Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 25547-25549 [2017-11006]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 105 / Friday, June 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by failures of the
landing gear alternate-extension system
(AES). We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the landing gear AES and
consequent landing with some or all of the
landing gear not extended.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Replacement
Within 1,200 flight hours or 12 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first: Replace the nose landing gear
(NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) electromechanical actuators (EMA) having part
numbers (P/Ns) BA698–85006–1 and BA698–
85007–1 with P/Ns BA698–85006–3 and
BA698–85007–3, as applicable, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
670BA–32–047, Revision A, dated December
5, 2016 (‘‘670BA–32–047, RA’’). Where
670BA–32–047, RA, instructs operators to
contact Bombardier if it is not possible to
complete all the instructions in 670BA–32–
047, RA, because of the configuration of the
airplane, this AD requires that any deviation
from the instructions provided in 670BA–32–
047, RA, must be approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) under the
provisions of paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install an NLG or MLG EMA
having P/N BA698–85006–1 or BA698–
85007–1, on any airplane.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Bombardier Service
Bulletin 670BA–32–047, dated February 28,
2014.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, 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 ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
NY 11590; telephone: 516–228–7300; fax:
516–794–5531. 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.
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13:14 Jun 01, 2017
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(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
AD CF–2017–08, dated March 8, 2017, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0512.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch,
ANE–171, FAA, New York ACO, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone: 516–228–7318; fax: 516–
794–5531.
(3) For service information identified in
ˆ
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; Widebody Customer Response
Center North America toll-free telephone 1–
866–538–1247 or direct-dial telephone: 1–
514–855–2999; fax: 514–855–7401; email:
ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; Internet:
https://www.bombardier.com. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 18,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–11005 Filed 6–1–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0503; Directorate
Identifier 2017–NM–032–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
SUMMARY:
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25547
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of cracking of various structures in the
bulkhead. This proposed AD would
require an inspection for cracking in
these structures, and corrective actions
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 17, 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
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. 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.
It is also available on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0503.
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–
0503; 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 NPRM, 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:
George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone:
562–627–5232; fax: 562–627–5210;
email: george.garrido@faa.gov.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 105 / Friday, June 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules
corrected, could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2017–0503; Directorate Identifier
2017–NM–032–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
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 NPRM.
Discussion
We have received reports of cracking
of various structures in The Boeing
Company Model DC–9–81 (MD–81),
DC–9–82 (MD–82), and DC–9–83 (MD–
83) airplanes at the cant station 1463
bulkhead, and the Model DC–9–87
(MD–87) airplanes at the cant station
1254 bulkhead. One incident of cracking
was discovered during a heavy
maintenance visit on an airplane with
63,480 total flight hours, and 45,809
total flight cycles. The cracks were in
the upper left area of the bulkhead,
between longerons L–2 and L–3, in the
frame web, horizontal stiffeners, lower
frame cap, rear spar cap, and spar cap
web. An analysis has determined that
the operational and limit loads cannot
duplicate this condition and the root
cause is suspected to be the result of a
high load event(s). This condition, if not
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD80–53A316, dated
December 15, 2016. The service
information describes procedures for a
detailed inspection on the left and right
sides of the forward and aft surfaces of
cant station 1463 bulkhead and cant
station 1254 bulkhead for cracking in
the upper caps, upper cap doublers,
bulkhead webs and doublers, stiffeners,
lower caps, and vertical stabilizer rear
spar caps and webs, between longerons
L–11L through L–11R, and corrective
actions. 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, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD
and the Service Information.’’ 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–
0503.
The phrase ‘‘corrective actions’’ is
used in this proposed AD. Corrective
actions correct or address any condition
found. Corrective actions in an AD
could include, for example, repairs.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80–
53A316, dated December 15, 2016,
specifies to contact the manufacturer for
certain instructions, but this proposed
AD would require using repair methods,
modification deviations, and alteration
deviations in one of the following ways:
• In accordance with a method that
we approve; or
• Using data that meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and
that have been approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) whom
we have authorized to make those
findings.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80–
53A316, dated December 15, 2016,
specifies doing the inspection at cant
station 1463 bulkhead for Model MD–88
airplanes. However, Model MD–88
airplanes are similar in design to Model
DC–9–87 (MD–87) airplanes, and should
instead be inspected at cant station 1254
bulkhead. Therefore, this proposed AD
specifies that the proposed actions for
Model MD–88 airplanes be
accomplished using the
Accomplishment Instructions for Model
DC–9–87 (MD–87) airplanes in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin MD80–53A316,
dated December 15, 2016. This
difference has been coordinated with
Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 361 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection ................................
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 .....................................
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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
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16:07 Jun 01, 2017
Jkt 241001
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
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Fmt 4702
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Sfmt 4702
$0
$255
Cost on U.S.
operators
$92,055
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 105 / Friday, June 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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
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–
2017–0503; Directorate Identifier 2017–
NM–032–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 17,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53; Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking of various structures at the cant
station 1463 bulkhead and at the cant station
1254 bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracking at the cant station
1463 bulkhead and cant station 1254
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13:14 Jun 01, 2017
Jkt 241001
bulkhead, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action
Within 700 flight cycles or 6 months after
the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, do a detailed inspection for
cracking on the left and right sides of the
forward and aft surfaces of the cant station
1463 bulkhead (for Model DC–9–81 (MD–81),
DC–9–82 (MD–82), and DC–9–83 (MD–83)
airplanes) and cant station 1254 bulkhead
(for DC–9–87 (MD–87) airplanes and MD–88
airplanes); and do all applicable corrective
actions; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin MD80–53A316, dated
December 15, 2016, except as required in
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) For Model MD–88 airplanes: This AD
requires that instead of inspecting at cant
station 1463 bulkhead, operators must
inspect at cant station 1254 bulkhead, which
is identified as ‘‘DC–9–87 (MD–87) CANT
STA 1254 BULKHEAD’’ in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin MD80–53A316, dated
December 15, 2016.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
MD80–53A316, dated December 15, 2016,
specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action and specifies that action as ‘‘RC’’
(Required for Compliance): Before further
flight, repair the cracking using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Multi
Operator Message MOM–MOM–16–0684–
01B, dated October 7, 2016.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), may be issued to operate the
airplane to a location where the requirements
of this AD can be accomplished, but
concurrence by the Manager, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is
required before issuance of the special flight
permit.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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
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25549
paragraph (l)(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 (h) of
this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and (k)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5232; fax: 562–
627–5210; email: george.garrido@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 90740–5600;
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 18,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–11006 Filed 6–1–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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02JNP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 105 (Friday, June 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25547-25549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11006]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0503; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-032-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 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 reports of cracking of various structures
in the bulkhead. This proposed AD would require an inspection for
cracking in these structures, and corrective actions 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 17, 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 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0503.
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-
0503; 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 NPRM, 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: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone:
562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: george.garrido@faa.gov.
[[Page 25548]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0503;
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-032-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
We have received reports of cracking of various structures in The
Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), and DC-9-83 (MD-
83) airplanes at the cant station 1463 bulkhead, and the Model DC-9-87
(MD-87) airplanes at the cant station 1254 bulkhead. One incident of
cracking was discovered during a heavy maintenance visit on an airplane
with 63,480 total flight hours, and 45,809 total flight cycles. The
cracks were in the upper left area of the bulkhead, between longerons
L-2 and L-3, in the frame web, horizontal stiffeners, lower frame cap,
rear spar cap, and spar cap web. An analysis has determined that the
operational and limit loads cannot duplicate this condition and the
root cause is suspected to be the result of a high load event(s). This
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated
December 15, 2016. The service information describes procedures for a
detailed inspection on the left and right sides of the forward and aft
surfaces of cant station 1463 bulkhead and cant station 1254 bulkhead
for cracking in the upper caps, upper cap doublers, bulkhead webs and
doublers, stiffeners, lower caps, and vertical stabilizer rear spar
caps and webs, between longerons L-11L through L-11R, and corrective
actions. 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, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service
Information.'' 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-2017-0503.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
Corrective actions correct or address any condition found. Corrective
actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016,
specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain instructions, but
this proposed AD would require using repair methods, modification
deviations, and alteration deviations in one of the following ways:
In accordance with a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016,
specifies doing the inspection at cant station 1463 bulkhead for Model
MD-88 airplanes. However, Model MD-88 airplanes are similar in design
to Model DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, and should instead be inspected at
cant station 1254 bulkhead. Therefore, this proposed AD specifies that
the proposed actions for Model MD-88 airplanes be accomplished using
the Accomplishment Instructions for Model DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016.
This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 361 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection......................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $255 $92,055
= $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 25549]]
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-2017-0503; Directorate Identifier
2017-NM-032-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 17, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53; Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of various
structures at the cant station 1463 bulkhead and at the cant station
1254 bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking
at the cant station 1463 bulkhead and cant station 1254 bulkhead,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action
Within 700 flight cycles or 6 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection for
cracking on the left and right sides of the forward and aft surfaces
of the cant station 1463 bulkhead (for Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-
82 (MD-82), and DC-9-83 (MD-83) airplanes) and cant station 1254
bulkhead (for DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes and MD-88 airplanes); and do
all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-
53A316, dated December 15, 2016, except as required in paragraphs
(h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions
before further flight.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) For Model MD-88 airplanes: This AD requires that instead of
inspecting at cant station 1463 bulkhead, operators must inspect at
cant station 1254 bulkhead, which is identified as ``DC-9-87 (MD-87)
CANT STA 1254 BULKHEAD'' in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated December 15, 2016.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-53A316, dated
December 15, 2016, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for
Compliance): Before further flight, repair the cracking using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (k) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-16-0684-01B, dated October 7, 2016.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), may be issued to operate the airplane to a location
where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, but
concurrence by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, is required before issuance of the special flight
permit.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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-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 (h) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and
(k)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-5210;
email: george.garrido@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-
5600; 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 18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11006 Filed 6-1-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P