Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727 Airplanes, 38950-38953 [2010-16552]
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38950
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 129 / Wednesday, July 7, 2010 / Proposed Rules
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI
and/or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(j) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your
principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector,
your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically
reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(k) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2010–0016R1, dated February 9,
2010, and the service information identified
in Table 2 of this AD, for related information.
TABLE 2—RELATED SERVICE INFORMATION
Document
Revision
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–34–3232 .............................................
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–34–4239 .............................................
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–34–5072 .............................................
Thales Service Bulletin C16291A–34–007 ..........................................................
Original ..................................................
Original ..................................................
Original ..................................................
Revision 01 ...........................................
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 25,
2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–16553 Filed 7–6–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
proposing this AD to detect and correct
scribe lines, which can develop into
fatigue cracks in the skin and cause
rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 23, 2010.
You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–
2207; telephone 206–544–5000,
extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; e-mail
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
1221.
ADDRESSES:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0677; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NM–075–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Model 727 Airplanes
cprice-sewell on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require inspections for scribe
lines in the fuselage skin at skin lap
joints and butt joints, the skin at certain
external approved repairs, the skin
around external features such as
antennas, and the skin at decals and
fairings; and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. This
proposed AD results from reports of
scribe lines found at skin lap joints and
butt joints, around external repairs and
antennas, and at locations where
external decals had been cut. We are
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Date
January 20, 2010.
January 20, 2010.
January 20, 2010.
December 3, 2009.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; 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 proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(telephone 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6577; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2010–0677; Directorate Identifier
2010–NM–075–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 129 / Wednesday, July 7, 2010 / Proposed Rules
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 reports of scribeline-related cracking on 2 Model 727
airplanes. One report was on a 727–100
airplane with 44,171 flight cycles. The
crack was near a repair and caused
rapid decompression of the airplane.
Another report was on a 727–100
airplane with 51,195 flight cycles. The
crack was at station 1090–1110, stringer
4L lap joint. This crack also caused
rapid decompression of the airplane.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in fatigue cracks developing in
the skin at scribe line locations. Fatigue
cracks, if not corrected, could grow large
and cause rapid decompression of the
airplane.
Related ADs
This proposed AD is similar to four
existing ADs. AD 2010–05–13,
Amendment 39–16223 (75 FR 13225,
March 19, 2010), applies to Boeing
Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300,
–400, and, –500 series airplanes. AD
2007–19–07, Amendment 39–15198 (72
FR 60244, October 24, 2007), applies to
certain Boeing Model 757–200, –200PF,
and, –200CB series airplanes. AD 2009–
24–08, Amendment 39–16096 (74 FR
62217, November 27, 2009) applies to
certain Boeing Model 777–200, –200LR,
–300, and, –300ER series airplanes. AD
2010–06–16, Amendment 39–16241 (75
FR 12670, March 17, 2010) applies to
certain Boeing Model 767 series
airplanes. Those ADs require
inspections to detect scribe lines in the
fuselage skin at certain lap joints,
around decal locations, external repair
doublers, and other areas; and related
investigative/corrective actions if
necessary. Those actions resulted from
reports of fuselage skin cracks adjacent
to the skin lap joints on airplanes that
had scribe lines.
Relevant Service Information
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We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010. This service bulletin
describes procedures for detailed
inspections to detect scribe lines along
applicable skin lap joints, skin butt
joints, external approved repairs,
external features, decals, and fairings.
This service bulletin specifies removing
paint and sealant from affected areas
before the initial detailed inspection.
The compliance times for the initial
detailed inspections range for certain
airplane configurations from 30,000 to
60,000 total accumulated flight cycles
(depending on the inspection location),
or within up to 36 months after the date
of this service bulletin, whichever
occurs later. For certain other airplane
configurations, the initial detailed
inspections range between 6 months
and 24 months after the date of this
service bulletin.
This service bulletin specifies related
investigative actions that include
performing low or high frequency eddy
current or ultrasonic inspections of the
scribe lines to detect cracks, and this
service bulletin specifies corrective
actions as either repairing scribe lines
and cracks or contacting Boeing for
repair instructions and doing the repair.
