82_FR_43348 82 FR 43171 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

82 FR 43171 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 177 (September 14, 2017)

Page Range43171-43173
FR Document2017-19441

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by analysis of the cam support assemblies of the main cargo door (MCD) that indicated the repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections required by the existing maintenance program are not adequate to detect cracks before two adjacent cam support assemblies of the MCD could fail. This AD requires repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the cam support assemblies of the MCD and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 177 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 177 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43171-43173]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19441]



[[Page 43171]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9184; Product Identifier 2016-NM-060-AD; Amendment 
39-19032; AD 2017-19-02]
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 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
analysis of the cam support assemblies of the main cargo door (MCD) 
that indicated the repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspections required by the existing maintenance program are not 
adequate to detect cracks before two adjacent cam support assemblies of 
the MCD could fail. This AD requires repetitive ultrasonic inspections 
for cracking of the cam support assemblies of the MCD and replacement 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 19, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 19, 
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-2016-
9184.

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-
9184; 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: Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5239; 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 all The Boeing Company 
Model 727 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
October 4, 2016 (81 FR 68373) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by 
analysis of the cam support assemblies of the MCD that indicated the 
repetitive HFEC inspections required by the existing maintenance 
program are not adequate to detect cracks before two adjacent cam 
support assemblies of the MCD could fail. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the cam support 
assemblies of the MCD and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct cracking of the cam support assemblies of the 
MCD. Such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
MCD and consequent rapid decompression 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 response to each comment.

Request To Revise Applicability

    Boeing stated that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0151, dated 
February 12, 2016, affects only Boeing factory and Boeing converted 
freighters, but the proposed AD extends the applicability to all Model 
727 airplanes, including the ones that have been converted by non-
Boeing STCs.
    We infer that the commenter is requesting that the actions of the 
service information only be required for Model 727 airplanes identified 
in the Effectivity paragraph of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0151, dated February 12, 2016. We agree that the applicability of 
the NPRM includes some airplanes that do not have the identified unsafe 
condition. The unsafe condition does not apply to Model 727 airplanes 
that do not have a MCD. Therefore, we have revised this AD to apply to 
Model 727 series airplanes equipped with a MCD.
    We disagree that the AD applicability should be limited to 
airplanes identified in the Effectivity paragraph of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 727-52A0151, dated February 12, 2016, which only 
identifies Boeing factory and Boeing-converted freighters. Cam support 
assemblies having an affected part number, as specified in paragraphs 
(g) and (h) of this AD, could be installed during original aircraft 
manufacture, or during passenger to freighter modification. We expect 
that the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0151, dated February 12, 2016, can be accomplished on airplanes that 
are not identified in that service information. However, if an operator 
cannot accomplish the required actions in the service information due 
to the airplane configuration, or prefers to use different service 
information that is specific to their design, they can request an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with paragraph 
(j) of this AD.

Request To Supersede AD 80-08-10 R1, Amendment 39-3830 (45 FR 46343, 
July 10, 1980) (``AD 80-08-10 R1'')

    Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM to supersede AD 80-08-10 
R1. Boeing stated that AD 80-08-10 R1 mandates MCD cam support 
assemblies having part numbers (P/Ns) 69-23588-1 and 69-23588-2 as 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-52A124. Boeing explained that 
the NPRM is adding cam support assemblies having P/Ns 69-23588-1 and 
69-23588-2 to the list in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0151, 
dated February 12, 2016. Boeing asserted that the addition of these 
components to the list of affected parts would mean that the operators 
have to perform high frequency eddy current inspection of cam support 
assemblies having P/Ns 69-23588-1 and 69-23588-2 as specified in AD 80-
08-10 R1 and perform ultrasonic inspection of the same components as 
specified in the NPRM. Boeing explained that cracking initiates at the 
bottom of the lubrication hole inside the cam support fitting lug and 
the cracking is not visible until it breaks to the surface of the lug. 
Therefore, the subsurface detection capability of the ultrasonic 
inspection provides a more reliable inspection.

[[Page 43172]]

    We partially agree with Boeing's request to supersede the 
inspections which are required by AD 80-08-10 R1. These inspections 
will overlap with the newly mandated repetitive inspections. We 
disagree with the request to revise this AD to supersede AD 80-08-10 
R1. Instead, we have added paragraph (i) to this AD to state that 
completion of the initial inspection and all applicable replacements 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 
80-08-10 R1, for that airplane only. We have redesignated subsequent 
paragraphs accordingly.

