83 FR 9238 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 43 (March 5, 2018)

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-18- 01, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, - 700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2016-18-01 requires repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left main landing gears (MLGs); repetitive inspection of these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary; and installation of new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which terminates the repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2016-18-01, we have determined that rotable parts were not addressed in that AD and that all airplanes of the affected models, excluding those with a certain configuration, should be inspected to determine if affected MLG trunnion pin assemblies are installed. This proposed AD would therefore add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9238-9242]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04228]


========================================================================
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. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Proposed 
Rules

[[Page 9238]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0162; Product Identifier 2017-NM-116-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-18-
01, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2016-18-01 requires 
repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies 
of the right and left main landing gears (MLGs); repetitive inspection 
of these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and related 
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary; and installation of 
new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which terminates the 
repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 
2016-18-01, we have determined that rotable parts were not addressed in 
that AD and that all airplanes of the affected models, excluding those 
with a certain configuration, should be inspected to determine if 
affected MLG trunnion pin assemblies are installed. This proposed AD 
would therefore add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 19, 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 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-2018-0162.

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-
0162; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3527; 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-2018-0162; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-116-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 issued AD 2016-18-01, Amendment 39-18631 (81 FR 59830, August 
31, 2016) (``AD 2016-18-01''), for certain The Boeing Company Model 
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2016-
18-01 requires repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft trunnion 
pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs; repetitive inspection of 
these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and related 
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary; and installation of 
new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which terminates the 
repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections. AD 2016-18-01 
resulted from reports of heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the 
forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs. We 
issued AD 2016-18-01 to detect and correct heavy corrosion and chrome 
damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and 
left MLGs, which could result in cracking of these assemblies and 
collapse of the MLGs.

Actions Since AD 2016-18-01 Was Issued

    To support operations, many operators have put processes in place 
that, given certain conditions, allow them to rotate or transfer parts 
or equipment within their fleets to different aircraft than what is 
defined in the manufacturer's type design. We have determined that the 
parts or equipment subject to the unsafe condition addressed by this 
proposed AD may have been rotated or transferred in this manner, due to 
similarity with parts or equipment not subject to the unsafe condition 
addressed by this proposed AD. Therefore, AD 2016-18-01 is being 
superseded to include all Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER airplanes.

[[Page 9239]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, 
Revision 2, dated August 2, 2017 (``BSASB 737-32-1448, R2''). This 
service information describes procedures for determining the part 
numbers of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies installed on the 
right and left MLGs, inspections for corrosion or damage on the forward 
and aft trunnion pin assemblies and related investigative and 
corrective actions, repetitive lubrication of these assemblies, and 
installation of new or modified trunnion pin assembly components. 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 retain all requirements of AD 2016-18-01. 
This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability. This 
proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of a MLG or MLG 
trunnion pin assembly on any airplane identified in paragraph (c) of 
the proposed AD unless certain actions are accomplished. In addition, 
this proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information.'' 
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-2018-0162.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this 
proposed AD. Related investigative actions are follow-on actions that 
(1) are related to the primary action, and (2) further investigate the 
nature of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD 
could include, for example, inspections.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
Corrective actions correct or address any condition found. Corrective 
actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The effectivity specified in BSASB 737-32-1448, R2 consists of 
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER airplanes identified 
as line numbers 1 through 6510 inclusive. Expanding the applicability 
of this proposed AD to all Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and 
-900ER airplanes addresses the rotability of the MLG trunnion pin 
assembly.
    In this proposed AD, operators would need to accomplish the actions 
required by paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k) of this proposed AD, 
and comply with the parts installation prohibition in paragraph (m) of 
this proposed AD, on any Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER airplanes with an original Certificate of Airworthiness or an 
original Export Certificate of Airworthiness dated on or before the 
effective date of the final rule. We have confirmed with Boeing that 
the accomplishment instructions in BSASB 737-32-1448, R2 are applicable 
to these expanded groups of airplanes.
    For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER airplanes 
with an original Certificate of Airworthiness or an original Export 
Certificate of Airworthiness dated after the effective date of the 
final rule, operators would not be required to comply with the 
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), and (k) of this proposed 
AD, but would be required to comply with the parts installation 
prohibition in paragraph (m) of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects up to 1,814 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this 
proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lubrication (retained actions      2 work-hours x $85                0  $170 per             $173,910, per
 from AD 2016-18-01).               per hour = $170                      lubrication cycle.   lubrication cycle
                                    per lubrication                                           (1,023 airplanes).
                                    cycle.
Inspection (Groups 1 and 2,        51 work-hours x $85               0  $4,335 per           $4,282,980 per
 Configuration 1 airplanes;         per hour = $4,335                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle
 retained actions from AD 2016-18-  per inspection                                            (988 airplanes).
 01).                               cycle.
Inspection (Group 3 airplanes;     93 work-hours x $85               0  $7,905 per           $276,675 per
 retained actions from AD 2016-18-  per hour = $7,905                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle
 01).                               per inspection                                            (35 airplanes).
                                    cycle.
Replacement/overhaul (Groups 1     84 work-hours x $85               0  $7,140.............  $7,054,320 (988
 and 2 airplanes; retained          per hour = $7,140.                                        airplanes).
 actions from AD 2016-18-01).
Replacement/overhaul (Group 3      86 work-hours x $85               0  $7,310.............  $255,850 (35
 airplanes retained actions from    per hour = $7,310.                                        airplanes).
 AD 2016-18-01).
Lubrication pin assemblies (new    2 work-hours x $85                0  $170 per             $308,380, per
 proposed action, Work Packages 1   per hour = $170                      lubrication cycle.   lubrication cycle
 and 2).                            per lubrication                                           (up to 1,814
                                    cycle.                                                    airplanes).
Inspection (new proposed action;   51 work-hours x $85               0  $4,335 per           $7,594,920 per
 Groups 1, 2, 4, and 5,             per hour = $4,335                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle
 Configuration 1 airplanes; Work    per inspection                                            (1,752 airplanes).
 Package 2).                        cycle.
Inspection (new proposed action;   93 work-hours x $85               0  $7,905 per           $490,110 per
 Groups 3 and 6 airplanes; Work     per hour = $7,905                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle
 Package 2).                        per inspection                                            (62 airplanes).
                                    cycle.

[[Page 9240]]

 
Replacement/overhaul trunnion pin  84 work-hours x $85               0  $7,140.............  $12,509,280 (up to
 assembly (Groups 1, 2, 4, and 5    per hour = $7,140.                                        1,752 airplanes).
 airplanes; new proposed action;
 Work Package 2).
Replacement/overhaul trunnion pin  86 work-hours x $85               0  $7,310.............  $453,220 (62
 assembly (Groups 3 and 6           per hour = $7,310.                                        airplanes).
 airplanes; new proposed action;
 Work Package 2).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 that the 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-18-01, Amendment 39-18631 (81 FR 59830, August 31, 2016), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0162; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-116-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by April 19, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-18-01, Amendment 39-18631 (81 FR 59830, 
August 31, 2016) (``AD 2016-18-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this 
AD
    (1) Airplanes in Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 1, as identified 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 
2, dated August 2, 2017 (``BSASB 737-32-1448, R2'').
    (2) Airplanes in Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 2, as identified 
in BSASB 737-32-1448, R2.
    (3) Airplanes in Group 3, as identified in BSASB 737-32-1448, 
R2.
    (4) Airplanes in Groups 4 and 5, Configuration 1, as identified 
in BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, except where this service bulletin 
specifies the groups as line numbers 3527 through 6510 inclusive, 
this AD specifies those groups as line number 3527 through any line 
number of an airplane with an original Certificate of Airworthiness 
or an original Export Certificate of Airworthiness dated on or 
before the effective date of this AD.
    (5) Airplanes in Groups 4 and 5, Configuration 2, as identified 
in BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, except where this service bulletin 
specifies the groups as line numbers 3527 through 6510 inclusive, 
this AD specifies those groups as line number 3527 through any line 
number of an airplane with an original Certificate of Airworthiness 
or an original Export Certificate of Airworthiness dated on or 
before the effective date of this AD.
    (6) Airplanes in Groups 6 as identified in BSASB 737-32-1448, 
R2, except where this service bulletin specifies the groups as line 
numbers 3527 through 6510 inclusive, this AD specifies those groups 
as line number 3527 through any line number of an airplane with an 
original Certificate of Airworthiness or an original Export 
Certificate of Airworthiness dated on or before the effective date 
of this AD.
    (7) All Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER series 
airplanes with an original Certificate of Airworthiness or an 
original Export Certificate of Airworthiness dated after the 
effective date of this AD.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

