83 FR 16243 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 73 (April 16, 2018)

Page Range		16243-16245
FR Document		2018-07648
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that during a fleet survey on a retired Model 737 airplane, cracking was found common to the windshield and aft sill web. This proposed AD would require, at certain locations, repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the windshield and aft sill web, and applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16243-16245]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07648]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 16243]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0272; Product Identifier 2018-NM-005-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and 
-500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report 
indicating that during a fleet survey on a retired Model 737 airplane, 
cracking was found common to the windshield and aft sill web. This 
proposed AD would require, at certain locations, repetitive high 
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the windshield and aft 
sill web, and applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 31, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0272.

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-2018-
0272; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Truong, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5224; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0272; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-005-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that during a fleet survey on 
a retired Model 737 airplane, cracking was found common to the 
windshield and aft sill web. The airplane had 67,695 flight cycles and 
80,269 flight hours. Two cracks each measured approximately 0.35 inch 
long. The cracks initiated from the edge of the fastener hole and 
propagated toward the outboard edge of the aft sill web. Aft sill web 
cracking is the result of fatigue caused by cyclic pressurization of 
the fuselage and a knife edge condition at the fastener holes. At the 
Boeing metallurgical lab, three additional fastener hole cracks were 
detected common to the aft sill web using an HFEC inspection. The 
cracks also propagated toward the outboard edge of the aft sill web. 
Such cracking could adversely affect the structural integrity of the 
windshield assembly.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, 
dated December 11, 2017. The service information describes procedures 
for repetitive HFEC inspections of the number 3 windshield and of the 
aft sill web at station 254.6, between S-9 and S-11 on the left- and 
right-hand sides, and applicable on-condition actions. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions 
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, dated 
December 11, 2017, described previously, except for any differences

[[Page 16244]]

identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0272.

Explanation of Requirements Bulletin

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for 
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept 
into Boeing service bulletins.
    In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related 
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was 
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the 
development of a new process in which the service information more 
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition 
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a 
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to 
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 63 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFEC inspection..................  4 work-hours x $85               $0  $340 per inspection  $21,420 per
                                    per hour = $340                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0272; Product Identifier 
2018-NM-005-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 31, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that during a fleet 
survey on a retired 737 airplane, cracking was found common to the 
windshield and aft sill web. We are issuing this AD to address such 
cracking at these locations, which could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the windshield assembly.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017: Within 120 days 
after the effective date of this AD, do an inspection to correct the 
unsafe condition, using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

[[Page 16245]]

(h) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017: Except as required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in 
the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
737-53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017, do all applicable actions 
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, 
dated December 11, 2017.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1377, dated December 11, 2017, which is referred to 
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, dated December 
11, 2017.

(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, 
dated December 11, 2017, uses the phrase ``the original issue date 
of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB,'' this AD requires using 
``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1377 RB, 
dated December 11, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD 
requires repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority 
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards 
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be 
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration 
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the 
approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Truong, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5224; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07648 Filed 4-13-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
16243

Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 73

Monday, April 16, 2018

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER For service information identified in will also post a report summarizing each
contains notices to the public of the proposed this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial substantive verbal contact we receive
issuance of rules and regulations. The Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data about this proposed AD.
purpose of these notices is to give interested Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
persons an opportunity to participate in the Discussion
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; We have received a report indicating
internet https:// that during a fleet survey on a retired
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view Model 737 airplane, cracking was found
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION this referenced service information at common to the windshield and aft sill
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, web. The airplane had 67,695 flight
Federal Aviation Administration 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. cycles and 80,269 flight hours. Two
For information on the availability of cracks each measured approximately
14 CFR Part 39 this material at the FAA, call 206–231– 0.35 inch long. The cracks initiated from
3195. It is also available on the internet the edge of the fastener hole and
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0272; Product
at http://www.regulations.gov by propagated toward the outboard edge of
Identifier 2018–NM–005–AD]
searching for and locating Docket No. the aft sill web. Aft sill web cracking is
RIN 2120–AA64 FAA–2018–0272. the result of fatigue caused by cyclic
pressurization of the fuselage and a
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Examining the AD Docket
knife edge condition at the fastener
Company Airplanes You may examine the AD docket on holes. At the Boeing metallurgical lab,
the internet at http:// three additional fastener hole cracks
AGENCY: Federal Aviation www.regulations.gov by searching for were detected common to the aft sill
Administration (FAA), DOT. and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– web using an HFEC inspection. The
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 0272; or in person at Docket Operations cracks also propagated toward the
(NPRM). between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday outboard edge of the aft sill web. Such
through Friday, except Federal holidays. cracking could adversely affect the
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the structural integrity of the windshield
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
regulatory evaluation, any comments assembly.
The Boeing Company Model 737–100,
received, and other information. The
–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 Related Service Information Under
street address for Docket Operations
series airplanes. This proposed AD was 1 CFR Part 51
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
prompted by a report indicating that
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be We reviewed Boeing Alert
during a fleet survey on a retired Model
available in the AD docket shortly after Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377
737 airplane, cracking was found
receipt. RB, dated December 11, 2017. The
common to the windshield and aft sill
web. This proposed AD would require, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: service information describes
at certain locations, repetitive high David Truong, Aerospace Engineer, procedures for repetitive HFEC
frequency eddy current (HFEC) Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles inspections of the number 3 windshield
inspections of the windshield and aft ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount and of the aft sill web at station 254.6,
sill web, and applicable on-condition Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; between S–9 and S–11 on the left- and
actions. We are proposing this AD to phone: 562–627–5224; fax: 562–627– right-hand sides, and applicable on-
address the unsafe condition on these 5210; email: david.truong@faa.gov. condition actions. This service
products. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
DATES: We must receive comments on Comments Invited access to it through their normal course
this proposed AD by May 31, 2018. We invite you to send any written of business or by the means identified
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, relevant data, views, or arguments about in the ADDRESSES section.
using the procedures found in 14 CFR this proposal. Send your comments to
FAA’s Determination
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following an address listed under the ADDRESSES
methods: section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– We are proposing this AD because we
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 2018–0272; Product Identifier 2018– evaluated all the relevant information
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the NM–005–AD’’ at the beginning of your and determined the unsafe condition
instructions for submitting comments. comments. We specifically invite described previously is likely to exist or
• Fax: 202–493–2251. comments on the overall regulatory, develop in other products of the same
• Mail: U.S. Department of economic, environmental, and energy type design.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