Request To Revise Compliance Time

    Boeing requested that we revise paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD 
from ``before the accumulation of 18,000 total flight cycles'' to 
``before the accumulation of 18,000 door flight cycles. If the door 
flight cycles are not known, use total airplane flight cycles.'' Boeing 
explained that this change would provide relief for operators that have 
converted freighters by delaying the required inspection for the MCDs 
that have been in service less than 18,000 total door flight cycles, 
but are installed on the airplanes that have more than 18,000 total 
airframe flight cycles.
    We agree with Boeing's request. For the airplanes that have been 
converted to freighters, the compliance time for the initial inspection 
should be based on the number of cycles that the cam support assembly 
has been in service. We have revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
accordingly.

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 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 final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0151, dated 
February 12, 2016. This service information describes procedures for an 
ultrasonic inspection of the cam support assemblies of the MCD for 
cracking, and replacement 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 will affect 45 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.................  6 work-hours x $85                 $0  $510 per inspection    $22,950 per
                              per hour = $510 per                    cycle.                 inspection cycle.
                              inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
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 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  60 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $14,107         $19,207
                                                 $5,100.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 43173]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-19-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19032; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9184; Product Identifier 2016-NM-060-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 19, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 80-08-10 R1, Amendment 39-3830 (45 FR 46343, 
July 10, 1980).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, equipped with a main cargo door (MCD).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by analysis of the cam support assemblies 
of the MCD that indicated the repetitive high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) inspections required by the existing maintenance program are 
not adequate to detect cracks before two adjacent cam support 
assemblies of the MCD could fail. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracking of the cam support assemblies of the MCD. Such 
cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the MCD and 
consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection To Determine Part Numbers

    At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(2) of this AD: Inspect the cam support assemblies of the MCD to 
determine whether part number (P/N) 69-23588-1, 69-23588-2, 69-
23588-5, 69-23588-6, 69-23588-9, or 69-23588-10 is installed. A 
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number(s) of the cam support assemblies of 
the MCD can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 18,000 total flight cycles since 
installation of the MCD. If the flight cycles since installation of 
the MCD are not known, use total airplane flight cycles.
    (2) Within 1,771 flight cycles or 27 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) Repetitive Inspections of the Cam Support Assemblies of the Main 
Cargo Door and Corrective Actions

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any cam support assembly of the MCD having P/N 69-23588-1, 69-23588-
2, 69-23588-5, 69-23588-6, 69-23588-9, or 69-23588-10 is determined 
to be installed: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, do an ultrasonic inspection to detect 
cracking of the affected cam support assemblies of the MCD; and do 
all applicable replacements; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0151, dated 
February 12, 2016. Do all applicable replacements before further 
flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 727-52A0151, dated February 12, 2016.

(i) Terminating Action for AD 80-08-10 R1, Amendment 39-3830 (45 FR 
46343, July 10, 1980)

    Accomplishment of the initial inspection and all applicable 
replacements required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 80-08-10 R1, Amendment 39-3830 (45 FR 46343, July 
10, 1980), for that airplane 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) 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 
(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

    For more information about this AD, contact Chandra Ramdoss, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5239; 
fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0151, dated February 
12, 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 31, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19441 Filed 9-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                       43171

