83 FR 52135 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 200 (October 16, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by the results of a fleet survey that revealed cracking in the bulkhead frame web at a certain body station. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the bulkhead frame web at a certain station, and applicable on-condition actions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 200 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52135-52137]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21965]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0415; Product Identifier 2017-NM-149-AD; Amendment 
39-19466; AD 2018-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by the results of a fleet survey that 
revealed cracking in the bulkhead frame web at a certain body station. 
This AD requires repetitive inspections of the bulkhead frame web at a 
certain station, and applicable on-condition actions. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 20, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 20, 
2018.

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, 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-
0415.

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-
0415; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5232; 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 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2018 (83 FR 24242). The 
NPRM was prompted by the results of a fleet survey that revealed 
cracking in the bulkhead frame web at a certain body station. The NPRM 
proposed to require repetitive inspections of the bulkhead frame web at 
a certain station, and repair if necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address cracking in the station (STA) 
259.5 bulkhead frame web from the first stiffener above stringer S-10 
to S-13. Such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of 
the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Corrective Actions

    Boeing requested that the Summary section and Related Service 
Information paragraph in the NPRM be revised to clarify that the 
corrective actions include more than just repairs. Boeing stated that 
the service information does not describe defined repairs but indicates 
that if any crack is found, contact Boeing for repair instructions and 
do the repair and repeat the instructions.
    We agree with the commenter's request for the reasons provided by 
the commenter. We have revised the Summary section of this final rule 
by changing ``repair if necessary'' to ``applicable on-condition 
actions.'' We have revised the ``Related Service Information under 1 
CFR part 51'' paragraph of this final rule by clarifying the 
description of the service information to ``. . . low frequency eddy 
current inspections of the STA 259.5 bulkhead frame web from the first 
stiffener above stringer S-10 to S-13, on the left and right sides of 
the airplane and applicable on-condition actions.''

Request To Include Group 1 Airplanes as Specified in the Service 
Information

    Boeing requested that Group 1 airplanes, as specified in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, dated October 12, 2017, be 
addressed in the body of the proposed AD. Boeing stated that this 
change would allow operators with airplanes that are not subject to the 
limit of validity a means to comply with the requirements specified in 
the proposed AD.
    We agree with the commenter's request for the reasons provided by 
the commenter. Group 1 airplanes are those having line numbers 1 
through 291 that have accumulated flight cycles beyond the limit of 
validity of the maintenance program. We have revised paragraph (g) of 
this AD to address Group 1 airplanes, added paragraph (h) of this AD to 
address Group 2 and 3 airplanes, and redesignated the subsequent 
paragraphs accordingly.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the Supplemental 
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the ability to 
accomplish the actions specified in the NPRM.
    We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of 
the proposed AD as (c)(1) and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to 
state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not affect the ability to 
accomplish the actions required by this final rule. Therefore, for 
airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ``change in product'' 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not 
necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

[[Page 52136]]

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 addressing 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 Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, 
dated October 12, 2017. The service information describes procedures 
for repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections and low 
frequency eddy current inspections of the STA 259.5 bulkhead frame web 
from the first stiffener above stringer S-10 to S-13, on the left and 
right sides of the airplane 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 411 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
          Action                   Labor cost           Parts cost      Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections..............  57 work-hours x $85 per                $0  $4,845 per            $1,991,295 per
                            hour = $4,845 per                          inspection cycle.     inspection cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2018-21-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19466; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0415; Product 2017-NM-149-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 20, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions 
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE 
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with 
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the results of a fleet survey that 
revealed cracking in the bulkhead frame web at a certain body 
station. We are issuing this AD to address cracking in the station 
(STA) 259.5 bulkhead frame web from the first stiffener above 
stringers S-10 to S-13. Such cracking could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 52137]]

(g) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, dated October 12, 2017: Within 120 days 
after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane and do all 
applicable on-condition actions using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(h) Required Actions for Group 2 and 3 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 2 and 3 in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, dated October 12, 2017: Except 
as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, at the applicable times 
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, dated October 12, 2017, do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
737-53A1369 RB, dated October 12, 2017.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by this AD is included in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1369, dated October 12, 2017, which is referred to 
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, dated October 
12, 2017.

(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, 
dated October 12, 2017, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of 
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369,'' this AD requires using the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, 
dated October 12, 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) 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, FAA, 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

    For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5232; 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 Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1369 RB, dated 
October 12, 2017.
    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on September 20, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21965 Filed 10-15-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P