Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 73949-73955 [2015-28824]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
73949
Section 226.3—Exempt Transactions
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
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3(b) Credit over applicable threshold
amount.
1. * * *
vii. From January 1, 2016 through
December 31, 2016, the threshold
amount is $54,600.
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Federal Aviation Administration
BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL
PROTECTION
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Authority and Issuance
AGENCY:
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0346; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5324;
fax: 562–627–5210; email:
galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
3. The authority citation for part 1026
continues to read as follows:
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Authority: 12 U.S.C. 2601, 2603–2605,
2607, 2609, 2617, 3353, 5511, 5512, 5532,
5581; 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
4. In Supplement I to part 1026, under
Section 1026.3—Exempt Transactions,
under 3(b) Credit Over Applicable
Threshold Amount, paragraph 1.vii is
added to read as follows:
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Supplement I to Part 1026—Official
Interpretations
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Subpart A—General
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Section 1026.3—Exempt Transactions
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3(b) Credit Over Applicable Threshold
Amount
1. * * *
vii. From January 1, 2016 through
December 31, 2016, the threshold
amount is $54,600.
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By order of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, November 18, 2015.
Robert deV. Frierson,
Secretary of the Board.
Dated: September 22, 2015.
Richard Cordray,
Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial
Protection.
[FR Doc. 2015–30091 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE: 6210–01–P; 4810–AM–P
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RIN 2120–AA64
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–100,–
200,–200C,–300,–400, and –500 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks in fuselage frames, and
a report of a missing strap that was not
installed on a fuselage frame during
production. This AD requires an
inspection to determine if the strap
adjacent to a certain stringer is installed,
and repair if it is missing; repetitive
inspections of the frame for cracking or
a severed frame web; and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This AD also provides
optional actions to terminate certain
repetitive inspections. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct missing
fuselage frame straps and frame cracking
that can result in severed frames which,
with multiple adjacent severed frames,
or the combination of a severed frame
and fuselage skin chemical mill cracks,
can result in uncontrolled
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 4, 2016.
ADDRESSES: 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 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. It is also available
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0346.’’
SUMMARY:
PART 1026—TRUTH IN LENDING
(REGULATION Z)
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[Docket No. FAA–2014–0346; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–010–AD; Amendment
39–18324; AD 2015–23–08]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the Bureau amends
Regulation Z, 12 CFR part 1026, as set
forth below:
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14 CFR Part 39
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Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 737–100,–200,–200C–300,–400,
and–500 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
June 30, 2014 (79 FR 36672). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of cracks in
fuselage frames, and a report of a
missing strap that was not installed on
a fuselage frame during production. The
NPRM proposed to require an
inspection to determine if the strap
adjacent to a certain stringer is installed,
and repair if it is missing; repetitive
inspections of the frame for cracking or
a severed frame web; and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. The NPRM also provided
optional actions to terminate certain
repetitive inspections. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct missing
fuselage frame straps and frame cracking
that can result in severed frames.
Continued operation of the airplane
with multiple adjacent severed frames,
or the combination of a severed frame
and fuselage skin chemical mill cracks,
can result in uncontrolled
decompression of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM (79 FR 36672,
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June 30, 2014) and the FAA’s response
to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on AD
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that
installation of winglets per
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/
ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/
$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect
the actions specified in the NPRM (79
FR 36672, June 30, 2014.
We concur with the commenter. We
have redesignated paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, and
have added a new paragraph (c)(2) to
this AD to state that installation of STC
ST01219SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/
ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/
$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect
the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for
airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is
installed, a ‘‘change in product’’
alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not
necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
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Request To Revise Preamble Wording
Boeing noted that the SUMMARY of
the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014)
explained that some optional actions
would terminate ‘‘certain’’ repetitive
inspections. Boeing requested that we
use this same wording in the Proposed
AD Requirements section of the NPRM
(which omitted the word ‘‘certain’’).
Although we agree with the
commenter’s statement, the Proposed
AD Requirements section is not
repeated in a final rule. Since the
referenced omission does not affect the
required actions or the unsafe condition,
no changes to this final rule are needed.
Request To Specify Inspection Method
Boeing requested that we add an
inspection in paragraph (g) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014). Boeing stated that this is
consistent with the compliance
information described in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013.
We agree with the commenter’s
request. We inadvertently omitted the
inspection requirement in paragraph (g)
of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June
30, 2014), which is described in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013. We have
revised paragraph (g) of this AD to
require that the inspection and
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applicable repair be done by using a
method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph
(q) of this AD. Paragraph (g) of this AD
applies only to airplanes identified as
Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
Currently, there are no Group 1
airplanes in service in the United States,
so notice of this new requirement is not
necessary.
Request To Revise Terminating Action
Wording
Boeing requested that we revise the
wording in paragraphs (i) and (j) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) to state the following actions.
• Doing the repair or preventive
modification of the frame at station 328
terminates the applicable repetitive
inspection requirements.
• Doing the preventive modification
of the frame at station 360 terminates
the applicable station 360 inspection
requirements.
• Doing the repair or preventive
modification of the frame at station 328,
and doing the preventive modification
of the frame at station 360 terminates
the applicable repetitive inspection
requirements of the frame at station 344,
and the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
skin inspections.
Boeing stated that the proposed
wording in paragraphs (i) and (j) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) is not clear. Boeing stated that
inspections of the frame at station 328
or at station 360 can be terminated by
a single action (applicable repair or
modification). Boeing explained that
accomplishing both specified actions at
station 328 and station 360 terminates
the station 344 frame inspections and
the option 2 skin inspections.