                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             contains this final rule, the regulatory              Service Bulletin 727–52A0151, dated
                                                                                                      evaluation, any comments received, and                February 12, 2016. We agree that the
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                          other information. The address for the                applicability of the NPRM includes
                                                                                                      Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is                some airplanes that do not have the
                                             14 CFR Part 39                                           Docket Management Facility, U.S.                      identified unsafe condition. The unsafe
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2016–9184; Product                       Department of Transportation, Docket                  condition does not apply to Model 727
                                             Identifier 2016–NM–060–AD; Amendment                     Operations, M–30, West Building                       airplanes that do not have a MCD.
                                             39–19032; AD 2017–19–02]                                 Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      Therefore, we have revised this AD to
                                                                                                      New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    apply to Model 727 series airplanes
                                             RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                  equipped with a MCD.
                                                                                                      DC 20590.
                                                                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         We disagree that the AD applicability
                                             Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                                                                           should be limited to airplanes identified
                                             Company Airplanes                                        Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                                                                      Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles                    in the Effectivity paragraph of Boeing
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount                            Alert Service Bulletin 727–52A0151,
                                             Administration (FAA), DOT.                               Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;                   dated February 12, 2016, which only
                                             ACTION: Final rule.                                      phone: 562–627–5239; fax: 562–627–                    identifies Boeing factory and Boeing-
                                                                                                      5210; email: chandraduth.ramdoss@                     converted freighters. Cam support
                                             SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new                        faa.gov.                                              assemblies having an affected part
                                             airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                                                                       number, as specified in paragraphs (g)
                                             The Boeing Company Model 727                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            and (h) of this AD, could be installed
                                             airplanes. This AD was prompted by                       Discussion                                            during original aircraft manufacture, or
                                             analysis of the cam support assemblies                                                                         during passenger to freighter
                                                                                                         We issued a notice of proposed                     modification. We expect that the actions
                                             of the main cargo door (MCD) that
                                                                                                      rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     specified in Boeing Alert Service
                                             indicated the repetitive high frequency
                                                                                                      part 39 by adding an AD that would                    Bulletin 727–52A0151, dated February
                                             eddy current (HFEC) inspections
                                                                                                      apply to all The Boeing Company Model                 12, 2016, can be accomplished on
                                             required by the existing maintenance
                                                                                                      727 airplanes. The NPRM published in                  airplanes that are not identified in that
                                             program are not adequate to detect
                                                                                                      the Federal Register on October 4, 2016               service information. However, if an
                                             cracks before two adjacent cam support
                                                                                                      (81 FR 68373) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The                     operator cannot accomplish the required
                                             assemblies of the MCD could fail. This
                                                                                                      NPRM was prompted by analysis of the                  actions in the service information due to
                                             AD requires repetitive ultrasonic
                                                                                                      cam support assemblies of the MCD that                the airplane configuration, or prefers to
                                             inspections for cracking of the cam
                                                                                                      indicated the repetitive HFEC                         use different service information that is
                                             support assemblies of the MCD and
                                                                                                      inspections required by the existing                  specific to their design, they can request
                                             replacement if necessary. We are issuing
                                                                                                      maintenance program are not adequate                  an alternative method of compliance
                                             this AD to address the unsafe condition
                                                                                                      to detect cracks before two adjacent cam              (AMOC) in accordance with paragraph
                                             on these products.
                                                                                                      support assemblies of the MCD could                   (j) of this AD.
                                             DATES: This AD is effective October 19,                  fail. The NPRM proposed to require
                                             2017.                                                    repetitive ultrasonic inspections for                 Request To Supersede AD 80–08–10 R1,
                                                The Director of the Federal Register                  cracking of the cam support assemblies                Amendment 39–3830 (45 FR 46343, July
                                             approved the incorporation by reference                  of the MCD and replacement if                         10, 1980) (‘‘AD 80–08–10 R1’’)
                                             of a certain publication listed in this AD               necessary. We are issuing this AD to                     Boeing requested that we revise the
                                             as of October 19, 2017.                                  detect and correct cracking of the cam                NPRM to supersede AD 80–08–10 R1.
                                             ADDRESSES: For service information                       support assemblies of the MCD. Such                   Boeing stated that AD 80–08–10 R1
                                             identified in this final rule, contact                   cracking could result in reduced                      mandates MCD cam support assemblies
                                             Boeing Commercial Airplanes,                             structural integrity of the MCD and                   having part numbers (P/Ns) 69–23588–
                                             Attention: Contractual & Data Services                   consequent rapid decompression of the                 1 and 69–23588–2 as specified in
                                             (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC                       airplane.                                             Boeing Service Bulletin 727–52A124.
                                             110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;                                                                           Boeing explained that the NPRM is
                                             telephone 562–797–1717; Internet                         Comments                                              adding cam support assemblies having
                                             https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You                         We gave the public the opportunity to               P/Ns 69–23588–1 and 69–23588–2 to
                                             may view this service information at the                 participate in developing this AD. The                the list in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
                                             FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601                    following presents the comments                       727–52A0151, dated February 12, 2016.
                                             Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                         received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                    Boeing asserted that the addition of
                                             information on the availability of this                  response to each comment.                             these components to the list of affected
                                             material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                                                                        parts would mean that the operators
                                                                                                      Request To Revise Applicability                       have to perform high frequency eddy
                                             It is also available on the Internet at
                                             http://www.regulations.gov by searching                    Boeing stated that Boeing Alert                     current inspection of cam support
                                             for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                    Service Bulletin 727–52A0151, dated                   assemblies having P/Ns 69–23588–1 and
                                             9184.                                                    February 12, 2016, affects only Boeing                69–23588–2 as specified in AD 80–08–
                                                                                                      factory and Boeing converted freighters,              10 R1 and perform ultrasonic inspection
                                             Examining the AD Docket                                  but the proposed AD extends the                       of the same components as specified in
                                               You may examine the AD docket on                       applicability to all Model 727 airplanes,             the NPRM. Boeing explained that
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES




                                             the Internet at http://                                  including the ones that have been                     cracking initiates at the bottom of the
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                     converted by non-Boeing STCs.                         lubrication hole inside the cam support
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                          We infer that the commenter is                      fitting lug and the cracking is not visible
                                             9184; or in person at the Docket                         requesting that the actions of the service            until it breaks to the surface of the lug.
                                             Management Facility between 9 a.m.                       information only be required for Model                Therefore, the subsurface detection
                                             and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                       727 airplanes identified in the                       capability of the ultrasonic inspection
                                             except Federal holidays. The AD docket                   Effectivity paragraph of Boeing Alert                 provides a more reliable inspection.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014    15:11 Sep 13, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00017   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\14SER1.SGM   14SER1


                                             43172             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                               We partially agree with Boeing’s                                   that have been in service less than                        • Do not add any additional burden
                                             request to supersede the inspections                                 18,000 total door flight cycles, but are                 upon the public than was already
                                             which are required by AD 80–08–10 R1.                                installed on the airplanes that have                     proposed in the NPRM.
                                             These inspections will overlap with the                              more than 18,000 total airframe flight                     We also determined that these
                                             newly mandated repetitive inspections.                               cycles.                                                  changes will not increase the economic
                                             We disagree with the request to revise                                                                                        burden on any operator or increase the
                                                                                                                    We agree with Boeing’s request. For
                                             this AD to supersede AD 80–08–10 R1.                                                                                          scope of this final rule.
                                                                                                                  the airplanes that have been converted
                                             Instead, we have added paragraph (i) to
                                                                                                                  to freighters, the compliance time for                   Related Service Information Under 1
                                             this AD to state that completion of the
                                                                                                                  the initial inspection should be based                   CFR Part 51
                                             initial inspection and all applicable
                                             replacements required by paragraph (h)                               on the number of cycles that the cam                       We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
                                             of this AD terminates all requirements                               support assembly has been in service.                    Bulletin 727–52A0151, dated February
                                             of AD 80–08–10 R1, for that airplane                                 We have revised paragraph (g)(1) of this                 12, 2016. This service information
                                             only. We have redesignated subsequent                                AD accordingly.                                          describes procedures for an ultrasonic
                                             paragraphs accordingly.                                              Conclusion                                               inspection of the cam support
                                                                                                                                                                           assemblies of the MCD for cracking, and
                                             Request To Revise Compliance Time                                                                                             replacement if necessary. This service
                                                                                                                     We reviewed the relevant data,
                                                Boeing requested that we revise                                   considered the comments received, and                    information is reasonably available
                                             paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD                                  determined that air safety and the                       because the interested parties have
                                             from ‘‘before the accumulation of 18,000                             public interest require adopting this                    access to it through their normal course
                                             total flight cycles’’ to ‘‘before the                                final rule with the changes described                    of business or by the means identified
                                             accumulation of 18,000 door flight                                   previously and minor editorial changes.                  in the ADDRESSES section.
                                             cycles. If the door flight cycles are not
                                                                                                                  We have determined that these minor                      Costs of Compliance
                                             known, use total airplane flight cycles.’’
                                                                                                                  changes:
                                             Boeing explained that this change                                                                                               We estimate that this AD will affect
                                             would provide relief for operators that                                 • Are consistent with the intent that                 45 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
                                             have converted freighters by delaying                                was proposed in the NPRM for                             estimate the following costs to comply
                                             the required inspection for the MCDs                                 correcting the unsafe condition; and                     with this AD:
                                                                                                                                  ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                    Action                                           Labor cost                                   Parts cost            Cost per product         Cost on U.S. operators

                                             Inspection .........       6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 per inspection                                      $0   $510 per inspection cycle   $22,950 per inspection
                                                                          cycle.                                                                                                                  cycle.