Transportation, Docket Operations, M– aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
Proposed AD Requirements
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room all comments received by the closing
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, date and may amend this NPRM This proposed AD would require
Washington, DC 20590. because of those comments. accomplishment of the actions
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail We will post all comments we identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 receive, without change, to http:// Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB, dated
p.m., Monday through Friday, except www.regulations.gov, including any December 11, 2017, described
Federal holidays. personal information you provide. We previously, except for any differences

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM 16APP1
16244 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules

identified as exceptions in the enhance the AD system. One actions needed to address the unsafe
regulatory text of this proposed AD. enhancement is a process for annotating condition in the ‘‘Accomplishment
For information on the procedures which steps in the service information Instructions.’’ The new process results
and compliance times, see this service are ‘‘required for compliance’’ (RC) with in a Boeing Requirements Bulletin,
information at http:// an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC which contains only the actions needed
www.regulations.gov by searching for concept into Boeing service bulletins. to address the unsafe condition (i.e.,
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– In an effort to further improve the only the RC actions).
0272. quality of ADs and AD-related Boeing
service information, a joint process Costs of Compliance
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin improvement initiative was worked
The FAA worked in conjunction with between the FAA and Boeing. The We estimate that this proposed AD
industry, under the Airworthiness initiative resulted in the development of affects 63 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
Directives Implementation Aviation a new process in which the service estimate the following costs to comply
Rulemaking Committee (AD ARC), to information more clearly identifies the with this proposed AD:

ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators

HFEC inspec- 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 $340 per inspection cycle .............. $21,420 per inspection cycle.
tion. $340 per inspection cycle.

We have received no definitive data Regulatory Findings § 39.13 [Amended]
that would enable us to provide cost ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
We determined that this proposed AD the following new airworthiness
estimates for the on-condition actions
would not have federalism implications directive (AD):
specified in this proposed AD.
under Executive Order 13132. This
Authority for This Rulemaking proposed AD would not have a The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
substantial direct effect on the States, on 2018–0272; Product Identifier 2018–
Title 49 of the United States Code NM–005–AD.
the relationship between the national
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Government and the States, or on the (a) Comments Due Date
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, distribution of power and We must receive comments by May 31,
section 106, describes the authority of responsibilities among the various 2018.
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: levels of government. (b) Affected ADs
Aviation Programs, describes in more For the reasons discussed above, I None.
detail the scope of the Agency’s certify this proposed regulation:
authority. (c) Applicability
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
We are issuing this rulemaking under action’’ under Executive Order 12866, This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400,
the authority described in Subtitle VII, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: the DOT Regulatory Policies and category, as identified in Boeing Alert
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB,
section, Congress charges the FAA with 1979), dated December 11, 2017.
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (d) Subject
air commerce by prescribing regulations in Alaska, and Air Transport Association (ATA) of
for practices, methods, and procedures (4) Will not have a significant America Code 53, Fuselage.
the Administrator finds necessary for economic impact, positive or negative,
safety in air commerce. This regulation (e) Unsafe Condition
on a substantial number of small entities
is within the scope of that authority under the criteria of the Regulatory This AD was prompted by a report
because it addresses an unsafe condition Flexibility Act. indicating that during a fleet survey on a
retired 737 airplane, cracking was found
that is likely to exist or develop on common to the windshield and aft sill web.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
products identified in this rulemaking We are issuing this AD to address such
action. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation cracking at these locations, which could
This proposed AD is issued in safety, Incorporation by reference, adversely affect the structural integrity of the
Safety. windshield assembly.
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft The Proposed Amendment (f) Compliance
Certification Service, as authorized by Comply with this AD within the
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance Accordingly, under the authority compliance times specified, unless already
delegated to me by the Administrator, done.
with that order, issuance of ADs is
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
normally a function of the Compliance (g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