We agree to clarify the acceptable
terminating actions. We have added
new paragraph (m) of this AD, which
provides the following terminating
actions. We have redesignated
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
• Accomplishing the repair or
preventive modification of the frame at
station 328 terminates the inspections of
that frame required by paragraphs (i), (j),
and (k) of this AD.
• Accomplishing the repair or
preventive modification of the frame at
station 328 and the preventive
modification of the frame at station 360,
terminates the inspections of the frame
at station 344 and the fuselage skin
inspections required by paragraphs (i)
and (j) of this AD.
• Accomplishing the repair or
preventive modification of the frame at
station 360 terminates the inspections of
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that frame required by paragraphs (i)
and (j) of this AD.
• Accomplishing the repair or
preventive modification of the frame at
station 328 terminates the fuselage skin
inspections and the station 328 frame
inspections required by paragraphs (i)
and (j) of this AD.
Recommendation To Specify Optional
Preventive Modification
Boeing recommended that we specify
in paragraphs (i) and (j) of the proposed
AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) that
the station 328 repair described in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, can
be used as an optional preventive
modification.
We partially agree with the
commenter’s request. The commenter’s
request is already addressed in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013. However,
additional text might help clarify this
provision. We have added additional
text to paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this
AD that operators may do the repair of
the frame at station 328, as specified in
paragraph (m) of this AD, as an optional
preventive modification for that frame.
Requests To Revise Paragraph Format
and Inspection Method
Boeing requested that we revise
paragraphs (i) and (j) of the proposed
AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) by
moving the requirements for Group 6
airplanes to a new paragraph. Boeing
stated that the service information for
Group 6 airplanes provides directed
inspection instructions for the station
328 frame only, as provided in table 5
of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
Boeing added that for Group 6 airplanes,
there are no directed inspections for
station 344 or station 360, but there are
related investigative and corrective
actions for detailed inspections of the
frame at station 312 and station 344.
Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested
that we specify that the frame at station
344 requires detailed inspections, not
detailed and eddy current inspections.
SWA stated that Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December
6, 2013, describes only detailed
inspections at station 344.
We partially agree with both
commenters. We disagree with making
the changes requested by the
commenters. However, we agree that
certain actions are only done at certain
locations and for certain airplanes. The
inspections at station 344 are detailed
inspections only. Application of the
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appropriate inspection method to a
given frame is addressed by the phrase
‘‘as applicable,’’ i.e., actions are
applicable to the frames identified in
the service information for each group
of airplane. We have revised paragraphs
(i)(1), (i)(2)(i), (i)(2)(ii), (j)(l), and (j)(2) of
this AD by adding ‘‘as applicable’’ after
the station locations. This revision
clarifies that those actions are done only
as specified in the service information.
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Request To Add Sub-Paragraph
Headers
Boeing requested that we add the
subtitles ‘‘Initial Inspections’’ and
‘‘Follow-on Inspections’’ to paragraphs
(i)(1) and (i)(2), respectively, of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014). Boeing also requested that we
change the wording in paragraph (i)(2)
the proposed AD to ‘‘Accomplishing the
follow-on inspections required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD,’’ instead of
‘‘Accomplishing the initial inspections
. . . ’’ Boeing stated that paragraph (i)
of the proposed AD would mandate the
inspections for airplanes with fewer
than 28,300 total flight cycles, where
compliance (tables 4, 7, and 8 of
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013) consists of
initial inspections and then follow-on
inspections that contain options. Boeing
explained that paragraph (i)(1) of the
proposed AD would mandate the initial
inspections, and paragraph (i)(2) of the
proposed AD would mandate the
follow-on inspections. Boeing also
explained that paragraph (i)(2) of the
proposed AD phrase ‘‘accomplishing the
initial inspections’’ is understood to
refer to the first follow-on inspection
directed by the compliance time
(threshold).
We do not agree with the commenter’s
request. Paragraph (i)(2) of this AD
follows the format of Boeing’s service
bulletin compliance tables, which has a
different repeat interval from the
inspections specified in paragraph (i)(1)
of this AD. Paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of
this AD contain both initial and
repetitive inspections as well as related
investigative actions. We have not
changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Repetitive Inspection
Wording
Boeing requested that we revise the
last sentence of paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) to state, ‘‘Repeat the inspections
specified in this paragraph thereafter
. . . ’’ Boeing stated that this wording
would then match the wording for the
repetitive inspections specified in
paragraph (i)(2)(i) of the proposed AD.
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We agree with the commenter’s
request. In this case, similar wording
will provide consistent paragraph
wording without changing the intent of
the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014).
We have revised the wording in
paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this AD to ‘‘Repeat
the inspections specified in this
paragraph thereafter at the applicable
time and intervals specified in . . . .’’
Request To Clarify a Certain
Compliance Time
Europe Airpost requested that, in
order to avoid any confusion, we clearly
state a compliance time for paragraph (j)
of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June
30, 2014) for airplanes that have 28,300
total flight cycles or more. The
commenter asked whether those
airplanes would fall under the condition
28,300 total flight cycles but less than
32,800 total flight cycles, or 32,800 total
flight cycles or more.
We agree that clarification is
necessary. In this case, paragraph (j) of
this AD states to use the applicable
times specified in tables 4, 5, 7, and 8,
of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
Individual airplanes within an
operator’s fleet could fall into different
categories and thus have different
compliance times. Operators are to use
the appropriate compliance times and
repetitive intervals based upon the
applicable number of total flight cycles
that have been accumulated on each
airplane as of the effective date of this
AD. We have added new paragraph
(n)(3) of the AD to inform operators that
the ‘‘Condition’’ columns of the
compliance tables also contain
compliance information that
corresponds to the effective date of the
AD. We have also revised paragraphs
(i)(1) and (j)(1) of this AD to refer to
paragraph (n)(3) of this AD.
