82 FR 47363 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 196 (October 12, 2017)

Page Range		47363-47367
FR Document		2017-21444
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain structural significant items (SSIs). This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental inspections. This AD also requires inspections to detect cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47363-47367]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21444]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 47363]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0244; Product Identifier 2016-NM-044-AD; Amendment 
39-19071; AD 2017-20-14]
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 all The 
Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are 
required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain 
structural significant items (SSIs). This AD requires revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental 
inspections. This AD also requires inspections to detect cracks in each 
SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 16, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 16, 
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-
0244.

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-
0244; 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov.

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 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on March 27, 2017 (82 FR 15169). The NPRM was 
prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are required 
for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain SSIs. The NPRM 
proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to add supplemental inspections and SSI discrepancy 
reporting. The NPRM also proposed to require inspections to detect 
cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing 
this AD to ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing 
Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.

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 Program Designation

    Boeing requested that we revise ``maintenance or inspection 
program'' to ``maintenance inspection program'' in the proposed AD. 
Boeing stated that operators have a single program that relates to the 
Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID).
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. Airplanes operating 
under 14 CFR part 91 have ``inspection programs'' while airplanes 
operating under 14 CFR part 121 have ``maintenance programs.'' The 
decision to use the wording ``maintenance or inspection program'' is 
intentional. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Service Information Reference

    Boeing requested that we revise the proposed AD to refer to the 
specified service information as ``Revision 1, October 2015,'' instead 
of ``Revision, October 2015.''
    We do not agree with Boeing's request. The document title page, 
List of Effective Pages table, Revision Highlights table, document 
footer, and SSID Revision table listed under ``1.0 Purpose'' all 
identify the revision as ``October 2015,'' and not as ``Revision 1, 
October 2015.'' We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Compliance Times

    Boeing and Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that we revise the 
compliance time for the initial inspections in paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD. Boeing requested that the compliance time for initial 
inspections be changed from ``before the accumulation of 66,000 total 
flight cycles, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later'' to before the accumulation of 66,000 total 
flight cycles, or at the next scheduled inspection as required by AD 
2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008) (``AD 2008-
09-13''), whichever occurs later. Boeing stated that, if operators have 
started SSID inspections, they should continue as scheduled in 
accordance with AD 2008-09-13; however, if they have not started 
inspections, they should already be prepared to begin at the 66,000 
total flight cycle compliance time and that no

[[Page 47364]]

new grace period is needed from the effective date of this AD. SWA 
stated that operators who have completed SSID inspections as required 
by AD 2008-09-13 would be required to repeat inspections within 12 
months and it does not believe this is the intent of the proposed AD. 
SWA suggested that only inspections with revised requirements in the 
proposed AD should require future action and that all other inspections 
completed in accordance with the previous SSID revision, including 
alternative inspections with an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
approval, should be accepted as compliance to the proposed AD.
    Isaac Trolinder requested that we revise the compliance time 
measurement in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD from total flight 
cycles to total flight miles.
    We do not agree with Isaac Trolinder's request. Compliance times 
for the actions in this AD are defined in terms of total airplane 
flight cycles and are not dependent on flight miles.
    We partially agree with Boeing and SWA's requests. We disagree with 
Boeing's request to remove the 12-month grace period. Operators who are 
very close to accomplishing an initial or repeat inspection required by 
AD 2008-09-13 need time to incorporate the revised service information 
in their maintenance or inspection program. Because this AD is not 
superseding the existing SSID AD, any initial or repeat inspection 
required by AD 2008-09-13 will still be required until the 
corresponding action in this AD is accomplished.
    We agree with SWA that previously approved AMOCs for inspections of 
SSIs that are not affected by the revised service information should 
remain applicable. This is addressed in paragraph (1)(4) of this AD.
    We agree with Boeing and SWA that we need to address the situation 
where an operator has already initiated inspections on SSIs.
    We have revised the introductory text of paragraph (h) of this AD 
and added paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) to this AD to include compliance 
time options to address compliance times for SSIs affected, and not 
affected, by the revised service information. This new wording provides 
identical requirements to paragraph (h) in the proposed AD, but offers 
a relieving option to operators who have initiated SSID inspections for 
certain SSIs.

Request To Address Repaired or Altered SSIs

    Boeing requested that we revise the proposed AD to include a 
paragraph that addresses any repair installed on an SSI such that the 
repair affects the operator's ability to accomplish inspections 
required by the proposed AD. Boeing suggested that we include wording 
similar to the wording in paragraph (i) from AD 2008-09-13, except that 
we make the actions applicable to a repair installed on an SSI at any 
time and not exclusive to repairs installed before the effective date 
of the AD.
    We agree with the commenter's request to revise this AD to include 
wording to address repairs or alterations on any SSI such that the 
repair or alteration affects the operator's ability to accomplish the 
inspections required by this AD. We have included paragraphs (i)(1) and 
(i)(2) in this AD. Paragraph (i)(1) of this AD requires repairs to SSI 
structure if cracks are found while accomplishing inspections in 
accordance with this AD and is similar to paragraph (i) of the proposed 
AD, except for the change described below under ``Change to Paragraph 
(i) of the Proposed AD.'' Paragraph (i)(2) is added to this AD to 
address repairs or alterations that affect the ability to inspect an 
SSI as required by this AD. If an operator finds a repaired or altered 
SSI such that the repair or alteration affects the operator's ability 
to accomplish the inspections required by this AD and the repair or 
alteration does not have AMOC approval in accordance with paragraph (l) 
of this AD, then paragraph (i)(2) of this AD will provide the operator 
an 18-month grace period after the compliance time to request an AMOC.

Change to Paragraph (i) of the Proposed AD

    Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD specifies to repair ``using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (l) of this AD.'' We have changed the method of compliance 
language in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD to specify to repair ``using an 
FAA-approved method.'' Specifying an FAA-approved method will allow for 
FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) to approve repairs in 
addition to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) and the Los Angeles ACO Branch as specified by the 
procedures in paragraph (l) of this AD. If an FAA DER has the 
appropriate structures delegation for major repairs on 14 CFR part 25 
airplanes, then the DER has the authority to approve these types of 
repairs.

Acknowledgement of Revision to Global AMOC Needed

    Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) acknowledged that installation of 
supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01219SE requires the modification 
of wing structure on Boeing Model 737-300 and -500 airplanes, making it 
impossible to inspect the modified structure using the service 
information. APB noted that it has a global AMOC to paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of AD 2008-09-13 for alternative inspections of the STC modified 
structure. APB stated that it will revise its inspection program for 
STC ST01219SE to adjust for the changes in Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 
Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, that affect the modified structure. 
APB stated that it will request a new global AMOC when the final rule 
is published.
    We acknowledge APB's comment. No change is needed to this AD in 
this regard.

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 Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision 
October 2015. The service information identifies SSIs having fatigue 
crack growth characteristics warranting special attention, describes 
procedures for inspections to detect cracks of all structure identified 
as SSIs, and provides corrective actions for cracked SSI structure. 
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.

[[Page 47365]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 500 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision of maintenance or inspection   1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $42,500
 program.                                hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have not specified cost estimates for the inspections and repair 
specified in this AD. Compliance with this AD constitutes a method of 
compliance with the FAA aging airplane safety final rule (AASFR) for 
certain baseline structure of Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes. The AASFR requires certain operators to incorporate damage 
tolerance inspections into their maintenance programs. These 
requirements are described in 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(1) and 14 CFR 
129.109(b)(1). Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD will 
meet the requirements of these regulations for certain baseline 
structure. The costs for accomplishing the inspection portion of this 
AD were accounted for in the regulatory evaluation of the AASFR for 
airplanes affected by that rule. For airplanes not affected by the 
AASFR, we have received no definitive data that would enable us to 
provide cost estimates for the inspection portion of this AD.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary reporting that 
would be required based on the results of the inspections specified in 
the revision of the maintenance or inspection program. We have no way 
of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting.....................................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85              $0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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:

[[Page 47366]]

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):

2017-20-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19071; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0244; Product Identifier 2016-NM-044-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 16, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164, 
May 2, 2008) (``AD 2008-09-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors; 53, 
Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/Pylons; 55, Stabilizers; 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a structural reevaluation conducted by 
the manufacturer. We have determined that supplemental inspections 
are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain 
structural significant items (SSIs). We are issuing this AD to 
ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing Company 
Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of the Maintenance or Inspection Program for All Airplanes

    Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later: Incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, that provides no less than the required 
damage tolerance rating (DTR) for each SSI listed in Boeing Document 
D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-
300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. The required DTR 
value for each SSI is listed in Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. The revision to the 
maintenance or inspection program must include, and must be 
implemented in accordance with, the procedures in Section 5.0, 
``Damage Tolerance Rating (DTR) System Application;'' and Section 
6.0, ``SSI Discrepancy Reporting;'' of Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. Accomplishment of the 
revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of AD 2008-09-13.

(h) Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD, perform an inspection in accordance with Boeing Document 
D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-
300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, to detect cracks of 
the applicable structure identified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the intervals 
specified in Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision 
October 2015. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this 
paragraph terminates the corresponding inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of AD 2008-09-13.
    (1) For all structure identified in Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, except for empennage SSIs E-
19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31: Before the accumulation of 66,000 
total flight cycles, at the next repetitive inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of AD 2008-09-13, or within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest.
    (2) For empennage SSIs E-19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31: Before 
the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(i) Repairs and Alterations

    (1) If any cracked SSI structure is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, repair before further flight 
using an FAA-approved method or using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this 
AD. Within 18 months after repair, incorporate a revision into the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include a 
damage-tolerance-based alternative inspection program for the 
repaired structure. Thereafter, inspect the affected structure in 
accordance with the alternative program. The inspection method and 
compliance times (i.e., threshold and repetitive intervals) of the 
alternative program must be approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
    (2) If any repair or alteration to an SSI is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD such that the repair 
or alteration affects your ability to accomplish the inspections 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, within 18 months after the 
inspection compliance time, incorporate a revision into the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include a 
damage tolerance based alternative inspection program for each 
affected SSI. Thereafter, inspect the affected structure in 
accordance with the alternative inspection program. The inspection 
method and compliance times (i.e., threshold and repetitive 
intervals) of the alternative inspection program must be approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this 
AD. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this paragraph 
terminates the corresponding inspection required by paragraph (i) of 
AD 2008-09-13.

(j) Terminating Action for AD 2008-09-13

    Accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
and all initial inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD 
terminates all requirements of AD 2008-09-13.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 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 (m) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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) AMOCs approved for AD 2008-09-13 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD 
for the SSIs identified in the AMOC, except for AMOCs written for

[[Page 47367]]

empennage SSIs E-19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer 
Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section FAA, Los Angeles 
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov.

(n) 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 Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision 
October 2015.
    (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 September 27, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21444 Filed 10-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
47363

Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 196

Thursday, October 12, 2017

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER It is also available on the Internet at following presents the comments
contains regulatory documents having general http://www.regulations.gov by searching received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
applicability and legal effect, most of which for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– response to each comment.
are keyed to and codified in the Code of 0244.
Federal Regulations, which is published under Request To Revise Program Designation
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. Examining the AD Docket Boeing requested that we revise
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by You may examine the AD docket on ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ to
the Superintendent of Documents. the Internet at http:// ‘‘maintenance inspection program’’ in
www.regulations.gov by searching for the proposed AD. Boeing stated that
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– operators have a single program that
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 0244; or in person at the Docket relates to the Supplemental Structural
Management Facility between 9 a.m. Inspection Document (SSID).
Federal Aviation Administration and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, We do not agree with the commenter’s
except Federal holidays. The AD docket request. Airplanes operating under 14
14 CFR Part 39 contains this final rule, the regulatory CFR part 91 have ‘‘inspection programs’’
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0244; Product evaluation, any comments received, and while airplanes operating under 14 CFR
Identifier 2016–NM–044–AD; Amendment other information. The address for the part 121 have ‘‘maintenance programs.’’
39–19071; AD 2017–20–14] Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is The decision to use the wording
Docket Management Facility, U.S. ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ is
RIN 2120–AA64 intentional. We have not changed this
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building AD in this regard.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Request To Revise Service Information
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Reference
AGENCY: Federal Aviation DC 20590.
Administration (FAA), DOT. Boeing requested that we revise the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: proposed AD to refer to the specified
ACTION: Final rule. Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace service information as ‘‘Revision 1,
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los October 2015,’’ instead of ‘‘Revision,
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The October 2015.’’
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; We do not agree with Boeing’s
Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627–
and –500 series airplanes. This AD was request. The document title page, List of
5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@ Effective Pages table, Revision
prompted by a determination that faa.gov.
supplemental inspections are required Highlights table, document footer, and
for timely detection of fatigue cracking SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SSID Revision table listed under ‘‘1.0
for certain structural significant items Purpose’’ all identify the revision as
Discussion ‘‘October 2015,’’ and not as ‘‘Revision 1,
(SSIs). This AD requires revising the
maintenance or inspection program, as We issued a notice of proposed October 2015.’’ We have not changed
applicable, to add supplemental rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR this AD in this regard.
inspections. This AD also requires part 39 by adding an AD that would
Request To Revise Compliance Times
inspections to detect cracks in each SSI, apply to all The Boeing Company Model
737–300, –400, and –500 series Boeing and Southwest Airlines (SWA)
and repair of any cracked structure. We requested that we revise the compliance
are issuing this AD to address the unsafe airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 27, 2017 (82 time for the initial inspections in
condition on these products. paragraph (h) of the proposed AD.
FR 15169). The NPRM was prompted by
DATES: This AD is effective November a determination that supplemental Boeing requested that the compliance
16, 2017. inspections are required for timely time for initial inspections be changed
The Director of the Federal Register detection of fatigue cracking for certain from ‘‘before the accumulation of 66,000
approved the incorporation by reference SSIs. The NPRM proposed to require total flight cycles, or within 12 months
of a certain publication listed in this AD revising the maintenance or inspection after the effective date of this AD,
as of November 16, 2017. program, as applicable, to add whichever occurs later’’ to before the
ADDRESSES: For service information supplemental inspections and SSI accumulation of 66,000 total flight
identified in this final rule, contact discrepancy reporting. The NPRM also cycles, or at the next scheduled
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, proposed to require inspections to inspection as required by AD 2008–09–
Attention: Contractual & Data Services detect cracks in each SSI, and repair of 13, Amendment 39–15494 (73 FR
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC any cracked structure. We are issuing 24164, May 2, 2008) (‘‘AD 2008–09–
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; this AD to ensure the continued 13’’), whichever occurs later. Boeing
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES

telephone 562–797–1717; Internet structural integrity of all The Boeing stated that, if operators have started
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You Company Model 737–300, –400, and SSID inspections, they should continue
may view this service information at the –500 series airplanes. as scheduled in accordance with AD
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 2008–09–13; however, if they have not
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For Comments started inspections, they should already
information on the availability of this We gave the public the opportunity to be prepared to begin at the 66,000 total
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. participate in developing this AD. The flight cycle compliance time and that no

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 47365

Costs of Compliance estimate the following costs to comply
We estimate that this AD will affect with this AD:
500 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Revision of maintenance or inspection pro- 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $42,500
gram.