This service bulletin specifies
repairing scribe lines before further
flight, except when a limited return to
service (LRTS) program for qualifying
scribe lines would allow return to
service for a limited period before scribe
lines are repaired. The LRTS program
includes repetitive inspections to detect
cracks where scribe lines are found. To
qualify for an LRTS program, scribe
lines must meet certain criteria based on
their depth and location. This service
bulletin specifies contacting Boeing for
final repair instructions, which would
eliminate the need for the repetitive
inspections of the LRTS program. The
repetitive interval for the LRTS program
ranges from 800 to 9,000 flight cycles,
depending on the depth and location of
the scribe lines and the configuration of
the airplane.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–
53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
notes that certain inspections would not
be required under any of the following
conditions:
38951
• The airplane had never been
stripped or repainted.
• The airplane had never been
stripped or repainted under the wing-tobody fairings.
• The airplane has never had any
decals installed in inspection areas
since delivery.
• The existing repairs on the airplane
span at least 3 rows above/forward and
3 rows below/aft of potential scribe
lines on lap joints and butt joints.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–
53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
specifies submitting the inspection
results to Boeing.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all relevant information and
determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of these same
type designs. This proposed AD would
require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information
described previously, except as
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.’’
The proposed AD would also require
sending the inspection results to the
manufacturer.
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and Service Bulletin
The service bulletin specifies to
contact the manufacturer for
instructions on how to repair certain
conditions, but this proposed AD would
require repairing those conditions in
one of the following ways:
• Using a method that we approve; or
• Using data that meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and
that have been approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) whom
we have authorized to make those
findings.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 234 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The following table provides
the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
TABLE—ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Work hours
Average labor rate
per hour
Parts
Cost per product
Number of
U.S.-registered
airplanes
Fleet cost
Inspection
Up to 320 hours
$85
$0
Up to $27,200
234
Up to $6,364,800.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 129 / Wednesday, July 7, 2010 / Proposed Rules
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.
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), and
3. 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.
You can find our regulatory
evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
cprice-sewell on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2010–0677; Directorate Identifier 2010–
NM–075–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August
23, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing
Company Model 727, 727C, 727–100, 727–
100C, 727–200, and 727–200F series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727–53A0233, dated February 19, 2010.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53: Fuselage.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports of scribe
lines found at skin lap joints, butt joints,
around external repairs and antennas, and at
locations where external decals had been cut.
The Federal Aviation Administration is
issuing this AD to detect and correct scribe
lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks
in the skin and cause rapid decompression of
the airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection
(g) At the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010 (‘‘the service bulletin’’),
except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (i)
Of this AD, do detailed inspections for scribe
lines of skin lap joints, skin butt joints,
around external approved repairs, external
features, and fairings, and at locations where
external decals may have been cut, and do all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions at the times specified in
the service bulletin, by accomplishing all
actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin, except as
provided by paragraph (j) of this AD.
Note 1: The inspection exemptions noted
in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 727–53A0233, dated February 19,
2010, apply to this AD.
Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications
(h) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727–53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
specifies a compliance time after ‘‘the original
issue date on this service bulletin,’’ this AD
requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(i) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727–53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
specifies to calculate the flight-cycle time for
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an airplane ‘‘as of the original issue date on
this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires the
airplane flight-cycle time to be calculated as
of the effective date of this AD.
(j) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727–53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action, accomplish applicable actions before
further flight using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l) of this AD.
Report
(k) At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD: Submit
a report of positive crack findings of the
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this
AD. Operators may use the reporting form
contained in Appendixes B and C, as
applicable, of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727–53A0233, dated February 19, 2010. Send
the report to Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–
2207. The report must contain, at a
minimum, the inspection results, a
description of any discrepancies found, the
airplane serial number, and the number of
flight cycles and flight hours on the airplane.
Under the provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection
requirements contained in this AD and has
assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Berhane Alazar,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–
120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6577; fax (425) 917–6590.
Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-MOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your principal maintenance inspector
(PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI),
as appropriate, or lacking a principal
inspector, your local Flight Standards District
Office. The AMOC approval letter must
specifically reference this AD.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
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
to make those findings. For a repair method
to be approved, the repair must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 129 / Wednesday, July 7, 2010 / Proposed Rules
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29,
2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–16552 Filed 7–6–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0673; Directorate
Identifier 2009–NM–208–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE
Systems (OPERATIONS) LIMITED
Model BAe 146 and Avro 146–RJ
Airplanes
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AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would
supersede an existing AD. This
proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify
and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as: In June 2000,
prompted by a crack found at the top of
the NLG [nose landing gear] oleo, BAE
Systems (Operations) Ltd issued
Inspection Service Bulletin (SB) 32–158.
This SB was classified mandatory by the
UK [United Kingdom] Civil Aviation
Authority under AD number 002–06–
2000, requiring repetitive nondestructive testing (NDT) inspections for
cracking on the upper end of the NLG
oleo. The AD also provided an optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections, by embodiment of MessierDowty SB.146–32–150. As part of a
recent accident investigation, the
examination of a fractured NLG main
fitting showed that Messier-Dowty [M–
D] SB.146–32–150 had not been
accomplished, although the records
indicated that it had been. BAE Systems
has determined that more NLG units
could be similarly affected. These NLG
units have been overhauled at Messier
Services in Sterling, Virginia, in the
United States. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in NLG failure.
Subsequently, investigation and
analysis by M–D has identified the need
for a reduction of the inspection
threshold and the repetitive inspection
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interval for the affected NLG units and
has replaced M–D SB 146–32–149 with
M–D SB 146–32–174. The unsafe
condition is cracking of the NLG, which
could adversely affect the airplane’s safe
landing. The proposed AD would
require actions that are intended to
address the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 23, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For BAE SYSTEMS (Operations)
Limited service information identified
in this proposed AD, contact BAE
Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer
Information Department, Prestwick
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9
2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom;
telephone +44 1292 675704; e-mail
RApublications@baesystems.com;
Internet https://www.baesystems.com/
Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
For Messier-Dowty, contact Messier
Services Americas, Customer Support
Center, 45360 Severn Way, Sterling,
Virginia 20166–8910; telephone 703–
450–8233; fax 703–404–1621; Internet
https://techpubs.services.messierdowty.com. You may review copies of
the referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425–227–1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Operations office between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
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38953
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2010–0673; Directorate Identifier
2009–NM–208–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We have lengthened the 30-day
comment period for proposed ADs that
address MCAI originated by aviation
authorities of other countries to provide
adequate time for interested parties to
submit comments. The comment period
for these proposed ADs is now typically
45 days, which is consistent with the
comment period for domestic transport
ADs.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
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
On February 6, 2002, we issued AD
2002–03–10, Amendment 39–12651 (67
FR 6855, February 14, 2002). That AD
required actions intended to address an
unsafe condition on the products listed
above.
Since we issued AD 2002–03–10,
investigation and analysis by MessierDowty has identified the need for a
reduction of the inspection threshold
and the repetitive inspection interval for
the affected nose landing gear (NLG)
units, and has replaced Messier-Dowty
Service Bulletin 146–32–149, dated
April 17, 2000, with Messier-Dowty
Service Bulletin 146–32–174, Revision
1, dated September 2, 2009. The
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2010–0001–E,
dated January 4, 2010 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38950-38953]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-16552]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0677; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-075-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspections
for scribe lines in the fuselage skin at skin lap joints and butt
joints, the skin at certain external approved repairs, the skin around
external features such as antennas, and the skin at decals and
fairings; and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of scribe lines found
at skin lap joints and butt joints, around external repairs and
antennas, and at locations where external decals had been cut. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct scribe lines, which can develop
into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause rapid decompression of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 23, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6577; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0677;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-075-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
[[Page 38951]]
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 reports of scribe-line-related cracking on 2 Model
727 airplanes. One report was on a 727-100 airplane with 44,171 flight
cycles. The crack was near a repair and caused rapid decompression of
the airplane. Another report was on a 727-100 airplane with 51,195
flight cycles. The crack was at station 1090-1110, stringer 4L lap
joint. This crack also caused rapid decompression of the airplane. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in fatigue cracks developing
in the skin at scribe line locations. Fatigue cracks, if not corrected,
could grow large and cause rapid decompression of the airplane.
Related ADs
This proposed AD is similar to four existing ADs. AD 2010-05-13,
Amendment 39-16223 (75 FR 13225, March 19, 2010), applies to Boeing
Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and, -500 series airplanes. AD
2007-19-07, Amendment 39-15198 (72 FR 60244, October 24, 2007), applies
to certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and, -200CB series airplanes.
AD 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009)
applies to certain Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and, -300ER
series airplanes. AD 2010-06-16, Amendment 39-16241 (75 FR 12670, March
17, 2010) applies to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. Those
ADs require inspections to detect scribe lines in the fuselage skin at
certain lap joints, around decal locations, external repair doublers,
and other areas; and related investigative/corrective actions if
necessary. Those actions resulted from reports of fuselage skin cracks
adjacent to the skin lap joints on airplanes that had scribe lines.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010. This service bulletin describes procedures for
detailed inspections to detect scribe lines along applicable skin lap
joints, skin butt joints, external approved repairs, external features,
decals, and fairings. This service bulletin specifies removing paint
and sealant from affected areas before the initial detailed inspection.
The compliance times for the initial detailed inspections range for
certain airplane configurations from 30,000 to 60,000 total accumulated
flight cycles (depending on the inspection location), or within up to
36 months after the date of this service bulletin, whichever occurs
later. For certain other airplane configurations, the initial detailed
inspections range between 6 months and 24 months after the date of this
service bulletin.
This service bulletin specifies related investigative actions that
include performing low or high frequency eddy current or ultrasonic
inspections of the scribe lines to detect cracks, and this service
bulletin specifies corrective actions as either repairing scribe lines
and cracks or contacting Boeing for repair instructions and doing the
repair.
This service bulletin specifies repairing scribe lines before
further flight, except when a limited return to service (LRTS) program
for qualifying scribe lines would allow return to service for a limited
period before scribe lines are repaired. The LRTS program includes
repetitive inspections to detect cracks where scribe lines are found.
To qualify for an LRTS program, scribe lines must meet certain criteria
based on their depth and location. This service bulletin specifies
contacting Boeing for final repair instructions, which would eliminate
the need for the repetitive inspections of the LRTS program. The
repetitive interval for the LRTS program ranges from 800 to 9,000
flight cycles, depending on the depth and location of the scribe lines
and the configuration of the airplane.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
notes that certain inspections would not be required under any of the
following conditions:
The airplane had never been stripped or repainted.
The airplane had never been stripped or repainted under
the wing-to-body fairings.
The airplane has never had any decals installed in
inspection areas since delivery.
The existing repairs on the airplane span at least 3 rows
above/forward and 3 rows below/aft of potential scribe lines on lap
joints and butt joints.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
specifies submitting the inspection results to Boeing.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously, except as
discussed under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service
Bulletin.'' The proposed AD would also require sending the inspection
results to the manufacturer.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin
The service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD
would require repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:
Using a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 234 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.
Table--Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor rate Parts Cost per product registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
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Inspection Up to 320 hours $85 $0 Up to $27,200 234 Up to $6,364,800.
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[[Page 38952]]
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.
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), and
3. 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-0677; Directorate Identifier
2010-NM-075-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August 23, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated
in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
53A0233, dated February 19, 2010.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53:
Fuselage.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports of scribe lines found at skin
lap joints, butt joints, around external repairs and antennas, and
at locations where external decals had been cut. The Federal
Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to detect and correct
scribe lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and
cause rapid decompression of the airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection
(g) At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010 (``the service bulletin''), except as provided in
paragraphs (h) and (i) Of this AD, do detailed inspections for
scribe lines of skin lap joints, skin butt joints, around external
approved repairs, external features, and fairings, and at locations
where external decals may have been cut, and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions at the times specified
in the service bulletin, by accomplishing all actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as
provided by paragraph (j) of this AD.
Note 1: The inspection exemptions noted in paragraph 1.E. of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated February 19, 2010,
apply to this AD.
Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications
(h) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010, specifies a compliance time after ``the original
issue date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(i) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010, specifies to calculate the flight-cycle time for
an airplane ``as of the original issue date on this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires the airplane flight-cycle time to be
calculated as of the effective date of this AD.
(j) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated
February 19, 2010, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action, accomplish applicable actions before further flight using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l) of this AD.
Report
(k) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or
(k)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of positive crack findings of the
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Operators may use
the reporting form contained in Appendixes B and C, as applicable,
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0233, dated February 19,
2010. Send the report to Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. The report must contain, at a
minimum, the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies
found, the airplane serial number, and the number of flight cycles
and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN:
Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6577; fax (425)
917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-MOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair 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 to make
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
[[Page 38953]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-16552 Filed 7-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