Request To Clarify Terminating Action
Wording
SWA requested that we revise the
terminating action portion of paragraph
(j) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672,
June 30, 2014) to clarify the specified
actions. SWA stated that, as written, the
terminating action statement seems to
imply that the operator is required to
accomplish both the preventive
modification of the frame at station 360
and the repair of the frame at station 328
to terminate the repetitive inspection
requirements for any of the station 328,
344, and 360 frames. SWA also stated
that the terminating action in paragraph
(j) of the proposed AD does not specify
actions or terminating actions if a repair
is installed at the station 344 frame.
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SWA explained that Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, contains terminating
action in the footnotes of the
compliance tables in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ which the commenter
thinks should be restated in the AD.
We agree with the commenter’s
request. For clarity, we have moved the
terminating action provisions that were
specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), (j),
and (k) of the proposed AD (79 FR
36672, June 30, 2014) to new paragraphs
(m)(1) through (m)(4) of this AD. We
have redesignated subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Requests To Specify Eddy Current
Inspection
Europe Airpost requested that we
clarify whether we meant to exclude the
eddy current inspection at station 328
described in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December
6, 2013, in paragraph (k) of the proposed
AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014). Boeing
requested that we add the eddy current
inspection at station 328 described in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, in
paragraph (k) of the proposed AD.
We agree with Boeing’s request to
specify the eddy current inspection and
Europe Airpost’s request to clarify the
eddy current inspection requirement.
We inadvertently omitted the eddy
current inspection from paragraph (k) of
the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) which applies to Group 7
airplanes. Our intention was to match
the actions described in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013. In the NPRM (79 FR
36672, June 30, 2014), we did not
identify any differences with Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013, in regards to
the required inspections, which
includes repetitive eddy current
inspections at station 328. For Groups 2
through 7 airplanes, paragraphs (i) and
(j) of the proposed AD do specify
detailed and HFEC inspections for
Groups 2 through 6 airplanes. Therefore,
we have revised paragraph (k) of this
AD to specify doing eddy current
inspections, in addition to the detailed
inspections, of the frame at station 328
for Group 7 airplanes.
Request To Specify Terminating
Actions for Station 380
SWA requested that we specify
procedures or terminating actions for
repairs installed at the station 380
frame, since paragraph (l) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) does not specify such actions.
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We do not agree with the commenter’s
request. Boeing has not provided such
repairs for our approval in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013. Therefore, we have
no specific engineering data to review
and approve. We have not changed this
AD in this regard.
Request for Credit for Certain Repairs
SWA requested that we revise
paragraphs (i) through (l) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) to include provisions for existing
repairs that were done using the service
repair manual (SRM) or the original
equipment manufacturer (OEM)
instructions. SWA requested that the
NPRM be revised to either terminate the
inspections or include alternative
actions if existing repairs inhibit the
ability to perform the inspections.
We partially agree with the
commenter’s request. We agree that
repairs approved by Boeing via FAA
Form 8100–9 (Statement of Compliance
with Airworthiness Standards) would
have also included the appropriate
inspections. We disagree that SRM
repairs would necessarily provide the
same level of safety. The commenter did
not specify for which SRM repairs it
was requesting approval. Such repairs
might or might not have included
consideration of the safety issues
addressed by Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December
6, 2013, and this AD (e.g., skin cracking
combined with frame cracking). We
have added a new paragraph (p) to this
AD to provide credit for repairs of the
station 328, 344, 360, and 380 frames in
the areas addressed by this AD that have
been approved by the Boeing ODA via
FAA Form 8100–9 prior to the effective
date of this AD for the repairs specified
in paragraphs (i), (j), (k), and (l) of this
AD. We have redesignated subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR
36672, June 30, 2014) for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 36672,
June 30, 2014).
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December
6, 2013. The service information
describes procedures for inspection for
cracking and missing straps,
modification, and repair of certain
fuselage frames. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 417
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspections ....................
21 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,785 per inspection cycle.
$0
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for certain on-condition
Cost per product
Cost on U.S. operators
$1,785 per inspection
cycle.
actions specified in this AD. However,
we estimate the following costs to do
any necessary repairs of the station 328
$744,345 per inspection
cycle.
frame and the station 360 frame. We
have no way of determining the number
of aircraft that might need these repairs:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Frame 328 repair ...............................
Frame 360 repair ...............................
25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 ......................................................
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ...........................................................
Negligible ...
Negligible ...
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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
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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
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
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Cost per
product
$2,125
425
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2015–23–08 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–18324; Docket No.
FAA–2014–0436; Directorate Identifier
2014–NM–010–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 4, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing
Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (https://
rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/
ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect the ability to
accomplish the actions required by this AD.
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC
ST01920SE is installed, a ‘‘change in
product’’ alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to
comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
in fuselage frames, and a report of a missing
strap that was not installed on a fuselage
frame during production. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct missing fuselage
frame straps and frame cracking that can
result in severed frames. Continued operation
of the airplane with multiple adjacent
severed frames, or the combination of a
severed frame and fuselage skin chemical
mill cracks, can result in uncontrolled
decompression of the airplane.
