Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 22619-22621 [2017-09848]
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22619
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 94
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
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–2017–0335; Directorate
Identifier 2017–NM–025–AD]
Examining the AD Docket
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 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a
report of cracks in the upper aft skin of
the right wing at certain fastener holes
along the rear spar upper chord. This
proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections for cracking of the upper aft
skin of the wings, and repair if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 3, 2017.
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: Contractual & Data
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:26 May 16, 2017
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740; telephone 562–797–1717;
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–2017–
0335.
Jkt 241001
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0335; 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:
Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone:
562–627–5313; fax: 562–627–5210;
email: payman.soltani@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–
2017–0335; Directorate Identifier 2017–
NM–025–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
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating
that cracks were found in the upper aft
skin of the right wing at fastener holes
along the rear spar upper chord at wing
buttock line (WBL) 125 (crack length
0.045 inch) and WBL 141 (crack length
0.060 inch). The cracks originated from
fastener holes in the upper aft skin and
had not penetrated the thickness of the
skin. There were 68,100 total flight
hours and 55,151 total flight cycles on
the airplane. Several other reports of
similar crack findings were found on
airplanes having between 48,220 and
57,543 total flight cycles. The root cause
of the cracks is identified as the braking
loads, which introduce a high tension
stress in the rear spar upper chord and
skin between the main landing gear
beam and the side-of-body for the rear
spar chord. It was determined that the
existing inspection programs are not
sufficient to find such cracks before they
grow to a critical length. The upper aft
skin of both the left and right wings are
subject to such cracking. This condition,
if not corrected, could result in the
inability of a principle structural
element to sustain limit load, and
consequent reduced structural integrity
of the airplane.
Explanation of Applicability
This NPRM applies to all Model 737–
100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes, including some models
that may have a limit of validity (LOV).
Model 737 airplanes having line
numbers 1 through 291 have an LOV of
34,000 total flight cycles, and the
actions in this proposed AD, as
specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1332, dated January 3,
2017, would be required at a
compliance time occurring after
reaching 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 those airplanes are
tracked in the event the LOV is
extended in the future.
E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM
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22620
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 94 / Wednesday, May 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1332, dated January 3,
2017. The service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections of the upper aft skin of the
wings for 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 the same
type design.
procedures and compliance times, see
this service information at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0335.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 471 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously. For information on the
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Repetitive inspections ...
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 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.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:26 May 16, 2017
Jkt 241001
Parts cost
Cost per product
$0
$425 per inspection
cycle.
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2017–0335; Directorate Identifier 2017–
NM–025–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 3, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400,
and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost on U.S. operators
$200,175 per inspection
cycle.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57; Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
cracks in the upper aft skin of the right wing
at certain fastener holes along the rear spar
upper chord. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracks in the upper aft skin of the
wings, which could result in the inability of
a principle structural element to sustain limit
load, and consequent reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Group 2 Airplanes: Detailed Inspections
and Repair
For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1332, dated
January 3, 2017: At the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1332,
dated January 3, 2017, except as required by
paragraph (i) of this AD, do a detailed
inspection for cracking of the upper aft skin
of the wings from wing buttock line (WBL)
80 to WBL 155, in accordance with Part 1 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1332, dated
January 3, 2017. If any cracking is found,
repair before further flight in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)
of this AD. Although Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1332, dated January 3,
2017, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions, and specifies that action as
‘‘RC’’ (Required for Compliance), this AD
requires repair as specified in this paragraph.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at the
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1332, dated January 3,
2017.
E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 94 / Wednesday, May 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(h) Group 1 Airplanes: Inspection and
Corrective Action
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1332,
dated January 3, 2017: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect for
cracking of the upper aft skin of the wings,
and do all applicable corrective actions,
using a method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of
this AD.
(i) Exception to the Service Information
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
57A1332, dated January 3, 2017, 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.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
(j) 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 (k)(1) 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,
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, Los Angeles
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.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (g) of
this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD
apply.
(i) 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. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:26 May 16, 2017
Jkt 241001
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5313; fax: 562–
627–5210; email: payman.soltani@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone 562–797–1717; 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, Washington, on May 8,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–09848 Filed 5–16–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
36 CFR Part 242
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 100
[Docket No. FWS–R7–SM–2016–0049;
FXFR13350700640–167–FF07J00000;
FBMS#4500096691]
RIN 1018–BB38
Subsistence Management Regulations
for Public Lands in Alaska—2018–19
and 2019–20 Subsistence Taking of
Wildlife Regulations
Forest Service, Agriculture;
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
This proposed rule would
establish regulations for hunting and
trapping seasons, harvest limits, and
methods and means related to taking of
wildlife for subsistence uses during the
2018–19 and 2019–20 regulatory years.
The Federal Subsistence Board is on a
schedule of completing the process of
revising subsistence taking of wildlife
regulations in even-numbered years and
subsistence taking of fish and shellfish
regulations in odd-numbered years;
public proposal and review processes
take place during the preceding year.
The Board also addresses customary and
traditional use determinations during
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
22621
the applicable cycle. When final, the
resulting rulemaking will replace the
existing subsistence wildlife taking
regulations. This rule would also amend
the general regulations on subsistence
taking of fish and wildlife.