[[Page 9241]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of heavy corrosion and chrome 
damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right 
and left main landing gears (MLGs). We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft 
trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs, which could 
result in cracking of these assemblies and collapse of the MLGs.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection To Determine Part Number of MLG Trunnion Pin Assembly

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(3), (c)(4), 
and (c)(6) of this AD: Except as required by paragraph (l) of this 
AD, at the applicable time specified in Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, 
or Table 5, of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, 
R2, do an inspection to determine if any of the MLG trunnion pin 
assembly part numbers identified in paragraph 2.C.3., ``Parts 
Modified and Reidentified,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, are 
installed. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this inspection if the part number of each MLG trunnion pin 
assembly can be conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Repetitive Lubrication of MLG Trunnion Pin Assemblies

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(3), (c)(4), 
or (c)(6) of this AD, having any part number identified in paragraph 
2.C.3., ``Parts Modified and Reidentified,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, 
R2, installed: Except as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, at 
the applicable time specified in Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, or Table 
5, of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, 
lubricate the applicable forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of 
the right and left MLGs, in accordance with Work Package 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2. Repeat the 
lubrication thereafter at intervals not to exceed those specified in 
Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, or Table 5, of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the 
repetitive lubrication required by this paragraph.

(i) Repetitive Inspections, Corrective Actions, and Lubrication

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(3), (c)(4), 
or (c)(6) of this AD, having any part number identified in paragraph 
2.C.3., ``Parts Modified and Reidentified,'' BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, 
installed: Except as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, or Table 5, 
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, do a 
general visual inspection of the left and right MLGs at the forward 
and aft trunnion pin locations and the visible surfaces of the 
forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies for discrepancies including 
signs of corrosion or chrome plating damage, and lubricate the 
forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies as applicable, in accordance 
with Work Package 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 737-
32-1448, R2. Repeat the general visual inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed those specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2. If any discrepancy is 
found during any inspection required by this paragraph, before 
further flight, do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions in accordance with Work Package 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2. Accomplishment 
of the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by this paragraph.

(j) Modification of MLG Trunnion Pin Assemblies

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(3), (c)(4), 
or (c)(6) of this AD, having any part number identified in paragraph 
2.C.3., ``Parts Modified and Reidentified,'' BSASB 737-32-1448, R2 
installed: Except as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, at the 
time specified in Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, or Table 5, as 
applicable, of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, 
R2, modify the left and right MLG trunnion pin assemblies, including 
all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in 
accordance with Work Package 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BSASB 737-32-1448, R2. All applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions must be done at the time specified in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2. Accomplishment of 
the actions in Work Package 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BSASB 737-32-1448, R2 terminates the repetitive lubrication required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD and the repetitive inspections required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD.

(k) Replacement of MLG Forward Trunnion Pin Housing Assembly, Seal, and 
Retainer

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(5) of this 
AD: Except as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, at the time 
specified in Table 3 or Table 6, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2, replace the seal, 
retainer, and support ring assembly with a new seal and retainer 
configuration; install the forward trunnion pin assembly into the 
housing assembly; and lubricate the forward and aft trunnion pin 
assemblies for the left and right MLGs; in accordance with Work 
Package 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 737-32-1448, 
R2.

(l) Exception to Service Information Specification

    Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of BSASB 737-32-1448, R2 
specifies a compliance time ``after the Revision 2 date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.

(m) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a MLG 
or MLG trunnion pin assembly on any airplane identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD unless the actions 
required by paragraphs (j) or (k), as applicable, of this AD have 
been accomplished on the MLG or MLG trunnion pin assembly.

(n) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1448, dated May 19, 2011; or Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29, 
2015.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the requirements of 
paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29, 
2015.

(o) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (p)(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, Seattle 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 previously for AD 2016-18-01 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(p) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-
3527; 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

[[Page 9242]]

on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04228 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P