We have not specified cost estimates 121.1109(c)(1) and 14 CFR estimates for the inspection portion of
for the inspections and repair specified 129.109(b)(1). Accomplishment of the this AD.
in this AD. Compliance with this AD actions specified in this AD will meet We estimate the following costs to do
constitutes a method of compliance the requirements of these regulations for any necessary reporting that would be
with the FAA aging airplane safety final certain baseline structure. The costs for
required based on the results of the
rule (AASFR) for certain baseline accomplishing the inspection portion of
inspections specified in the revision of
structure of Model 737–300, –400, and this AD were accounted for in the
–500 series airplanes. The AASFR regulatory evaluation of the AASFR for the maintenance or inspection program.
requires certain operators to incorporate airplanes affected by that rule. For We have no way of determining the
damage tolerance inspections into their airplanes not affected by the AASFR, we number of aircraft that might need this
maintenance programs. These have received no definitive data that action:
requirements are described in 14 CFR would enable us to provide cost

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

Reporting ...................................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... $0 $85

Paperwork Reduction Act detail the scope of the Agency’s substantial direct effect on the States, on
authority. the relationship between the national
A federal agency may not conduct or We are issuing this rulemaking under government and the States, or on the
sponsor, and a person is not required to the authority described in Subtitle VII, distribution of power and
respond to, nor shall a person be subject Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: responsibilities among the various
to penalty for failure to comply with a ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that levels of government.
collection of information subject to the section, Congress charges the FAA with
requirements of the Paperwork For the reasons discussed above, I
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
Reduction Act unless that collection of certify that this AD:
air commerce by prescribing regulations
information displays a current valid for practices, methods, and procedures (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
OMB control number. The control the Administrator finds necessary for action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
number for the collection of information safety in air commerce. This regulation (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The is within the scope of that authority
paperwork cost associated with this AD DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
because it addresses an unsafe condition (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
has been detailed in the Costs of that is likely to exist or develop on
Compliance section of this document products identified in this rulemaking (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
and includes time for reviewing action. in Alaska, and
instructions, as well as completing and This AD is issued in accordance with (4) Will not have a significant
reviewing the collection of information. authority delegated by the Executive economic impact, positive or negative,
Therefore, all reporting associated with Director, Aircraft Certification Service, on a substantial number of small entities
this AD is mandatory. Comments as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. under the criteria of the Regulatory
concerning the accuracy of this burden In accordance with that order, issuance Flexibility Act.
and suggestions for reducing the burden of ADs is normally a function of the
should be directed to the FAA at 800 Compliance and Airworthiness List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, Division, but during this transition
DC 20591, ATTN: Information Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
period, the Executive Director has
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. safety, Incorporation by reference,
delegated the authority to issue ADs
Safety.
Authority for This Rulemaking applicable to transport category
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES

airplanes to the Director of the System Adoption of the Amendment
Title 49 of the United States Code Oversight Division.
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Accordingly, under the authority
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Regulatory Findings delegated to me by the Administrator,
section 106, describes the authority of This AD will not have federalism the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: implications under Executive Order follows:
Aviation Programs, describes in more 13132. This AD will not have a

