments must be received on
replacement may not be done prior to the (i) The steps labeled as RC, including or before September 25, 2017.
applicable time specified in Table 4 of substeps under an RC step and any figures ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing identified in an RC step, must be done to proposal to the U.S. Department of
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated comply with the AD. If a step or substep is Transportation, Docket Operations,
April 27, 2017. labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
(2) Completion of a structural repair West Building Ground Floor, Room
requirement is removed from that step or
manual repair to repair cracking, in substep. An AMOC is required for any W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
accordance with Part 2 of the deviations to RC steps, including substeps Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202)
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert and identified figures. 366–9826, or (800) 647–5527. You must
Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2016–
27, 2017, except as required by paragraph deviated from using accepted methods in 9546; Airspace Docket No. 16–AGL–32,
(h)(2) of this AD, terminates the repetitive accordance with the operator’s maintenance at the beginning of your comments. You
inspections specified in Part 1 of the or inspection program without obtaining may also submit comments through the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated April including substeps and identified figures, can
27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) of this You may review the public docket
still be done as specified, and the airplane
AD, for that repair location only. can be put back in an airworthy condition. containing the proposal, any comments
(3) Completion of a ‘‘Category C repair’’ to received, and any final disposition in
repair cracking, in accordance with Part 3 of (k) Related Information person in the Dockets Office between
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing (1) For more information about this AD, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace through Friday, except Federal holidays.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
April 27, 2017, except as required by Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Designations and Reporting Points, and
repetitive inspections specified in Part 1 of Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
subsequent amendments can be viewed
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627–5210;
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1358, dated email: Jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov. online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
April 27, 2017, as required by paragraph (g) (2) For service information identified in publications/. For further information,
of this AD, for that repair location only. this AD, contact Boeing Commercial you can contact the Airspace Policy
(4) Completion of a ‘‘Change Category C Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Group, Federal Aviation
Repair to SB Repair,’’ in accordance with Part Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., Administration, 800 Independence
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Aug 09, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10AUP1.SGM 10AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_37519/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2017-08-10 01:01:25
Document Modified: 2017-08-10 01:01:25
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 25, 2017. | |
| Contact | Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 37366 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR