Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes, 52875-52877 [2013-20840]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 27, 2013 / Proposed Rules 328–52–460, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2012 and Dornier 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB–328J–52–213, Revision 1, dated August 17, 2011, identify 20 of 26 part number NAS6703U1 fasteners requiring to be replaced due to incorrect length. (j) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for certain actions required by paragraph (g) and (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB–328– 52–460, Revision 1, dated August 17, 2011. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions 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. 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227– 1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. 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. (l) Related Information pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 (1) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2012–0183R1, dated September 28, 2012, for related information, which can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 2013. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–20845 Filed 8–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Aug 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0701; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–073–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all the Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of small repairs done on the vertical flange of the rib chord, repetitive inspections for cracking along the upper fillet radius of the rib chord, and a large repair or preventive modification if necessary. Accomplishment of a large repair or preventive modification would terminate the actions of the proposed AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracks in the rib upper chord, which could result in the inability of the wing structure to support the limit load condition, and consequent loss of structural integrity of the wing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 11, 2013. 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 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: 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 proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 52875 fax 206–766–5680; 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 (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–672–5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov. 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– 2013–0701; Directorate Identifier 2013– NM–073–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:// 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 As described in FAA Advisory Circular 120–104 (https://www.faa.gov/ documentLibrary/media/Advisory_ Circular/120–104.pdf), several programs have been developed to support initiatives that will ensure the continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure. The last element of those initiatives is the requirement to establish a limit of validity (LOV) of the E:\FR\FM\27AUP1.SGM 27AUP1 52876 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 27, 2013 / Proposed Rules Related Rulemaking AD 90–06–09, Amendment 39–6488 (55 FR 8370, March 7, 1990), which affects Model 727 series airplanes, requires, among other things, structural modifications specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 2, dated May 19, 1988. AD 94–07–08, Amendment 39–8866 (59 FR 14545, March 29, 1994), which affects certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes, requires structural inspections specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 2, dated May 19, 1988, and corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include small repairs, large repairs, and modifications. AD 94–07–08 requires repetitive inspections for cracks, but does not require repetitive inspections of small repairs. Accomplishment of the modification specified in AD 94–07–08 terminates those repetitive inspections. develop in other products of the same type design. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA–2013–0701. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracks along the upper fillet radius of the rib chord. Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997, does not specify this inspection if a small repair is done. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing. 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 engineering data that support the structural maintenance program under 14 CFR 26.21. This proposed AD is the result of an assessment of the previously established programs by Boeing during the process of establishing the LOV for Model 727 airplanes. The actions specified in this proposed AD are necessary to complete certain programs to ensure the continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure and to support an airplane reaching its LOV. Cracks have been reported on at least 8 airplanes in the upper vertical flange of the wing-to-body rib upper chord at body station 760. The cracks were detected when the airplanes had reached between 19,700 and 49,000 total flight cycles, and between 35,000 and 54,000 total flight hours. Cracks in the rib upper chord, if not corrected, could result in the inability of the wing structure to support the limit load condition, and consequent loss of structural integrity of the wing. Costs of Compliance Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of any small repairs done on the vertical flange of the rib chord from the inboard side. The proposed AD would require a large repair or modification if any cracking is found. Accomplishment of a large repair or preventive modification would terminate the actions of the proposed AD. Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information We estimate that this proposed AD affects 106 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspections (per wing) ... 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 per inspection cycle. Cost per product $0 Cost on U.S. operators $510 per inspection cycle. $54,060 per inspection cycle. ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Large repair 1,2 ......................................... Preventive modification 1,3 ....................... 300 work-hours × $85 per hour = $25,500 ........................................ 57 work-hours × $85 per hour = $4,845 ............................................ $12,139 10,614 Cost per product $37,639 15,459 1 Cost for on-condition actions (either 2 or 3), per wing. for large repair, per wing. 3 Cost for preventive modification, per wing. 2 Cost pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Aug 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. E:\FR\FM\27AUP1.SGM 27AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 27, 2013 / Proposed Rules 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2013–0701; Directorate Identifier 2013– NM–073–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 11, 2013. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727–100, 727– 100C, 727–200, and 727–200F series airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the rib upper chord, which could result in the inability of the wing structure to support the limit load condition, and consequent loss of structural integrity of the wing. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Post-Repair Inspection For any small repair that has been done as specified in Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 57– 112; or Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727– 57–0112: Within 3,500 flight cycles after the small repair was installed or inspected as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57– 0112, or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest, do a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the vertical flange of the rib chord from the inboard side, and do a detailed VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Aug 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 (close visual) inspection for cracking along the upper fillet radius of the rib chord, in accordance with Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles until accomplishment of the repair or modification specified in paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD. (h) Inspection Definition For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required. (i) Corrective Action for Cracks If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do either action specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. Accomplishment of either action terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. (1) Do a large repair, in accordance with Part IV of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. (2) Do a preventive modification, in accordance with Part V of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. (j) Optional Terminating Action Accomplishment of the actions specified in either paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD. (1) A large repair, in accordance with Part IV of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Any crack found must be repaired before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. (2) A preventive modification, in accordance with Part V of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Any crack found must be repaired before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. (k) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the inspections, large repair, and modification specified in this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–0112, Revision 4, dated October 29, 1992. (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 52877 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 ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair 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. (m) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–672–5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206– 544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 2013. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–20840 Filed 8–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 28 CFR Part 94 [Docket No. OJP (OVC) 1523] RIN 1121–AA69 VOCA Victim Assistance Program Office for Victims of Crime, Justice. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Office for Victims of Crime (‘‘OVC’’) of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (‘‘OJP’’), proposes this rule to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27AUP1.SGM 27AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 27, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52875-52877]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20840]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0701; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-073-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
the Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD is intended to 
complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane 
reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that 
support the established structural maintenance program. This proposed 
AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of small repairs 
done on the vertical flange of the rib chord, repetitive inspections 
for cracking along the upper fillet radius of the rib chord, and a 
large repair or preventive modification if necessary. Accomplishment of 
a large repair or preventive modification would terminate the actions 
of the proposed AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracks in the 
rib upper chord, which could result in the inability of the wing 
structure to support the limit load condition, and consequent loss of 
structural integrity of the wing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 11, 
2013.

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 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: 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 proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-672-5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.

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-2013-0701; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-073-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://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

    As described in FAA Advisory Circular 120-104 (https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs 
have been developed to support initiatives that will ensure the 
continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure. The last element 
of those initiatives is the requirement to establish a limit of 
validity (LOV) of the

[[Page 52876]]

engineering data that support the structural maintenance program under 
14 CFR 26.21. This proposed AD is the result of an assessment of the 
previously established programs by Boeing during the process of 
establishing the LOV for Model 727 airplanes. The actions specified in 
this proposed AD are necessary to complete certain programs to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure and to support 
an airplane reaching its LOV.
    Cracks have been reported on at least 8 airplanes in the upper 
vertical flange of the wing-to-body rib upper chord at body station 
760. The cracks were detected when the airplanes had reached between 
19,700 and 49,000 total flight cycles, and between 35,000 and 54,000 
total flight hours. Cracks in the rib upper chord, if not corrected, 
could result in the inability of the wing structure to support the 
limit load condition, and consequent loss of structural integrity of 
the wing.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 90-06-09, Amendment 39-6488 (55 FR 8370, March 7, 1990), which 
affects Model 727 series airplanes, requires, among other things, 
structural modifications specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-
0112, Revision 2, dated May 19, 1988.
    AD 94-07-08, Amendment 39-8866 (59 FR 14545, March 29, 1994), which 
affects certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes, requires structural 
inspections specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision 
2, dated May 19, 1988, and corrective actions if necessary. The 
corrective actions include small repairs, large repairs, and 
modifications. AD 94-07-08 requires repetitive inspections for cracks, 
but does not require repetitive inspections of small repairs. 
Accomplishment of the modification specified in AD 94-07-08 terminates 
those repetitive inspections.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision 5, dated 
July 31, 1997. For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for Docket No. FAA-2013-0701.

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking 
of any small repairs done on the vertical flange of the rib chord from 
the inboard side. The proposed AD would require a large repair or 
modification if any cracking is found. Accomplishment of a large repair 
or preventive modification would terminate the actions of the proposed 
AD.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracks 
along the upper fillet radius of the rib chord. Boeing Service Bulletin 
727-57-0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997, does not specify this 
inspection if a small repair is done. This difference has been 
coordinated with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 106 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections (per wing).........  6 work-hours x $85 per               $0  $510 per            $54,060 per
                                  hour = $510 per                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large repair 1,2...........................  300 work-hours x $85 per hour =             $12,139         $37,639
                                              $25,500.
Preventive modification 1,3................  57 work-hours x $85 per hour =               10,614          15,459
                                              $4,845.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Cost for on-condition actions (either \2\ or \3\), per wing.
\2\ Cost for large repair, per wing.
\3\ Cost for preventive modification, per wing.

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),
    (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.

[[Page 52877]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0701; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-073-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 11, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs 
intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity 
(LOV) of the engineering data that support the established 
structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
cracks in the rib upper chord, which could result in the inability 
of the wing structure to support the limit load condition, and 
consequent loss of structural integrity of the wing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Post-Repair Inspection

    For any small repair that has been done as specified in Boeing 
727 Service Bulletin 57-112; or Part III of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112: Within 3,500 
flight cycles after the small repair was installed or inspected as 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, or within 18 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest, 
do a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the 
vertical flange of the rib chord from the inboard side, and do a 
detailed (close visual) inspection for cracking along the upper 
fillet radius of the rib chord, in accordance with Part III of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, 
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Repeat the inspections thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles until accomplishment 
of the repair or modification specified in paragraph (i) or (j) of 
this AD.

(h) Inspection Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an 
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate procedures may be required.

(i) Corrective Action for Cracks

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do either action 
specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. Accomplishment 
of either action terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of this AD.
    (1) Do a large repair, in accordance with Part IV of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, 
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997.
    (2) Do a preventive modification, in accordance with Part V of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-
0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997.

(j) Optional Terminating Action

    Accomplishment of the actions specified in either paragraph 
(j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
    (1) A large repair, in accordance with Part IV of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, 
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Any crack found must be repaired 
before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
    (2) A preventive modification, in accordance with Part V of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, 
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Any crack found must be repaired 
before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the inspections, large 
repair, and modification specified in this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision 4, dated October 29, 1992.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 
100, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-672-
5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20840 Filed 8-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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