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16:09 Nov 25, 2015
Jkt 238001
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013: At the applicable
time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013, except as provided by paragraph (n)(1)
of this AD, do the inspection for cracking of
the frames and applicable repairs using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (q) of this
AD.
(h) Groups 2 Through 7 Airplanes:
Inspection for Strap Installation at Station
312
For airplanes identified as Groups 2
through 7 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: At
the applicable time specified in tables 2 and
3 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as provided by
paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, do a general
visual inspection of the frame at station 312
to determine if the strap adjacent to stringer
S–22 right is installed, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013. If the strap is not
installed, before further flight, repair using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (q) of this
AD.
(i) Groups 2 Through 6 Airplanes With Less
Than 28,300 Total Flight Cycles: Repetitive
Inspections, Related Investigative Actions,
and Corrective Actions at Stations 328, 344,
and 360
For airplanes identified as Groups 2
through 6 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, that
have accumulated less than 28,300 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this
AD: Do the actions required by paragraphs
(i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. Operators may do
the repair of the frame at station 328 as
specified in paragraph (m) of this AD as an
optional preventive modification for that
frame.
(1) At the applicable times specified in
tables 4, 5, 7, and 8 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013, except as provided by paragraphs (n)(1)
and (n)(3) of this AD: Do detailed and eddy
current inspections of the frame at stations
328, 344, and 360, as applicable, for cracking
or a severed frame web; and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions;
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter
at the applicable time and intervals specified
in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
73953
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, until the inspection
required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD is
done.
(2) At the applicable time specified in
tables 4, 5, 7, and 8 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013, do the actions specified in paragraph
(i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. Accomplishing
the initial inspections required by paragraph
(i)(2) of this AD terminates the inspections
required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(i) Do detailed and eddy current
inspections of the frame at stations 328, 344,
and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a
severed frame web; and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions;
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the inspections specified in this
paragraph thereafter at the applicable time
and intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013.
(ii) Do detailed and eddy current
inspections of the frame at stations 328, 344,
and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a
severed frame web; and external detailed and
eddy current inspections of the fuselage skin
for cracking; and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions; in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the inspections specified in this
paragraph thereafter at the applicable time
and intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013.
(j) Groups 2 Through 6 Airplanes With
28,300 Total Flight Cycles or More:
Repetitive Inspections, Related Investigative
Actions, and Corrective Actions at Stations
328, 344, and 360
For airplanes identified as Groups 2
through 6 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, that
have accumulated 28,300 total flight cycles
or more as of the effective date of this AD:
At the applicable times specified in tables 4,
5, 7, and 8 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as
provided by paragraphs (n)(1) and (n)(3) of
this AD, do the inspections specified in
paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD; and do
all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as specified in
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the applicable
inspections specified in paragraph (j)(1) or
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(j)(2) of this AD thereafter at the applicable
time and intervals specified in paragraph
1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013. Operators may do the repair of the
frame at station 328, as specified in
paragraph (m) of this AD, as an optional
preventive modification for that frame.
(1) Do detailed and eddy current
inspections of the frame at stations 328, 344,
and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a
severed frame web.
(2) Do detailed and eddy current
inspections of the frame at stations 328, 344,
and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a
severed frame web; and external detailed and
eddy current inspections of the fuselage skin
for cracking.
(k) Group 7 Airplanes: Repetitive
Inspections, Related Investigative Actions,
and Corrective Actions at Station 328
For airplanes identified as Group 7 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013: At the applicable
time specified in table 6 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated December 6,
2013, except as provided by paragraph (n)(1)
of this AD, do a detailed inspection and eddy
current inspection of the frame at station 328
for cracking or a severed frame web; and do
all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as specified in
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the inspections
specified in this paragraph thereafter at the
applicable time and intervals specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013. Operators may do the
repair of the frame at station 328, as specified
in paragraph (m) of this AD, as an optional
preventive modification for that frame.
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(l) Groups 2 Through 5 Airplanes: Repetitive
Inspections, Related Investigative Actions,
and Corrective Actions at Station 380
For airplanes identified as Groups 2
through 5 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: At
the applicable time specified in tables 9 and
10 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013, except as provided
by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, do detailed
and eddy current inspections of the frame at
station 380 for cracking or a severed frame
web; and do all applicable corrective actions;
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the inspections
specified in this paragraph thereafter at the
applicable time and intervals specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Nov 25, 2015
Jkt 238001
(m) Terminating Actions for Airplanes
Identified as Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
(1) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3,
4, 5, and 7 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013:
Accomplishing the repair or preventive
modification of the frame at station 328, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as required by paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD, terminates the inspections of that frame
required by paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3,
4, and 5 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013:
Accomplishing the repair or preventive
modification of the frame at station 328 and
the preventive modification of the frame at
station 360, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as required by
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD, terminates the
inspections of the frame at station 344 and
the fuselage skin inspections required by
paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3,
4, and 5 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013:
Accomplishing the repair or preventive
modification of the frame at station 360, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as required by paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD, terminates the inspections of that frame
required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
(4) For airplanes identified as Group 6 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013: Accomplishing the
repair or preventive modification of the
frame at station 328, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as required by
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD, terminates the
fuselage skin inspections and the station 328
frame inspections required by paragraphs (i)
and (j) of this AD.
(n) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
specifies a compliance time after the
‘‘original issue date of this service bulletin,’’
this AD requires compliance within the
specified compliance time after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) If any cracking is found during any
inspection required by this AD, and Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing
for appropriate action: Before further flight,
repair the cracking using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (q) of this AD.