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 47367

empennage SSIs E–19, E–21, E–29, E–30, and Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E–31. and –200C series airplanes. This AD
Discussion
(m) Related Information was prompted by a report of incidents
involving fatigue cracking in transport We issued a notice of proposed
For more information about this AD,
contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace category airplanes that are approaching rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
Engineer, Airframe Section FAA, Los Angeles or have exceeded their design service part 39 by adding an AD that would
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, objective and a structural reevaluation apply to all The Boeing Company Model
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– that was conducted by the 737–100, –200, and –200C series
5264; fax: 562–627–5210; email: manufacturer. This AD requires revising airplanes. The NPRM published in the
jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov. the maintenance or inspection program, Federal Register on March 27, 2017 (82
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference as applicable, to add supplemental FR 15166) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM
(1) The Director of the Federal Register inspections. This AD also requires was prompted by a report of incidents
approved the incorporation by reference inspections to detect cracks in each involving fatigue cracking in transport
(IBR) of the service information listed in this structural significant item (SSI), and category airplanes that are approaching
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR repair of any cracked structure. We are or have exceeded their design service
part 51. issuing this AD to address the unsafe objective and a structural reevaluation
(2) You must use this service information that was conducted by the
condition on these products.
as applicable to do the actions required by manufacturer. The NPRM proposed to
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. DATES : This AD is effective November
(i) Boeing Document D6–82669, 16, 2017. require revising the maintenance or
‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection The Director of the Federal Register inspection program, as applicable, to
Document, Models 737–300/400/500 approved the incorporation by reference add supplemental inspections and SSI
Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. of a certain publication listed in this AD discrepancy reporting. The NPRM also
(ii) Reserved. as of November 16, 2017. proposed inspections to detect cracks in
(3) For service information identified in each SSI, and repair of any cracked
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial ADDRESSES : For service information
identified in this final rule, contact structure. We are issuing this AD to
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., Boeing Commercial Airplanes, ensure the continued structural integrity
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; Attention: Contractual & Data Services of all The Boeing Company Model 737–
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https:// (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 100, –200, and –200C series airplanes.
www.myboeingfleet.com. 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
(4) You may view this service information
Comments
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, We gave the public the opportunity to
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
participate in developing this AD. The
information on the availability of this may view this service information at the
following presents the comments
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
(5) You may view this service information Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
that is incorporated by reference at the response to each comment.
information on the availability of this
National Archives and Records material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Support for the NPRM
Administration (NARA). For information on It is also available on the Internet at
the availability of this material at NARA, call An anonymous commenter expressed
202–741–6030, or go to: http://
http://www.regulations.gov by searching support for the NPRM.
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
locations.html. 0243. Request To Revise Program Designation
Issued in Renton, Washington, on Examining the AD Docket Boeing requested that we revise
September 27, 2017. ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ to
You may examine the AD docket on ‘‘maintenance inspection program’’ in
Dionne Palermo, the Internet at http://
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, the proposed AD. Boeing stated that
www.regulations.gov by searching for operators have a single program that
Aircraft Certification Service. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
[FR Doc. 2017–21444 Filed 10–11–17; 8:45 am]
relates to the Supplemental Structural
0243; or in person at the Docket Inspection Document (SSID).
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Management Facility between 9 a.m. We do not agree with the commenter’s
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, request. Airplanes operating under 14
except Federal holidays. The AD docket CFR part 91 have ‘‘inspection programs’’
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION contains this final rule, the regulatory while airplanes operating under 14 CFR
Federal Aviation Administration evaluation, any comments received, and part 121 have ‘‘maintenance programs.’’
other information. The address for the The decision to use the wording
14 CFR Part 39 Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ is
Docket Management Facility, U.S. intentional. We have not changed this
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0243; Product Department of Transportation, Docket AD in this regard.
Identifier 2016–NM–045–AD; Amendment Operations, M–30, West Building
39–19069; AD 2017–20–12] Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Request To Revise Compliance Times
RIN 2120–AA64 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Boeing requested that we revise the
DC 20590. compliance time for the initial
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: inspections in paragraphs (h)(1) and
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES

Company Airplanes Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace (h)(2) of the proposed AD from ‘‘before
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los the accumulation of 66,000 total flight
Administration (FAA), DOT. Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount cycles, or within 12 months after the
ACTION: Final rule. Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; effective date of this AD, whichever
phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627– occurs later’’ to before the accumulation
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@ of 66,000 total flight cycles, or at the
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The faa.gov. next scheduled inspection as required

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Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:02:59
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:02:59
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 November 16, 2017.
Contact		Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627- 5210; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 47363
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 47363 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 196 (October 12, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