                                               We estimate the following costs to do                              be required based on the results of the                  determining the number of aircraft that
                                             any necessary replacements that would                                inspection. We have no way of                            might need this replacement:

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

                                             Replacement .................................................................   60 work-hours × $85 per hour = $5,100 ......................       $14,107          $19,207



                                             Authority for This Rulemaking                                        that is likely to exist or develop on                    substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                Title 49 of the United States Code                                products identified in this rulemaking                   the relationship between the national
                                             specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                               action.                                                  government and the States, or on the
                                             rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                                  This AD is issued in accordance with                   distribution of power and
                                             section 106, describes the authority of                              authority delegated by the Executive                     responsibilities among the various
                                             the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                                 Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                levels of government.
                                             Aviation Programs, describes in more                                 as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                       For the reasons discussed above, I
                                             detail the scope of the Agency’s                                     In accordance with that order, issuance                  certify that this AD:
                                             authority.                                                           of ADs is normally a function of the                       (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                We are issuing this rulemaking under                              Compliance and Airworthiness                             action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                             the authority described in Subtitle VII,                             Division, but during this transition
                                                                                                                  period, the Executive Director has                         (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                             Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                                                                                  delegated the authority to issue ADs                     DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                             ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                                                                                  applicable to transport category                         (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
                                             section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                                                                                                                                             (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES




                                             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                           airplanes to the Director of the System
                                             air commerce by prescribing regulations                              Oversight Division.                                      in Alaska, and
                                             for practices, methods, and procedures                               Regulatory Findings                                        (4) Will not have a significant
                                             the Administrator finds necessary for                                                                                         economic impact, positive or negative,
                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation                                This AD will not have federalism                       on a substantial number of small entities
                                             is within the scope of that authority                                implications under Executive Order                       under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                             because it addresses an unsafe condition                             13132. This AD will not have a                           Flexibility Act.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014       15:11 Sep 13, 2017       Jkt 241001      PO 00000      Frm 00018    Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\14SER1.SGM   14SER1


                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                            43173

