Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 38641-38643 [2017-16774]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2017 / Proposed Rules
requirements of this AD, the phrase ‘‘after the
effective date of this AD’’ must be used.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1240, Revision 2, dated November 2,
2016, specifies contacting Boeing, and
specifies that action as RC: This AD requires
using a method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (s) of
this AD.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
(r) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (p) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1240, Revision 1,
dated June 29, 2010, provided the conditions
specified in paragraphs (r)(1) and (r)(2) of this
AD are met and except as provided by
paragraph (r)(3) of this AD. Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1240, Revision 1,
dated June 29, 2010, was incorporated by
reference in AD 2012–12–05.
(1) Note 1 of paragraph 3.A of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1240, Revision 1,
dated June 29, 2010, was disregarded when
accomplishing the actions.
(2) Boeing Drawing 65–88700 was not used
when accomplishing the actions in
accordance with the Work Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1240,
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2010.
(3) The access and restoration instructions
identified in the Work Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1240,
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2010, are not
required. Operators are allowed to perform
those actions in accordance with approved
maintenance procedures.
(s) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO) Branch, 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 certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (t)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-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 Branch, 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 (q)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as Required
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 14, 2017
Jkt 241001
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (s)(4)(i) and (s)(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.
38641
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracks found in
the lower chord of the left wing rear
spar. This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
lower chord of the rear spar and lower
aft skin at wing buttock line (WBL) 157
and applicable on-condition actions. We
are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 29,
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
(t) Related Information
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
(1) For more information about this AD,
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO)
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
5324; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
Washington, DC 20590.
galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
(2) For service information identified in
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Federal holidays.
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
For service information identified in
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
on the availability of this material at the
Internet https://
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
this referenced service information at
2, 2017.
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
Jeffrey E. Duven,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
For information on the availability of
Certification Service.
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
[FR Doc. 2017–16776 Filed 8–14–17; 8:45 am]
1221. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0773.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
14 CFR Part 39
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0773; Product
0773; or in person at the Docket
Identifier 2017–NM–067–AD]
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
RIN 2120–AA64
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
contains this NPRM, the regulatory
Company Airplanes
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–
Administration (FAA), DOT.
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
Comments will be available in the AD
(NPRM).
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO)
–200C, –300, –400, and –500 series
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\15AUP1.SGM
15AUP1
38642
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Branch, 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–
2017–0773; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–067–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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating
that a crack was found in the horizontal
flange of the lower chord of the left
wing rear spar at WBL 157 during a nondestructive test (NDT) at 53,841 total
flight cycles and 66,268 total flight
hours. Similar cracks have been
reported on other Boeing airplanes that
have accumulated between 63,550 and
69,285 total flight cycles. Analysis has
shown that main landing gear (MLG)
loading and braking loads result in
cyclic fatigue and local stresses on the
structure. Concentrated loading due to
the back-to-back design of the MLG
fitting also contributes to the problem.
This condition, if not corrected, could
lead to the inability of the lower chord
of the rear spar, a principal structural
element, to sustain limit load, which
could adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1333, dated May 12,
2017. The service information describes
procedures for repetitive low frequency
eddy current (LFEC) inspections for
cracking of the lower chord of the rear
spar and detailed inspections for
cracking of the lower aft skin at WBL
157, applicable on-condition actions
(e.g., repair), and instructions for
airplanes that have an existing repair in
the inspection area. 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
accomplishment of the actions
identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for
compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1333, dated May 12,
2017, described previously, except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed
AD.
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–
0773.
Explanation of Applicability
Model 737 airplanes having line
numbers 1 through 291 have a limit of
validity (LOV) of 34,000 total flight
cycles, and the actions proposed in this
NPRM, as specified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–57A1333, dated
May 12, 2017, would be required at a
compliance time occurring after that
LOV. Although operation of an airplane
beyond its LOV is prohibited by 14 CFR
121.1115 and 129.115, this NPRM
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 190 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Labor cost
LFEC and detailed inspections ...............
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
Action
10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850
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.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the instructions for
airplanes that have an existing repair in
the inspection area 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 14, 2017
Jkt 241001
$0
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4702
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
$850 per inspection
cycle.
Up to $161,500 per
inspection cycle.