(3) The Condition column of Tables 4, 5,
7, and 8 in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013, refers to total flight
cycles ‘‘at the original issue date of this
service bulletin.’’ This AD, however, applies
to the airplanes with the specified total flight
cycles as of the effective date of this AD.
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(o) Post-Repair Inspections and PostModification Inspections
(1) The post-repair and post-modification
inspections specified in tables 13 through 15
of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, are not required by this
AD.
(2) The post-repair and post-modification
inspections specified in Tables 13 through 15
of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1323, dated
December 6, 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 Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, are
not required by this AD.
(p) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for repairs
of the station 328, 344, 360, and 380 frames
in the areas addressed by this AD that have
been approved by the Boeing Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) via FAA
Form 8100–9 (Statement of Compliance with
Airworthiness Standards) prior to the
effective date of this AD for the repairs
specified in paragraphs (i), (j), (k), and (l) of
this AD.
(q) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 (r) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-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 that has been
authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
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.
(r) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–
4137; phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
(s) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
30, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–28824 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3642; Directorate
Identifier 2015–CE–028–AD; Amendment
39–18335; AD 2015–24–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
SOCATA Model TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB
21, and TB 200 airplanes. This AD
results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued 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 corrosion of the horizontal
stabilizer. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4,
2016.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Nov 25, 2015
Jkt 238001
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of January 4, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
3642; or in person at Document
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact SOCATA NORTH
AMERICA, North Perry Airport, 601 NE
10 Street, Pompano Beach, Florida
33060; phone: (954) 366–3331; Internet:
https://www.socatanorthamerica.com/
default.htm. You may view this
referenced service information at the
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–
4148. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA–2015–
3642.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Albert J. Mercado, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4119; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
albert.mercado@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to SOCATA Models TB 9, TB 10,
TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 airplanes. The
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 28, 2015 (80 FR
52215). The NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products and was based on mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country. The MCAI
states:
During accomplishment of SOCATA
Service Bulletin (SB) SB10–152–55 at
original issue, some operators reported
finding heavy corrosion of the horizontal
stabilizer (HS) spar.
The results of the technical investigation
have identified that the corrosion was caused
by humidity ingress in the HS on aeroplanes
subject to severe environmental conditions.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could result in buckling and
permanent HS distortion, possibly resulting
in reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this unsafe condition, SOCATA
issued SB 10–152–55 Revision 1 to provide
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
73955
instructions for inspection and corrective
action.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires repetitive inspections of the affected
area of the HS and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s).
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-36420001.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comment
received on the proposal and the FAA’s
response to the comment.
Request
Anthony Pynes commented that that
he does not believe the methodology
used and the foundational data available
supports the need for this AD, and thus
he believes that this AD is not
necessary.
We do not agree. The FAA, in
working with the State of Design
airworthiness authority (EASA),
determined that the actions of this AD
on the horizontal stabilizer of the
affected airplanes are necessary to
correct an unsafe condition. Included in
this is the risk in establishing such
actions at the required compliance
times. No changes to the AD have been
made based on this comment.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (80 FR
52215, August 28, 2015) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 52215,
August 28, 2015).
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed DAHER–SOCATA TB
Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB
10–152, Amendment 1, dated April
2015. The service information describes
procedures for inspection for corrosion
on the horizontal stabilizer spar and
repair, if necessary. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section of the AD.
E:\FR\FM\27NOR1.SGM
27NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73949-73955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28824]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0346; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-010-AD;
Amendment 39-18324; AD 2015-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737-100,-200,-200C,-300,-400, and -500 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in fuselage
frames, and a report of a missing strap that was not installed on a
fuselage frame during production. This AD requires an inspection to
determine if the strap adjacent to a certain stringer is installed, and
repair if it is missing; repetitive inspections of the frame for
cracking or a severed frame web; and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides optional actions
to terminate certain repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct missing fuselage frame straps and frame cracking
that can result in severed frames which, with multiple adjacent severed
frames, or the combination of a severed frame and fuselage skin
chemical mill cracks, can result in uncontrolled decompression of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 4,
2016.
ADDRESSES: 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 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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0346.''
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-
0346; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 737-100,-200,-200C-300,-400, and-500 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2014 (79 FR 36672). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in fuselage frames, and a report
of a missing strap that was not installed on a fuselage frame during
production. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine if
the strap adjacent to a certain stringer is installed, and repair if it
is missing; repetitive inspections of the frame for cracking or a
severed frame web; and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. The NPRM also provided optional actions to terminate certain
repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
missing fuselage frame straps and frame cracking that can result in
severed frames. Continued operation of the airplane with multiple
adjacent severed frames, or the combination of a severed frame and
fuselage skin chemical mill cracks, can result in uncontrolled
decompression of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79
FR 36672,
[[Page 73950]]
June 30, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on AD
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that installation of winglets per
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect
the actions specified in the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014.
We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) as paragraph (c)(1) of
this AD, and have added a new paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that
installation of STC ST01219SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect
the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore,
for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ``change in
product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is
not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Revise Preamble Wording
Boeing noted that the SUMMARY of the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) explained that some optional actions would terminate ``certain''
repetitive inspections. Boeing requested that we use this same wording
in the Proposed AD Requirements section of the NPRM (which omitted the
word ``certain'').
Although we agree with the commenter's statement, the Proposed AD
Requirements section is not repeated in a final rule. Since the
referenced omission does not affect the required actions or the unsafe
condition, no changes to this final rule are needed.
