82 FR 39511 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 160 (August 21, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 160 (August 21, 2017)
| Page Range | 39511-39513 | |
| FR Document | 2017-17202 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 160 (Monday, August 21, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 39511-39513] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-17202] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0131; Product Identifier 2016-NM-186-AD; Amendment 39-18996; AD 2017-17-06] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking found in a certain fuselage frame common to the water tank support intercostal clip located between certain stringers. This AD requires inspections for any cracking of a certain fuselage frame, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 25, 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 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- 0131. 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- 0131; 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 final rule, 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: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627- 5210; email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 23, 2017 (82 FR 14835). The NPRM was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking found in a certain fuselage frame common to the water tank support intercostal clip located between certain stringers. The NPRM proposed to require inspections for any cracking of a certain fuselage frame, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking that could grow in size and result in a severed frame. Multiple adjacent severed frames would result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. 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 [[Page 39512]] response to each comment. Boeing supported the NPRM. Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified in the NPRM. We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final rule. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. The service information describes procedures for inspections for any cracking of a certain fuselage frame, and repair if necessary. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 140 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: Estimated Costs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspection........................ 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 per inspection $23,800 per inspection cycle. hour = $170 per. cycle. inspection cycle.......... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair: On-Condition Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost per Action Labor cost Parts cost product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Repair..................................... 18 work-hours x $85 per hour = $100 $1,630 $1,530. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 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. [[Page 39513]] Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2017-17-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18996; Docket No. FAA- 2017-0131; Product Identifier 2016-NM-186-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective September 25, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/ rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53; Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking found in a certain fuselage frame common to the water tank support intercostal clip located between certain stringers. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking, which could grow in size and result in a severed frame. Multiple adjacent severed frames would result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection Before the accumulation of 34,000 total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for any cracking in the fuselage frame at station (STA) 947.5 common to the water tank support intercostal clip located between stringers S- 24R and S-25R, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. (1) If no cracking is found, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight cycles. (2) If any cracking is found: Before further flight, repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. (h) Terminating Action Accomplishing the repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1357, dated August 9, 2016, terminates the inspection requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (i) 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 (j) 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627- 5324; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) 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. (4) You may view this 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 8, 2017. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-17202 Filed 8-18-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 160 / Monday, August 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 39511
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (3) For service information identified in 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
(AMOCs) this AD, contact Boeing Commercial telephone 562–797–1717; Internet
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., may view this service information at the
for this AD, if requested using the procedures MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information information on the availability of this
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
information directly to the manager of the 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For It is also available on the Internet at
certification office, send it to the attention of information on the availability of this http://www.regulations.gov by searching
the person identified in paragraph (k) of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM- (5) You may view this service information 0131.
LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. that is incorporated by reference at the
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, National Archives and Records Examining the AD Docket
notify your appropriate principal inspector, Administration (NARA). For information on You may examine the AD docket on
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager the availability of this material at NARA, call the Internet at http://
of the local flight standards district office/ 202–741–6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
www.regulations.gov by searching for
certificate holding district office.
locations.html. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair, 0131; or in person at the Docket
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August Management Facility between 9 a.m.
modification, or alteration required by this 8, 2017.
AD if it is approved by the Boeing and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
Commercial Airplanes Organization Dionne Palermo, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has Acting Director, System Oversight Division, contains this final rule, the regulatory
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Service. evaluation, any comments received, and
ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be [FR Doc. 2017–17204 Filed 8–18–17; 8:45 am] other information. The address for the
approved, the repair method, modification BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
approval must specifically refer to this AD. Department of Transportation, Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Operations, M–30, West Building
(4) Except as required by paragraph (g) of
this AD: For service information that Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
Federal Aviation Administration New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of DC 20590.
paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD 14 CFR Part 39
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
apply. [Docket No. FAA–2017–0131; Product Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including Identifier 2016–NM–186–AD; Amendment Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
substeps under an RC step and any figures 39–18996; AD 2017–17–06]
identified in an RC step, must be done to ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is RIN 2120–AA64 Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–627–
requirement is removed from that step or Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing 5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
substep. An AMOC is required for any Company Airplanes SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures. AGENCY: Federal Aviation Discussion
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be Administration (FAA), DOT. We issued a notice of proposed
deviated from using accepted methods in ACTION: Final rule. rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
accordance with the operator’s maintenance part 39 by adding an AD that would
or inspection program without obtaining We are adopting a new
SUMMARY:
apply to certain The Boeing Company
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
including substeps and identified figures, can Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series
The Boeing Company Model 737–300,
still be done as specified, and the airplane airplanes. The NPRM published in the
–400, and –500 series airplanes. This
can be put back in an airworthy condition. Federal Register on March 23, 2017 (82
AD was prompted by a report of fatigue
FR 14835). The NPRM was prompted by
(k) Related Information cracking found in a certain fuselage
a report of fatigue cracking found in a
For more information about this AD, frame common to the water tank
certain fuselage frame common to the
contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, support intercostal clip located between water tank support intercostal clip
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO certain stringers. This AD requires located between certain stringers. The
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, inspections for any cracking of a certain NPRM proposed to require inspections
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– fuselage frame, and repair if necessary.