Parts cost
Sfmt 4702
This proposed AD is issued in
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft
Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance
and Airworthiness Division, but during
this transition period, the Executive
Director has delegated the authority to
issue ADs applicable to transport
category airplanes to the Director of the
System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
E:\FR\FM\15AUP1.SGM
15AUP1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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
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–
2017–0773; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–067–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September
29, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
(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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the report of a
crack indication in the horizontal flange of
the lower chord of the left wing rear spar at
wing buttock line (WBL) 157 and multiple
reports of similar crack findings on other
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 14, 2017
Jkt 241001
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracking of the lower chord of the
rear spar and the lower aft skin at WBL 157.
Undetected cracks could lead to the inability
of the lower chord of the rear spar, a
principal structural element, to sustain limit
load, which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For Group 2 airplanes identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1333,
dated May 12, 2017: Except as required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable
times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1333, dated May 12, 2017,
do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’
(required for compliance) in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1333, dated May 12, 2017.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1333,
dated May 12, 2017: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect the
airplane and do all applicable corrective
actions using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1333, dated May 12, 2017, uses the
phrase ‘‘after the original issue date of this
service bulletin,’’ for purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD,
the phrase ‘‘after the effective date of this
AD’’ must be used.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1333, dated May 12, 2017, specifies
contacting Boeing, and specifies that action
as RC: This AD requires using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
38643
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 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)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 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 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 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 August
2, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–16774 Filed 8–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 110
[Docket Number USCG–2015–0549]
RIN 1625–AA01
Anchorage Grounds; Galveston
Harbor, Bolivar Roads Channel,
Galveston, Texas
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
E:\FR\FM\15AUP1.SGM
15AUP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 15, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38641-38643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16774]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0773; Product Identifier 2017-NM-067-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 cracks
found in the lower chord of the left wing rear spar. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower chord of
the rear spar and lower aft skin at wing buttock line (WBL) 157 and
applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 29,
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 referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 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-2017-0773.
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-
0773; 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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO)
[[Page 38642]]
Branch, 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-2017-0773;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-067-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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating that a crack was found in the
horizontal flange of the lower chord of the left wing rear spar at WBL
157 during a non-destructive test (NDT) at 53,841 total flight cycles
and 66,268 total flight hours. Similar cracks have been reported on
other Boeing airplanes that have accumulated between 63,550 and 69,285
total flight cycles. Analysis has shown that main landing gear (MLG)
loading and braking loads result in cyclic fatigue and local stresses
on the structure. Concentrated loading due to the back-to-back design
of the MLG fitting also contributes to the problem. This condition, if
not corrected, could lead to the inability of the lower chord of the
rear spar, a principal structural element, to sustain limit load, which
could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May
12, 2017. The service information describes procedures for repetitive
low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for cracking of the lower
chord of the rear spar and detailed inspections for cracking of the
lower aft skin at WBL 157, applicable on-condition actions (e.g.,
repair), and instructions for airplanes that have an existing repair in
the inspection area. 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 accomplishment of the actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May
12, 2017, described previously, except for any differences identified
as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
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-2017-0773.
Explanation of Applicability
Model 737 airplanes having line numbers 1 through 291 have a limit
of validity (LOV) of 34,000 total flight cycles, and the actions
proposed in this NPRM, as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1333, dated May 12, 2017, would be required at a compliance time
occurring after that LOV. Although operation of an airplane beyond its
LOV is prohibited by 14 CFR 121.1115 and 129.115, this NPRM 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 190 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LFEC and detailed inspections 10 work-hours x $85 $0 $850 per Up to $161,500 per
per hour = $850 per inspection inspection cycle.
inspection cycle. 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.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the instructions for airplanes that have an existing
repair in the inspection area 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.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This
[[Page 38643]]
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-2017-0773; Product Identifier
2017-NM-067-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 29, 2017.
(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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the report of a crack indication in the
horizontal flange of the lower chord of the left wing rear spar at
wing buttock line (WBL) 157 and multiple reports of similar crack
findings on other airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking of the lower chord of the rear spar and the lower
aft skin at WBL 157. Undetected cracks could lead to the inability
of the lower chord of the rear spar, a principal structural element,
to sustain limit load, which could adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May 12, 2017: Except as required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1333, dated May 12, 2017, do all applicable actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May 12, 2017.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May 12, 2017: Within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane and do all
applicable corrective actions using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May
12, 2017, uses the phrase ``after the original issue date of this
service bulletin,'' for purposes of determining compliance with the
requirements of this AD, the phrase ``after the effective date of
this AD'' must be used.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1333, dated May
12, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as
RC: This AD requires using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(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 Branch, 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)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
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-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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 August 2, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-16774 Filed 8-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P