Request To Specify Inspection Method
Boeing requested that we add an inspection in paragraph (g) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014). Boeing stated that this is
consistent with the compliance information described in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
We agree with the commenter's request. We inadvertently omitted the
inspection requirement in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD (79 FR
36672, June 30, 2014), which is described in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. We have revised paragraph
(g) of this AD to require that the inspection and applicable repair be
done by using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (q) of this AD. Paragraph (g) of this AD applies
only to airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. Currently, there are no
Group 1 airplanes in service in the United States, so notice of this
new requirement is not necessary.
Request To Revise Terminating Action Wording
Boeing requested that we revise the wording in paragraphs (i) and
(j) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) to state the
following actions.
Doing the repair or preventive modification of the frame
at station 328 terminates the applicable repetitive inspection
requirements.
Doing the preventive modification of the frame at station
360 terminates the applicable station 360 inspection requirements.
Doing the repair or preventive modification of the frame
at station 328, and doing the preventive modification of the frame at
station 360 terminates the applicable repetitive inspection
requirements of the frame at station 344, and the Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, skin inspections.
Boeing stated that the proposed wording in paragraphs (i) and (j)
of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) is not clear. Boeing
stated that inspections of the frame at station 328 or at station 360
can be terminated by a single action (applicable repair or
modification). Boeing explained that accomplishing both specified
actions at station 328 and station 360 terminates the station 344 frame
inspections and the option 2 skin inspections.
We agree to clarify the acceptable terminating actions. We have
added new paragraph (m) of this AD, which provides the following
terminating actions. We have redesignated subsequent paragraphs
accordingly.
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the
frame at station 328 terminates the inspections of that frame required
by paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this AD.
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the
frame at station 328 and the preventive modification of the frame at
station 360, terminates the inspections of the frame at station 344 and
the fuselage skin inspections required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of
this AD.
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the
frame at station 360 terminates the inspections of that frame required
by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the
frame at station 328 terminates the fuselage skin inspections and the
station 328 frame inspections required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of
this AD.
Recommendation To Specify Optional Preventive Modification
Boeing recommended that we specify in paragraphs (i) and (j) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) that the station 328 repair
described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December
6, 2013, can be used as an optional preventive modification.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. The commenter's
request is already addressed in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
However, additional text might help clarify this provision. We have
added additional text to paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this AD that
operators may do the repair of the frame at station 328, as specified
in paragraph (m) of this AD, as an optional preventive modification for
that frame.
Requests To Revise Paragraph Format and Inspection Method
Boeing requested that we revise paragraphs (i) and (j) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) by moving the requirements for
Group 6 airplanes to a new paragraph. Boeing stated that the service
information for Group 6 airplanes provides directed inspection
instructions for the station 328 frame only, as provided in table 5 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. Boeing added that for Group 6
airplanes, there are no directed inspections for station 344 or station
360, but there are related investigative and corrective actions for
detailed inspections of the frame at station 312 and station 344.
Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that we specify that the frame
at station 344 requires detailed inspections, not detailed and eddy
current inspections. SWA stated that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, describes only detailed inspections at
station 344.
We partially agree with both commenters. We disagree with making
the changes requested by the commenters. However, we agree that certain
actions are only done at certain locations and for certain airplanes.
The inspections at station 344 are detailed inspections only.
Application of the
[[Page 73951]]
appropriate inspection method to a given frame is addressed by the
phrase ``as applicable,'' i.e., actions are applicable to the frames
identified in the service information for each group of airplane. We
have revised paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2)(i), (i)(2)(ii), (j)(l), and
(j)(2) of this AD by adding ``as applicable'' after the station
locations. This revision clarifies that those actions are done only as
specified in the service information.
Request To Add Sub-Paragraph Headers
Boeing requested that we add the subtitles ``Initial Inspections''
and ``Follow-on Inspections'' to paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2),
respectively, of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014). Boeing
also requested that we change the wording in paragraph (i)(2) the
proposed AD to ``Accomplishing the follow[hyphen]on inspections
required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD,'' instead of ``Accomplishing
the initial inspections . . . '' Boeing stated that paragraph (i) of
the proposed AD would mandate the inspections for airplanes with fewer
than 28,300 total flight cycles, where compliance (tables 4, 7, and 8
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013) consists of initial inspections
and then follow-on inspections that contain options. Boeing explained
that paragraph (i)(1) of the proposed AD would mandate the initial
inspections, and paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD would mandate the
follow-on inspections. Boeing also explained that paragraph (i)(2) of
the proposed AD phrase ``accomplishing the initial inspections'' is
understood to refer to the first follow-on inspection directed by the
compliance time (threshold).
We do not agree with the commenter's request. Paragraph (i)(2) of
this AD follows the format of Boeing's service bulletin compliance
tables, which has a different repeat interval from the inspections
specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2)
of this AD contain both initial and repetitive inspections as well as
related investigative actions. We have not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request To Revise Repetitive Inspection Wording
Boeing requested that we revise the last sentence of paragraph
(i)(2)(ii) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) to state,
``Repeat the inspections specified in this paragraph thereafter . . .
'' Boeing stated that this wording would then match the wording for the
repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of the proposed
AD.
We agree with the commenter's request. In this case, similar
wording will provide consistent paragraph wording without changing the
intent of the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014). We have revised the
wording in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this AD to ``Repeat the inspections
specified in this paragraph thereafter at the applicable time and
intervals specified in . . . .''
Request To Clarify a Certain Compliance Time
Europe Airpost requested that, in order to avoid any confusion, we
clearly state a compliance time for paragraph (j) of the proposed AD
(79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) for airplanes that have 28,300 total
flight cycles or more. The commenter asked whether those airplanes
would fall under the condition 28,300 total flight cycles but less than
32,800 total flight cycles, or 32,800 total flight cycles or more.
