Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 56538-56540 [2016-19935]

Download as PDF 56538 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 81, No. 162 Monday, August 22, 2016 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–8186; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–074–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of skin cracking found at the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways; and repair if necessary, which would terminate the repetitive inspections of the repaired areas. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways, which could result in rapid decompression and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, 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–2016– 8186. 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–2016– 8186; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6450; fax: 425–917–6590; email: alan.pohl@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2016–8186; Directorate Identifier 2016– NM–074–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We received reports of skin cracking found at the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways. These cracks are most common at the lower forward corners and the upper aft corners of the doorways, and the crack lengths range from 0.25 to 4.50 inches. At the time of crack detection, the airplanes had accumulated between 26,896 and 73,655 total flight cycles. These cracks are caused by fatigue from cyclic pressurization of the fuselage combined with increased stress concentration due to the proximity of the fastener holes to the corners of the doorways. The cracks typically originate at the fastener holes and grow towards the corners of the doorways. This condition, if not corrected, could result in rapid decompression and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. The service information describes procedures for, among other things, external detailed inspections for cracking of the skin assembly of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways, and repair of any cracking. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. E:\FR\FM\22AUP1.SGM 22AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 162 / Monday, August 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules Explanation of Applicability Model 737 airplanes having line numbers 1 through 291 have a limit of validity (LOV) of 34,000 total flight cycles. These airplanes have accumulated total flight cycles beyond that LOV. Although operation of an airplane beyond its LOV is prohibited by 14 CFR 121.1115 and 129.115, this proposed AD would include those airplanes in the applicability so that these airplanes are tracked in the event the LOV is extended in the future. 56539 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 326 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspections ........ 22 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,870 per inspection cycle. $0 $1,870 per inspection cycle .......... $609,620 per inspection cycle. We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD. on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. decompression and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Authority for This Rulemaking Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. 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. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2016–8186; Directorate Identifier 2016– NM–074–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 6, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of skin cracking found at the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways, which could result in rapid Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016: Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 8 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD: Do low frequency eddy current and detailed inspections for cracking of the aft entry and aft galley doorway corners, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. (i) Repair (c) Applicability This AD applies to all 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 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. PO 00000 (g) Inspections for Group 1 Airplanes (h) Repetitive Inspections for Groups 2 Through 8 Airplanes ■ § 39.13 (f) Compliance Sfmt 4702 If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, repair before further flight, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. Accomplishment of this repair terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD for the repaired doorway corner location only. (j) Exception to Service Information Specifications Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1350, dated May 6, 2016, 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. E:\FR\FM\22AUP1.SGM 22AUP1 56540 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 162 / Monday, August 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-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, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (i) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(3)(i) and (k)(3)(ii) of this AD apply. The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6450; fax: 425–917–6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 Issued in Renton, WA, on August 11, 2016. Paul R. Bernado, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–19935 Filed 8–19–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–8845; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–094–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC–9–81 (MD– 81), DC–9–82 (MD–82), DC–9–83 (MD– 83), and DC–9–87 (MD–87) airplanes; and Model MD–88 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking in a rear spar lower cap of the horizontal stabilizer. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the rear spar lower caps of the horizontal stabilizer, post-modification and post-repair inspections, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also provides an optional terminating fatigue life enhancement modification. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the rear spar lower caps of the horizontal stabilizer, which, paired with cracking in adjacent areas, could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001; telephone 206–544– 5000, extension 2; fax 206–766–5683; 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–2016– 8845. 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–2016– 8845; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Haytham Alaidy, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5224; fax: 562–627–5210; email: haytham.alaidy@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2016–8845; Directorate Identifier 2016– NM–094–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. E:\FR\FM\22AUP1.SGM 22AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 162 (Monday, August 22, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56538-56540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19935]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 162 / Monday, August 22, 2016 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 56538]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8186; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of skin 
cracking found at the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways. 
This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of 
the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways; and repair if 
necessary, which would terminate the repetitive inspections of the 
repaired areas. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking 
of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways, which could 
result in rapid decompression and consequent reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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-2016-8186.

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-2016-
8186; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-8186; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We received reports of skin cracking found at the corners of the 
aft entry and aft galley doorways. These cracks are most common at the 
lower forward corners and the upper aft corners of the doorways, and 
the crack lengths range from 0.25 to 4.50 inches. At the time of crack 
detection, the airplanes had accumulated between 26,896 and 73,655 
total flight cycles. These cracks are caused by fatigue from cyclic 
pressurization of the fuselage combined with increased stress 
concentration due to the proximity of the fastener holes to the corners 
of the doorways. The cracks typically originate at the fastener holes 
and grow towards the corners of the doorways. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in rapid decompression and consequent reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 
2016. The service information describes procedures for, among other 
things, external detailed inspections for cracking of the skin assembly 
of the corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways, and repair of 
any cracking. This service information is reasonably available because 
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

[[Page 56539]]

Explanation of Applicability

    Model 737 airplanes having line numbers 1 through 291 have a limit 
of validity (LOV) of 34,000 total flight cycles. These airplanes have 
accumulated total flight cycles beyond that LOV. Although operation of 
an airplane beyond its LOV is prohibited by 14 CFR 121.1115 and 
129.115, this proposed AD would include those airplanes in the 
applicability so that these airplanes are tracked in the event the LOV 
is extended in the future.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 326 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
          Action                  Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections...............  22 work-hours x $85                $0   $1,870 per inspection  $609,620 per
                             per hour = $1,870                       cycle.                 inspection cycle.
                             per inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2016-8186; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-074-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 6, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all 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-
53A1350, dated May 6, 2016.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of skin cracking found at the 
corners of the aft entry and aft galley doorways. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct cracking of the corners of the aft 
entry and aft galley doorways, which could result in rapid 
decompression and consequent reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections for Group 1 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 2016: Within 120 days after the 
effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(k) of this AD.

(h) Repetitive Inspections for Groups 2 Through 8 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 8 in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 2016: At the applicable 
time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 2016, except as required 
by paragraph (j) of this AD: Do low frequency eddy current and 
detailed inspections for cracking of the aft entry and aft galley 
doorway corners, as applicable, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 2016.

(i) Repair

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, repair before further flight, in 
accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 2016. 
Accomplishment of this repair terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD for the repaired doorway corner 
location only.

(j) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1350, dated May 6, 2016, 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.

[[Page 56540]]

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (i) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(3)(i) and (k)(3)(ii) of this AD apply. The steps labeled as RC, 
including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an 
RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for 
any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified 
figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(l) Related Information

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

    Issued in Renton, WA, on August 11, 2016.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-19935 Filed 8-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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