Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 30500-30503 [2014-12254]

Download as PDF 30500 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules 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 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. Amend § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–26– 15, Amendment 39–17310 (78 FR 1735, January 9, 2013), and adding the following new AD: ■ numbers identified in Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin ADM/ADC/ADAHRS–34– A01, dated November 6, 2012. This appliance is installed on, but not limited to, the aircraft specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(16) of this AD. (1) Airbus Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes. (2) Airbus Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes. (3) Airbus Model A320–111, –211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes. (4) Airbus Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes. (5) Airbus Model A330–223F, –243F, –201, –202, –203, –223, –243, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes. (6) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes. (7) AGUSTA S.p.A. Model AW139 helicopters. (8) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. (9) The Boeing Company Model 767–200, –300, –300F, and –400ER series airplanes; and Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and 777F series airplanes. (10) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 560XL (560 Excel and 560 XLS) airplanes. (11) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE– FALCON 900 airplanes and Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. (12) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB–135BJ airplanes. (13) Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GIV–X and GV–SP airplanes. (14) Learjet Inc. Model 45 airplanes. (15) PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC– 12/47E airplanes. (16) Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc.; de Havilland, Inc.) Model (Twin Otter) DHC–6– 400 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 16, 2014. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–12256 Filed 5–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 14, 2014. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Honeywell International Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2014–0285; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–035–AD. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (b) Affected ADs This action rescinds AD 2012–26–15, Amendment 39–17310 (78 FR 1735, January 9, 2013). 14 CFR Part 39 (c) Applicability This action applies to air data pressure transducers, as installed in air data computers (ADC), air data modules (ADM), air data attitude heading reference systems (ADAHRS), and digital air data computers (DADC) having the part numbers and serial RIN 2120–AA64 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 May 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2014–0284; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–011–AD] Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ACTION: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–100, 737–200, 737–200C, 737–300, 737–400, and 737–500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower corners of the forward entry doorway and the upper corners of the airstairs cutout. This proposed AD would require inspections for cracking of the forward entry doorway and airstairs cutout, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the lower corners of the forward entry door cutout and the upper corners of the airstairs cutout, which could progress and result in an inability to maintain cabin pressurization. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 14, 2014. 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 view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425 227–1221. DATES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0284; 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 E:\FR\FM\28MYP1.SGM 28MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules 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: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, ANM– 120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425– 917–6450; fax: 425–917–6590; email: alan.pohl@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– 2014–0284; Directorate Identifier 2014– NM–011–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. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion We received reports indicating that during routine inspections, cracks were found in the skin and doubler assemblies and bearstraps at the forward and aft lower corners of the forward entry doorway. Cracks were also found in the forward upper corner of the airstairs cutout. Cracks at the aft lower corner of the forward entry door typically start at the forward fastener hole that attaches the aft corner scuff plate at approximately station 339 and extend downward. Typical cracks at the upper forward corner of the airstairs door start near the upper tangent point of the corner radius. The airplanes on which the cracks were found had accumulated between 24,174 total flight cycles and 66,173 total flight cycles. Since the original issue of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737– 53–1083, dated October 28, 1983, 12 operators have reported finding cracks between 0.3 and 5.5 inches long on 19 airplanes. Since Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 3, dated December 7, 1989, was issued, nine operators have reported finding cracks between 0.25 and 2.7 inches long in the forward entry door cutout on 13 airplanes that were not included in the effectivity of that service bulletin. In addition, six operators have reported finding cracks between 0.5 and 1.5 inches long in the upper forward corner of the airstairs cutout. Such cracking, if not corrected, could progress and result in an inability to maintain cabin pressurization. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA–2014–0284. 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 inspections for cracking as specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information.’’ The phrase ‘‘corrective actions’’ is used in this proposed AD. ‘‘Corrective actions’’ are actions that correct or address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs. Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated 30501 December 18, 2013, 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: • In accordance with 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. Related Rulemaking AD 90–06–02, Amendment 39–6489 (Docket No. 89–NM–67–AD; 55 FR 8372, March 7, 1990) mandates certain structural modifications for Boeing Model 737 series airplanes. AD 98–11– 04 R1, Amendment 39–10984 (64 FR 987, January 7, 1999); AD 2008–08–23, Amendment 39–15477 (73 FR 21237, April 21, 2008); and AD 2008–09–13, Amendment 39–15494 (73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008); are supplemental structural inspection (SSI) program ADs that contain inspection requirements that are near or overlap the inspection areas that this proposed AD would require. The modification mandated by AD 90–06–02 and the inspections mandated by the exploratory SSI ADs are not sufficient to address the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD. Clarification of Post-Repair and PostPreventive Modification Repetitive Inspections Paragraph (i) and Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this proposed AD clarify that the post-repair and post-preventive modification repetitive inspections specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, would not be required by this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 132 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 9 work-hours × $85 per hour = $765 per inspection cycle. $0 $765 per inspection cycle. $100,980 per inspection cycle. Action Inspection (Groups 1 through 4 airplanes).1 1 We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the inspection of Group 5 airplanes. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 May 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\28MYP1.SGM 28MYP1 30502 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules OPTIONAL COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Preventive modification .................................... Up to 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 .... Up to $3,927 ...................... We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repair that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of Cost per product Up to $4,097. determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Repair ............................................................... 25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 ......... Up to $5,342 ...................... Authority for This Rulemaking List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 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. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 May 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 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. [Amended] 2. Amend § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2014–0284; Directorate Identifier 2014– NM–011–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 14, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower corners of the forward entry doorway and the upper corners of the airstairs cutout. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the lower corners of the forward entry door cutout and the upper corners of the airstairs cutout, which could progress and result in an inability to maintain cabin pressurization. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Up to $7,467. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspections and Corrective Actions The Proposed Amendment § 39.13 Cost per product (1) For airplane Groups 1 through 4, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013: Except as required by paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in table 1, 2, or 3, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, do the inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(1)(iii), and (g)(1)(iv) of this AD for cracks at the forward entry doorway and airstairs cutout, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Parts 1 and 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections, thereafter, at the interval specified in table 1, 2, or 3, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Any repair done in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for the repaired area only. (i) An external detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the skin. (ii) An internal detailed and HFEC inspection of exposed parts of the bear strap. (iii) A detailed and HFEC inspection along the edge of the cutout in the skin, skin doubler, and bear strap. (iv) An external low frequency eddy current inspection (LFEC) of the skin and bearstrap. (2) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes that have been repaired using any of the service information identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, the inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are not required. (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 1, dated October 25, 1985. E:\FR\FM\28MYP1.SGM 28MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 2, dated March 25, 1988. (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 3, dated December 7, 1989. (3) For Group 5 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013: Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the forward entry door cutout and airstairs cutout for cracks, and repair any crack, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. (h) Optional Preventive Modification For Groups 1 and 2, Configurations 5 and 6 airplanes; and Groups 3 and 4 airplanes; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, accomplishment of the preventive modification in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Post-Modification and Post-Repair Repetitive Inspections The post-modification and post-repair repetitive inspections specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, are not required by this AD. Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: The inspections specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, may be used in support of compliance with Section 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 14 CFR 129.109(b)(2)). The corresponding actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, are not required by this AD. (j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the Revision 4 date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. (k) 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 May 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 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 paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@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. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, ANM–120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6450; fax: 425–917–6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 16, 2014. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–12254 Filed 5–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis 15 CFR Part 801 [Docket No. 140424374–4374–01] RIN 0691–XC025 Direct Investment Surveys: BE–13, Survey of New Foreign Direct Investment in the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: This proposed rule would amend regulations of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to reinstate the reporting requirements for the BE–13, Survey of New Foreign Direct Investment in the United States, which was discontinued in 2009. BEA is proposing to reinstate SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 30503 this survey to better measure Commerce Department efforts through the ‘‘Build It Here, Sell It Everywhere’’ initiative to expand foreign business investment in the United States and to ensure complete coverage of BEA’s other foreign direct investment statistics. This survey will collect information on the acquisition or establishment of U.S. business enterprises by foreign investors, which was collected on the previous BE–13 survey, and information on expansions by existing U.S. affiliates of foreign companies, which was not previously collected. This mandatory survey would be conducted under the authority of the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act (the Act). Unlike other BEA surveys conducted pursuant to the Act, a response would be required from persons subject to the reporting requirements of the BE–13, Survey of New Foreign Direct Investment in the United States, whether or not they are contacted by BEA, in order to insure that respondents subject to the requirements for foreign direct investments in the U.S. are identified. DATES: Comments on this proposed rule will receive consideration if submitted in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. July 28, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 0691–XC025, and referencing the agency name (Bureau of Economic Analysis), by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. For Keyword or ID, enter ‘‘EAB–2014– 0001.’’ • Email: Barbara.Hubbard@bea.gov. • Fax: Office of the Chief, Direct Investment Division, (202) 606–2894. • Mail: Office of the Chief, Direct Investment Division, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE–50, Washington, DC 20230. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Office of the Chief, Direct Investment Division, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE–50, Shipping and Receiving, Section M100, 1441 L Street NW., Washington, DC 20005. Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in the proposed rule should be sent to both BEA through any of the methods above and to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA, Paperwork Reduction Project 0608–0035, Attention PRA Desk Officer for BEA, via email at pbugg@ omb.eop.gov, or by FAX at 202–395– 7245. E:\FR\FM\28MYP1.SGM 28MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30500-30503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12254]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0284; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, 737-200, 737-200C, 737-300, 
737-400, and 737-500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 
reports of cracking in the lower corners of the forward entry doorway 
and the upper corners of the airstairs cutout. This proposed AD would 
require inspections for cracking of the forward entry doorway and 
airstairs cutout, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD 
also provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the lower corners of 
the forward entry door cutout and the upper corners of the airstairs 
cutout, which could progress and result in an inability to maintain 
cabin pressurization.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 14, 2014.

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 view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0284; 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

[[Page 30501]]

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: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
alan.pohl@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-2014-0284; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-011-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

    We received reports indicating that during routine inspections, 
cracks were found in the skin and doubler assemblies and bearstraps at 
the forward and aft lower corners of the forward entry doorway. Cracks 
were also found in the forward upper corner of the airstairs cutout. 
Cracks at the aft lower corner of the forward entry door typically 
start at the forward fastener hole that attaches the aft corner scuff 
plate at approximately station 339 and extend downward. Typical cracks 
at the upper forward corner of the airstairs door start near the upper 
tangent point of the corner radius. The airplanes on which the cracks 
were found had accumulated between 24,174 total flight cycles and 
66,173 total flight cycles.
    Since the original issue of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1083, dated October 28, 1983, 12 operators have 
reported finding cracks between 0.3 and 5.5 inches long on 19 
airplanes. Since Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, 
Revision 3, dated December 7, 1989, was issued, nine operators have 
reported finding cracks between 0.25 and 2.7 inches long in the forward 
entry door cutout on 13 airplanes that were not included in the 
effectivity of that service bulletin. In addition, six operators have 
reported finding cracks between 0.5 and 1.5 inches long in the upper 
forward corner of the airstairs cutout.
    Such cracking, if not corrected, could progress and result in an 
inability to maintain cabin pressurization.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, 
Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013. For information on the procedures 
and compliance times, see this service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0284.

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 inspections for cracking as 
specified in the service information described previously, except as 
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any 
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for 
example, repairs.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, 
dated December 18, 2013, 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:
     In accordance with 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.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 90-06-02, Amendment 39-6489 (Docket No. 89-NM-67-AD; 55 FR 8372, 
March 7, 1990) mandates certain structural modifications for Boeing 
Model 737 series airplanes. AD 98-11-04 R1, Amendment 39-10984 (64 FR 
987, January 7, 1999); AD 2008-08-23, Amendment 39-15477 (73 FR 21237, 
April 21, 2008); and AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164, 
May 2, 2008); are supplemental structural inspection (SSI) program ADs 
that contain inspection requirements that are near or overlap the 
inspection areas that this proposed AD would require. The modification 
mandated by AD 90-06-02 and the inspections mandated by the exploratory 
SSI ADs are not sufficient to address the unsafe condition identified 
in this proposed AD.

Clarification of Post-Repair and Post-Preventive Modification 
Repetitive Inspections

    Paragraph (i) and Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this proposed AD 
clarify that the post-repair and post-preventive modification 
repetitive inspections specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-
1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, would not be required by 
this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 132 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (Groups 1 through 4    9 work-hours x $85               $0   $765 per inspection  $100,980 per
 airplanes).\1\                    per hour = $765                       cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                   per inspection
                                   cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the inspection of
  Group 5 airplanes.


[[Page 30502]]


                                                 Optional Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preventive modification..............  Up to 2 work-hours x     Up to $3,927...........  Up to $4,097.
                                        $85 per hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repair that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair...............................  25 work-hours x $85 per  Up to $5,342...........  Up to $7,467.
                                        hour = $2,125.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0284; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-011-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 14, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated 
December 18, 2013.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower corners 
of the forward entry doorway and the upper corners of the airstairs 
cutout. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the 
lower corners of the forward entry door cutout and the upper corners 
of the airstairs cutout, which could progress and result in an 
inability to maintain cabin pressurization.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections and Corrective Actions

    (1) For airplane Groups 1 through 4, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated 
December 18, 2013: Except as required by paragraphs (j)(1) and 
(j)(2) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in table 1, 2, 
or 3, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated 
December 18, 2013, do the inspections specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(1)(iii), and (g)(1)(iv) of this AD for 
cracks at the forward entry doorway and airstairs cutout, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Parts 1 and 3 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, except as 
required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections, 
thereafter, at the interval specified in table 1, 2, or 3, as 
applicable, of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 
18, 2013. Do all applicable corrective actions before further 
flight. Any repair done in accordance with Part 3 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD for the repaired area only.
    (i) An external detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspection of the skin.
    (ii) An internal detailed and HFEC inspection of exposed parts 
of the bear strap.
    (iii) A detailed and HFEC inspection along the edge of the 
cutout in the skin, skin doubler, and bear strap.
    (iv) An external low frequency eddy current inspection (LFEC) of 
the skin and bearstrap.
    (2) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes that have been repaired using 
any of the service information identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), 
(g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, the inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are not required.
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 1, dated 
October 25, 1985.

[[Page 30503]]

    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 2, dated 
March 25, 1988.
    (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 3, dated 
December 7, 1989.
    (3) For Group 5 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 
18, 2013: Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the forward entry door cutout and airstairs cutout for 
cracks, and repair any crack, using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.

(h) Optional Preventive Modification

    For Groups 1 and 2, Configurations 5 and 6 airplanes; and Groups 
3 and 4 airplanes; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013: Except as 
required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, accomplishment of the 
preventive modification in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, 
terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Post-Modification and Post-Repair Repetitive Inspections

    The post-modification and post-repair repetitive inspections 
specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated 
December 18, 2013, are not required by this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD:  The inspections specified 
in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated December 
18, 2013, may be used in support of compliance with Section 
121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2) of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 14 CFR 129.109(b)(2)). The corresponding 
actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, Revision 4, dated 
December 18, 2013, are not required by this AD.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, 
Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, specifies a compliance time 
``after the Revision 4 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD 
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1083, 
Revision 4, dated December 18, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for 
repair instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (k) of this AD.

(k) 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 paragraph (l)(1) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, 
Aerospace Engineer, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 16, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12254 Filed 5-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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