                                             List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                       records is acceptable in lieu of this                    (4) For service information that contains
                                                                                                      inspection if the part number(s) of the cam           steps that are labeled as Required for
                                               Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                 support assemblies of the MCD can be                  Compliance (RC), the provisions of
                                             safety, Incorporation by reference,                      conclusively determined from that review.             paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD
                                             Safety.                                                     (1) Before the accumulation of 18,000 total        apply.
                                                                                                      flight cycles since installation of the MCD. If          (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
                                             Adoption of the Amendment                                the flight cycles since installation of the MCD       substeps under an RC step and any figures
                                               Accordingly, under the authority                       are not known, use total airplane flight
                                                                                                                                                            identified in an RC step, must be done to
                                             delegated to me by the Administrator,                    cycles.
                                                                                                         (2) Within 1,771 flight cycles or 27 months        comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
                                             the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                                                                               labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
                                                                                                      after the effective date of this AD, whichever
                                             follows:                                                 occurs later.                                         requirement is removed from that step or
                                                                                                                                                            substep. An AMOC is required for any
                                             PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                    (h) Repetitive Inspections of the Cam                 deviations to RC steps, including substeps
                                             DIRECTIVES                                               Support Assemblies of the Main Cargo Door             and identified figures.
                                                                                                      and Corrective Actions
                                                                                                                                                               (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                     If, during any inspection required by              deviated from using accepted methods in
                                             continues to read as follows:                            paragraph (g) of this AD, any cam support             accordance with the operator’s maintenance
                                                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.           assembly of the MCD having P/N 69–23588–              or inspection program without obtaining
                                                                                                      1, 69–23588–2, 69–23588–5, 69–23588–6,                approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
                                             § 39.13   [Amended]                                      69–23588–9, or 69–23588–10 is determined
                                                                                                                                                            including substeps and identified figures, can
                                                                                                      to be installed: At the later of the times
                                             ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                    specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
                                                                                                                                                            still be done as specified, and the airplane
                                             the following new airworthiness                          this AD, do an ultrasonic inspection to detect        can be put back in an airworthy condition.
                                             directive (AD):                                          cracking of the affected cam support                  (k) Related Information
                                             2017–19–02 The Boeing Company:                           assemblies of the MCD; and do all applicable
                                                                                                      replacements; in accordance with the                    For more information about this AD,
                                                 Amendment 39–19032; Docket No.
                                                                                                      Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert           contact Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace
                                                 FAA–2016–9184; Product Identifier
                                                 2016–NM–060–AD.                                      Service Bulletin 727–52A0151, dated                   Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los
                                                                                                      February 12, 2016. Do all applicable                  Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
                                             (a) Effective Date                                       replacements before further flight. Repeat the        Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
                                               This AD is effective October 19, 2017.                 inspections thereafter at the applicable time         5239; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
                                                                                                      specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of       chandraduth.ramdoss@faa.gov.
                                             (b) Affected ADs                                         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–52A0151,
                                               This AD affects AD 80–08–10 R1,                        dated February 12, 2016.                              (l) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                             Amendment 39–3830 (45 FR 46343, July 10,                                                                          (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                             1980).                                                   (i) Terminating Action for AD 80–08–10 R1,
                                                                                                      Amendment 39–3830 (45 FR 46343, July 10,              approved the incorporation by reference
                                             (c) Applicability                                        1980)                                                 (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                                                                                                                                            paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                                This AD applies to The Boeing Company                    Accomplishment of the initial inspection           part 51.
                                             Model 727, 727C, 727–100, 727–100C, 727–                 and all applicable replacements required by
                                                                                                                                                               (2) You must use this service information
                                             200, and 727–200F series airplanes,                      paragraph (h) of this AD terminates all
                                             certificated in any category, equipped with a            requirements of AD 80–08–10 R1,                       as applicable to do the actions required by
                                             main cargo door (MCD).                                   Amendment 39–3830 (45 FR 46343, July 10,              this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
                                                                                                      1980), for that airplane only.                           (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–
                                             (d) Subject                                                                                                    52A0151, dated February 12, 2016.
                                               Air Transport Association (ATA) of                     (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance                    (ii) Reserved.
                                             America Code 52, Doors.                                  (AMOCs)                                                  (3) For service information identified in
                                                                                                         (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,           this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
                                             (e) Unsafe Condition                                     FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs               Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
                                                This AD was prompted by analysis of the               for this AD, if requested using the procedures        Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
                                             cam support assemblies of the MCD that                   found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with             MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
                                             indicated the repetitive high frequency eddy             14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your               telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
                                             current (HFEC) inspections required by the               principal inspector or local Flight Standards         www.myboeingfleet.com.
                                             existing maintenance program are not                     District Office, as appropriate. If sending
                                                                                                                                                               (4) You may view this service information
                                             adequate to detect cracks before two adjacent            information directly to the manager of the
                                                                                                                                                            at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
                                             cam support assemblies of the MCD could                  certification office, send it to the attention of
                                             fail. We are issuing this AD to detect and               the person identified in paragraph (k) of this        1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                             correct cracking of the cam support                      AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-             information on the availability of this
                                             assemblies of the MCD. Such cracking could               LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                          material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                             result in reduced structural integrity of the               (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                   (5) You may view this service information
                                             MCD and consequent rapid decompression of                notify your appropriate principal inspector,          that is incorporated by reference at the
                                             the airplane.                                            or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         National Archives and Records
                                                                                                      of the local flight standards district office/        Administration (NARA). For information on
                                             (f) Compliance                                           certificate holding district office.                  the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                                Comply with this AD within the                           (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable            202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                             compliance times specified, unless already               level of safety may be used for any repair,           www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                             done.                                                    modification, or alteration required by this          locations.html.
                                                                                                      AD if it is approved by the Boeing
                                             (g) Inspection To Determine Part Numbers                 Commercial Airplanes Organization                       Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES




                                                At the later of the times specified in                Designation Authorization (ODA) that has              31, 2017.
                                             paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD:                 been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles           Dionne Palermo,
                                             Inspect the cam support assemblies of the                ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be             Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
                                             MCD to determine whether part number                     approved, the repair method, modification             Aircraft Certification Service.
                                             (P/N) 69–23588–1, 69–23588–2, 69–23588–5,                deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                                             69–23588–6, 69–23588–9, or 69–23588–10 is                the certification basis of the airplane, and the      [FR Doc. 2017–19441 Filed 9–13–17; 8:45 am]
                                             installed. A review of airplane maintenance              approval must specifically refer to this AD.          BILLING CODE 4910–13–P




                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014    15:11 Sep 13, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00019   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 9990   E:\FR\FM\14SER1.SGM   14SER1



Document Created: 2017-09-13 23:49:06
Document Modified: 2017-09-13 23:49:06
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 October 19, 2017.
ContactChandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5239; fax: 562-627- 5210; email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 43171 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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