We agree that clarification is necessary. In this case, paragraph
(j) of this AD states to use the applicable times specified in tables
4, 5, 7, and 8, of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. Individual
airplanes within an operator's fleet could fall into different
categories and thus have different compliance times. Operators are to
use the appropriate compliance times and repetitive intervals based
upon the applicable number of total flight cycles that have been
accumulated on each airplane as of the effective date of this AD. We
have added new paragraph (n)(3) of the AD to inform operators that the
``Condition'' columns of the compliance tables also contain compliance
information that corresponds to the effective date of the AD. We have
also revised paragraphs (i)(1) and (j)(1) of this AD to refer to
paragraph (n)(3) of this AD.
Request To Clarify Terminating Action Wording
SWA requested that we revise the terminating action portion of
paragraph (j) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) to
clarify the specified actions. SWA stated that, as written, the
terminating action statement seems to imply that the operator is
required to accomplish both the preventive modification of the frame at
station 360 and the repair of the frame at station 328 to terminate the
repetitive inspection requirements for any of the station 328, 344, and
360 frames. SWA also stated that the terminating action in paragraph
(j) of the proposed AD does not specify actions or terminating actions
if a repair is installed at the station 344 frame. SWA explained that
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
contains terminating action in the footnotes of the compliance tables
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' which the commenter thinks should be
restated in the AD.
We agree with the commenter's request. For clarity, we have moved
the terminating action provisions that were specified in paragraphs
(i)(1), (i)(2), (j), and (k) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) to new paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(4) of this AD. We have
redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Requests To Specify Eddy Current Inspection
Europe Airpost requested that we clarify whether we meant to
exclude the eddy current inspection at station 328 described in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, in
paragraph (k) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014). Boeing
requested that we add the eddy current inspection at station 328
described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December
6, 2013, in paragraph (k) of the proposed AD.
We agree with Boeing's request to specify the eddy current
inspection and Europe Airpost's request to clarify the eddy current
inspection requirement. We inadvertently omitted the eddy current
inspection from paragraph (k) of the proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30,
2014) which applies to Group 7 airplanes. Our intention was to match
the actions described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013. In the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014), we
did not identify any differences with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, in regards to the required
inspections, which includes repetitive eddy current inspections at
station 328. For Groups 2 through 7 airplanes, paragraphs (i) and (j)
of the proposed AD do specify detailed and HFEC inspections for Groups
2 through 6 airplanes. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (k) of this
AD to specify doing eddy current inspections, in addition to the
detailed inspections, of the frame at station 328 for Group 7
airplanes.
Request To Specify Terminating Actions for Station 380
SWA requested that we specify procedures or terminating actions for
repairs installed at the station 380 frame, since paragraph (l) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) does not specify such actions.
[[Page 73952]]
We do not agree with the commenter's request. Boeing has not
provided such repairs for our approval in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. Therefore, we have no specific
engineering data to review and approve. We have not changed this AD in
this regard.
Request for Credit for Certain Repairs
SWA requested that we revise paragraphs (i) through (l) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) to include provisions for
existing repairs that were done using the service repair manual (SRM)
or the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) instructions. SWA
requested that the NPRM be revised to either terminate the inspections
or include alternative actions if existing repairs inhibit the ability
to perform the inspections.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. We agree that
repairs approved by Boeing via FAA Form 8100-9 (Statement of Compliance
with Airworthiness Standards) would have also included the appropriate
inspections. We disagree that SRM repairs would necessarily provide the
same level of safety. The commenter did not specify for which SRM
repairs it was requesting approval. Such repairs might or might not
have included consideration of the safety issues addressed by Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, and this AD
(e.g., skin cracking combined with frame cracking). We have added a new
paragraph (p) to this AD to provide credit for repairs of the station
328, 344, 360, and 380 frames in the areas addressed by this AD that
have been approved by the Boeing ODA via FAA Form 8100-9 prior to the
effective date of this AD for the repairs specified in paragraphs (i),
(j), (k), and (l) of this AD. We have redesignated subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 36672, June 30, 2014).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013. The service information describes procedures for
inspection for cracking and missing straps, modification, and repair of
certain fuselage frames. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 417 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections.................... 21 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,785 per $744,345 per
hour = $1,785 per inspection cycle. inspection
inspection cycle. cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for certain on-condition actions specified in this AD.
However, we estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs of
the station 328 frame and the station 360 frame. We have no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frame 328 repair...................... 25 work-hours x $85 per hour = Negligible.............. $2,125
$2,125.
Frame 360 repair...................... 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = Negligible.............. 425
$425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
[[Page 73953]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2015-23-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18324; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0436; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-010-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 4, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in fuselage frames,
and a report of a missing strap that was not installed on a fuselage
frame during production. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct missing fuselage frame straps and frame cracking that can
result in severed frames. Continued operation of the airplane with
multiple adjacent severed frames, or the combination of a severed
frame and fuselage skin chemical mill cracks, can result in
uncontrolled decompression of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: At the applicable time
specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except
as provided by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, do the inspection for
cracking of the frames and applicable repairs using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(q) of this AD.
(h) Groups 2 Through 7 Airplanes: Inspection for Strap Installation at
Station 312
For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 7 in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: At the
applicable time specified in tables 2 and 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD,
do a general visual inspection of the frame at station 312 to
determine if the strap adjacent to stringer S-22 right is installed,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. If the strap
is not installed, before further flight, repair using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(q) of this AD.