5313; fax: 562–627–5210; email: for any cracking of a certain fuselage
We are issuing this AD to address the frame, and repair if necessary. We are
payman.soltani@faa.gov. unsafe condition on these products. issuing this AD to detect and correct
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference DATES: This AD is effective September fatigue cracking that could grow in size
(1) The Director of the Federal Register 25, 2017. and result in a severed frame. Multiple
approved the incorporation by reference The Director of the Federal Register adjacent severed frames would result in
(IBR) of the service information listed in this approved the incorporation by reference reduced structural integrity of the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR of a certain publication listed in this AD
part 51. airplane.
as of September 25, 2017.
(2) You must use this service information Comments
ADDRESSES: For service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. identified in this final rule, contact We gave the public the opportunity to
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– Boeing Commercial Airplanes, participate in developing this AD. The
57A1332, dated January 3, 2017. Attention: Contractual & Data Services following presents the comments
(ii) Reserved. (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 160 / Monday, August 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 39513
§ 39.13 [Amended] (h) Terminating Action (2) You must use this service information
Accomplishing the repair in accordance as applicable to do the actions required by
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding with the Accomplishment Instructions of this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
the following new airworthiness Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1357, (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
directive (AD): dated August 9, 2016, terminates the 53A1357, dated August 9, 2016.
inspection requirements of paragraph (g) of (ii) Reserved.
2017–17–06 The Boeing Company: (3) For service information identified in
Amendment 39–18996; Docket No. this AD.
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
FAA–2017–0131; Product Identifier (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
2016–NM–186–AD. (AMOCs) Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
(a) Effective Date (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
This AD is effective September 25, 2017. for this AD, if requested using the procedures www.myboeingfleet.com.
(b) Affected ADs found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with (4) You may view this service information
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
None. principal inspector or local Flight Standards 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
(c) Applicability District Office, as appropriate. If sending information on the availability of this
information directly to the manager of the material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing certification office, send it to the attention of (5) You may view this service information
Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 the person identified in paragraph (j) of this that is incorporated by reference at the
series airplanes, certificated in any category, AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM- National Archives and Records
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. Administration (NARA). For information on
737–53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, the availability of this material at NARA, call
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type notify your appropriate principal inspector, 202–741–6030, or go to: http://
Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http:// or lacking a principal inspector, the manager www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_ of the local flight standards district office/ locations.html.
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257 certificate holding district office.
cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
not affect the ability to accomplish the level of safety may be used for any repair, 8, 2017.
actions required by this AD. Therefore, for modification, or alteration required by this Dionne Palermo,
airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is AD if it is approved by the Boeing Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative Commercial Airplanes Organization Aircraft Certification Service.
method of compliance (AMOC) approval Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
[FR Doc. 2017–17202 Filed 8–18–17; 8:45 am]
request is not necessary to comply with the been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
approved, the repair method, modification
(d) Subject deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
Air Transport Association (ATA) of the certification basis of the airplane, and the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
America Code 53; Fuselage. approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) For service information that contains Federal Aviation Administration
(e) Unsafe Condition steps that are labeled as Required for
This AD was prompted by a report of Compliance (RC), the provisions of 14 CFR Part 39
fatigue cracking found in a certain fuselage paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD
frame common to the water tank support apply. [Docket No. FAA–2016–9520; Product
intercostal clip located between certain (i) The steps labeled as RC, including Identifier 2016–NM–163–AD; Amendment
stringers. We are issuing this AD to detect substeps under an RC step and any figures 39–18987; AD 2017–16–10]
and correct cracking, which could grow in identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is RIN 2120–AA64
size and result in a severed frame. Multiple
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
adjacent severed frames would result in
requirement is removed from that step or Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
substep. An AMOC is required for any Company Airplanes
(f) Compliance deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures. AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be Administration (FAA), DOT.
deviated from using accepted methods in ACTION: Final rule.
done.
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
(g) Inspection or inspection program without obtaining SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
Before the accumulation of 34,000 total approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
flight cycles or within 6,000 flight cycles including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes.
after the effective date of this AD, whichever This AD was prompted by reports of
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
occurs later, do a high frequency eddy cracks on the underwing longerons.
current (HFEC) inspection for any cracking in (j) Related Information This AD requires repetitive inspections
the fuselage frame at station (STA) 947.5 For more information about this AD, of the left and right side underwing
common to the water tank support intercostal contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
clip located between stringers S–24R and S– longerons for any crack, and related
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO investigative and corrective actions if
25R, in accordance with the Accomplishment Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin necessary. We are issuing this AD to
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
737–53A1357, dated August 9, 2016. 5324; fax: 562–627–5210; email: address the unsafe condition on these
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
(1) If no cracking is found, repeat the galib.abumeri@faa.gov. products.
inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 12,000 flight cycles. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference DATES: This AD is effective September
(2) If any cracking is found: Before further (1) The Director of the Federal Register
25, 2017.
flight, repair in accordance with the approved the incorporation by reference The Director of the Federal Register
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert (IBR) of the service information listed in this approved the incorporation by reference
Service Bulletin 737–53A1357, dated August paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR of certain publications listed in this AD
9, 2016. part 51. as of September 25, 2017.
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Document Created: 2017-08-19 00:44:36
Document Modified: 2017-08-19 00:44:36
| 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 | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective September 25, 2017. | |
| Contact | Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627- 5210; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 39511 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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