DATES: Public comments: Comments and
proposals to change this proposed rule
must be received or postmarked June 16,
2017.
Public meetings: The Federal
Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils
held public meetings to receive
comments and make proposals to
change this proposed rule on several
dates between February 8 and March 15,
2017, and then will hold another round
of public meetings to discuss and
receive comments on the proposals, and
make recommendations on the
proposals to the Federal Subsistence
Board, on several dates between August
24 and November 9, 2017. The Board
will discuss and evaluate proposed
regulatory changes during a public
meeting in Anchorage, AK, in April
2018. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
for specific information on dates and
locations of the public meetings.
ADDRESSES: Public meetings: The
Federal Subsistence Board and the
Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory
Councils’ public meetings will be held
at various locations in Alaska. See
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for specific
information on dates and locations of
the public meetings.
Public comments: You may submit
comments by one of the following
methods:
• Electronically: Go to the Federal
eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov and search for
FWS–R7–SM–2016–0049, which is the
docket number for this rulemaking.
• By hard copy: U.S. mail or handdelivery to: USFWS, Office of
Subsistence Management, 1011 East
Tudor Road, MS 121, Attn: Theo
Matuskowitz, Anchorage, AK 99503–
6199, or hand delivery to the Designated
Federal Official attending any of the
Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory
Council public meetings. See
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for
additional information on locations of
the public meetings.
We will post all comments on https://
www.regulations.gov. This generally
means that we will post any personal
information you provide us (see the
Public Review Process section below for
more information).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chair, Federal Subsistence Board, c/o
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Attention: Eugene R. Peltola, Jr., Office
of Subsistence Management; (907) 786–
E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM
17MYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22619-22621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09848]
========================================================================
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. 82, No. 94 / Wednesday, May 17, 2017 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 22619]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0335; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-025-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 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks in the
upper aft skin of the right wing at certain fastener holes along the
rear spar upper chord. This proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections for cracking of the upper aft skin of the wings, and repair
if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 3, 2017.
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: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; telephone
562-797-1717; 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-2017-0335.
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-2017-
0335; 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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone:
562-627-5313; fax: 562-627-5210; email: payman.soltani@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-2017-0335;
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-025-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 have received a report indicating that cracks were found in the
upper aft skin of the right wing at fastener holes along the rear spar
upper chord at wing buttock line (WBL) 125 (crack length 0.045 inch)
and WBL 141 (crack length 0.060 inch). The cracks originated from
fastener holes in the upper aft skin and had not penetrated the
thickness of the skin. There were 68,100 total flight hours and 55,151
total flight cycles on the airplane. Several other reports of similar
crack findings were found on airplanes having between 48,220 and 57,543
total flight cycles. The root cause of the cracks is identified as the
braking loads, which introduce a high tension stress in the rear spar
upper chord and skin between the main landing gear beam and the side-
of-body for the rear spar chord. It was determined that the existing
inspection programs are not sufficient to find such cracks before they
grow to a critical length. The upper aft skin of both the left and
right wings are subject to such cracking. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in the inability of a principle structural
element to sustain limit load, and consequent reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
Explanation of Applicability
This NPRM applies to all Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400,
and -500 series airplanes, including some models that may have a limit
of validity (LOV). Model 737 airplanes having line numbers 1 through
291 have an LOV of 34,000 total flight cycles, and the actions in this
proposed AD, as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1332,
dated January 3, 2017, would be required at a compliance time occurring
after reaching 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 those
airplanes are tracked in the event the LOV is extended in the future.
[[Page 22620]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1332, dated
January 3, 2017. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive detailed inspections of the upper aft skin of the wings for
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 the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously. For information on the
procedures and compliance times, see this service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0335.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 471 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive inspections......... 5 work-hours x $85 per $0 $425 per $200,175 per
hour = $425 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
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-2017-0335; Directorate Identifier
2017-NM-025-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 3, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company 737-100, -200, -200C,
-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57; Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks in the upper aft skin
of the right wing at certain fastener holes along the rear spar
upper chord. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in
the upper aft skin of the wings, which could result in the inability
of a principle structural element to sustain limit load, and
consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Group 2 Airplanes: Detailed Inspections and Repair
For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1332, dated January 3, 2017: At the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1332, dated January 3, 2017, except as required by
paragraph (i) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracking of
the upper aft skin of the wings from wing buttock line (WBL) 80 to
WBL 155, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1332, dated
January 3, 2017. If any cracking is found, repair before further
flight in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)
of this AD. Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1332,
dated January 3, 2017, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for
Compliance), this AD requires repair as specified in this paragraph.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable time specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1332, dated January 3, 2017.
[[Page 22621]]
(h) Group 1 Airplanes: Inspection and Corrective Action
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1332, dated January 3, 2017: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect for cracking of the upper aft
skin of the wings, and do all applicable corrective actions, using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Exception to the Service Information
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1332, dated January
3, 2017, 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.
(j) 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 (k)(1) 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, 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, Los Angeles 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.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and
(j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5313; fax: 562-627-5210;
email: payman.soltani@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone 562-797-1717; 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, Washington, on May 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09848 Filed 5-16-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