(i) Groups 2 Through 6 Airplanes With Less Than 28,300 Total Flight
Cycles: Repetitive Inspections, Related Investigative Actions, and
Corrective Actions at Stations 328, 344, and 360
For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 6 in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, that have
accumulated less than 28,300 total flight cycles as of the effective
date of this AD: Do the actions required by paragraphs (i)(1) and
(i)(2) of this AD. Operators may do the repair of the frame at
station 328 as specified in paragraph (m) of this AD as an optional
preventive modification for that frame.
(1) At the applicable times specified in tables 4, 5, 7, and 8
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as provided by
paragraphs (n)(1) and (n)(3) of this AD: Do detailed and eddy
current inspections of the frame at stations 328, 344, and 360, as
applicable, for cracking or a severed frame web; and do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as
specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat
the applicable inspections thereafter at the applicable time and
intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, until
the inspection required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD is done.
(2) At the applicable time specified in tables 4, 5, 7, and 8 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, do the actions specified in
paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. Accomplishing the
initial inspections required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(i) Do detailed and eddy current inspections of the frame at
stations 328, 344, and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a severed
frame web; and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the inspections specified in this
paragraph thereafter at the applicable time and intervals specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
(ii) Do detailed and eddy current inspections of the frame at
stations 328, 344, and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a severed
frame web; and external detailed and eddy current inspections of the
fuselage skin for cracking; and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as specified in paragraph
(n)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections
specified in this paragraph thereafter at the applicable time and
intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013.
(j) Groups 2 Through 6 Airplanes With 28,300 Total Flight Cycles or
More: Repetitive Inspections, Related Investigative Actions, and
Corrective Actions at Stations 328, 344, and 360
For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 6 in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, that have
accumulated 28,300 total flight cycles or more as of the effective
date of this AD: At the applicable times specified in tables 4, 5,
7, and 8 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as provided by
paragraphs (n)(1) and (n)(3) of this AD, do the inspections
specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD; and do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as
specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat
the applicable inspections specified in paragraph (j)(1) or
[[Page 73954]]
(j)(2) of this AD thereafter at the applicable time and intervals
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. Operators may do the
repair of the frame at station 328, as specified in paragraph (m) of
this AD, as an optional preventive modification for that frame.
(1) Do detailed and eddy current inspections of the frame at
stations 328, 344, and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a severed
frame web.
(2) Do detailed and eddy current inspections of the frame at
stations 328, 344, and 360, as applicable, for cracking or a severed
frame web; and external detailed and eddy current inspections of the
fuselage skin for cracking.
(k) Group 7 Airplanes: Repetitive Inspections, Related Investigative
Actions, and Corrective Actions at Station 328
For airplanes identified as Group 7 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: At the applicable time
specified in table 6 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except
as provided by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, do a detailed inspection
and eddy current inspection of the frame at station 328 for cracking
or a severed frame web; and do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the inspections specified in this
paragraph thereafter at the applicable time and intervals specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013. Operators may do the repair of
the frame at station 328, as specified in paragraph (m) of this AD,
as an optional preventive modification for that frame.
(l) Groups 2 Through 5 Airplanes: Repetitive Inspections, Related
Investigative Actions, and Corrective Actions at Station 380
For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 5 in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: At the
applicable time specified in tables 9 and 10 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD,
do detailed and eddy current inspections of the frame at station 380
for cracking or a severed frame web; and do all applicable
corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the inspections specified in this paragraph thereafter at the
applicable time and intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013.
(m) Terminating Actions for Airplanes Identified as Groups 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, and 7
(1) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013:
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the frame at
station 328, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as required by paragraph (n)(2) of this AD, terminates the
inspections of that frame required by paragraphs (i), (j), and (k)
of this AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013:
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the frame at
station 328 and the preventive modification of the frame at station
360, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except
as required by paragraph (n)(2) of this AD, terminates the
inspections of the frame at station 344 and the fuselage skin
inspections required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013:
Accomplishing the repair or preventive modification of the frame at
station 360, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013,
except as required by paragraph (n)(2) of this AD, terminates the
inspections of that frame required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this
AD.
(4) For airplanes identified as Group 6 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013: Accomplishing the
repair or preventive modification of the frame at station 328, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, except as
required by paragraph (n)(2) of this AD, terminates the fuselage
skin inspections and the station 328 frame inspections required by
paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
(n) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, specifies a compliance time after the ``original
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated
December 6, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair the cracking using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(q) of this AD.
(3) The Condition column of Tables 4, 5, 7, and 8 in paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323,
dated December 6, 2013, refers to total flight cycles ``at the
original issue date of this service bulletin.'' This AD, however,
applies to the airplanes with the specified total flight cycles as
of the effective date of this AD.
(o) Post-Repair Inspections and Post-Modification Inspections
(1) The post-repair and post-modification inspections specified
in tables 13 through 15 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, are not
required by this AD.
(2) The post-repair and post-modification inspections specified
in Tables 13 through 15 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 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 Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6, 2013, are not required by
this AD.
(p) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for repairs of the station 328,
344, 360, and 380 frames in the areas addressed by this AD that have
been approved by the Boeing Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) via FAA Form 8100-9 (Statement of Compliance with
Airworthiness Standards) prior to the effective date of this AD for
the repairs specified in paragraphs (i), (j), (k), and (l) of this
AD.
(q) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 (r) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-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
that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles 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.
(r) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
(s) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference
[[Page 73955]]
(IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1323, dated December 6,
2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 30, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28824 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