39 as follows:
and Airworthiness Division, but during For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
this transition period, the Executive PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
Director has delegated the authority to DIRECTIVES 53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017:
issue ADs applicable to transport Within 120 days after the effective date of
category airplanes and associated this AD, do an inspection to correct the
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
unsafe condition, using a method approved
appliances to the Director of the System continues to read as follows: in accordance with the procedures specified
Oversight Division. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. in paragraph (j) of this AD.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM 16APP1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules 16245

(h) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes 5224; fax: 562–627–5210; email: • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
For airplanes identified as Group 2 in david.truong@faa.gov. address above between 9 a.m. and 5
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737– (2) For service information identified in p.m., Monday through Friday, except
53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017: this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Federal holidays.
Except as required by paragraph (i) of this For service information identified in
AD, at the applicable times specified in the Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB, telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
dated December 11, 2017, do all applicable
actions identified in, and in accordance with,
referenced service information at the FAA, Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com;
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377
on the availability of this material at the internet http://www.airbus.com. You
RB, dated December 11, 2017.
FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: may view this service information at the
Guidance for accomplishing the actions Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
required by this AD can be found in Boeing March 30, 2018. South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1377, dated Chris Spangenberg, information on the availability of this
December 11, 2017, which is referred to in Acting Director, System Oversight Division, material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737– Aircraft Certification Service.
53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017. [FR Doc. 2018–07648 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am]
Examining the AD Docket
(i) Exceptions to Service Information BILLING CODE 4910–13–P You may examine the AD docket on
Specifications the internet at http://
(1) For purposes of determining
www.regulations.gov by searching for
compliance with the requirements of this AD: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 0270; or in person at the Docket
737–53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017, Federal Aviation Administration Management Facility between 9 a.m.
uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB,’’ 14 CFR Part 39 except Federal holidays. The AD docket
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of contains this NPRM, the regulatory
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0270; Product
this AD.’’ evaluation, any comments received, and
Identifier 2017–NM–133–AD]
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements other information. The street address for
Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB, dated December RIN 2120–AA64
11, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD
the Docket Operations office (telephone
requires repair using a method approved in 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
accordance with the procedures specified in section. Comments will be available in
Airplanes
paragraph (j) of this AD. the AD docket shortly after receipt.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) Administration (FAA), DOT. Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking International Section, Transport
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs (NPRM). Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
for this AD, if requested using the procedures 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
We propose to adopt a new
SUMMARY: telephone and fax 206–231–3229.
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter,
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, A340–
District Office, as appropriate. If sending Comments Invited
information directly to the manager of the300, A340–500, and A340–600 series We invite you to send any written
airplanes. This proposed AD was
certification office, send it to the attention of relevant data, views, or arguments about
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
prompted by a determination that a
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-
this proposal. Send your comments to
functional test to ensure that there is no an address listed under the ADDRESSES
ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. blockage of vent pipes was not done on
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
the trim tank of certain airplanes during
notify your appropriate principal inspector, 2018–0270; Product Identifier 2017–
production. This proposed AD would
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager NM–133–AD’’ at the beginning of your
require doing a trim tank functional test,
of the local flight standards district office/ comments. We specifically invite
certificate holding district office. and corrective actions if necessary. We comments on the overall regulatory,
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptableare proposing this AD to address the economic, environmental, and energy
level of safety may be used for any repair,
unsafe condition on these products.
modification, or alteration required by this
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
DATES: We must receive comments on all comments received by the closing
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization this proposed AD by May 31, 2018. date and may amend this NPRM based
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has ADDRESSES: You may send comments, on those comments.
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles We will post all comments we
ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following receive, without change, to http://
approved, the repair method, modification methods: www.regulations.gov, including any
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to personal information you provide. We
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

the certification basis of the airplane, and the
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the will also post a report summarizing each
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
instructions for submitting comments. substantive verbal contact we receive
(k) Related Information • Fax: 202–493–2251. about this NPRM.
(1) For more information about this AD, • Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Discussion
contact David Truong, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room The European Aviation Safety Agency
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– Washington, DC 20590. for the Member States of the European

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM 16APP1
Document Created: 2018-04-14 02:19:22
Document Modified: 2018-04-14 02:19:22
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 31, 2018.
Contact		David Truong, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5224; fax: 562-627- 5210; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 16243
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
83 FR 16243 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 73 (April 16, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
