Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 38632-38634 [2017-17096]

Download as PDF 38632 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2017 / Proposed Rules mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin B787–81205– SB240063–00, Issue 001, dated December 22, 2015. (2) For Group 2 airplanes as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin B787–81205– SB240063–00, Issue 001, dated December 22, 2015: This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB240063–00, Issue 001, dated December 22, 2015, and provided the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB420006–00, Issue 003, dated October 15, 2015, are done within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO 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) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015–09–07 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD. (5) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(5)(i) and (k)(5)(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 16:14 Aug 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Oshiro, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917– 6480; fax: 425–917–6590; email: Stephen.Oshiro@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 July 28, 2017. John P. Piccola, Jr., Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–16666 Filed 8–14–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration • 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–2017–0772. Examining the AD Docket 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0772; Product Identifier 2017–NM–075–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of crack indications in the right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to the rear spar upper chord. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the wing upper aft skin, and applicable oncondition 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. SUMMARY: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0772; 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 ACO 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– 2017–0772; Product Identifier 2017– NM–075–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 E:\FR\FM\15AUP1.SGM 15AUP1 38633 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2017 / Proposed Rules 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. procedures for repetitive inspections for cracking of the wing upper aft skin at and forward of the rear spar upper chord, and applicable on-condition 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. Discussion We have received a report of crack indications in the right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to the rear spar upper chord at wing buttock line (WBL) 172.30 and WBL 197.38. The cracks were found on airplanes with 58,148 to 64,204 total flight hours and 45,512 to 51,409 total flight cycles. This cracking, if not corrected, could result in the inability of a principal structural element to sustain flight load, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane. FAA’s Determination Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017. The service information describes 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 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 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– 0772. 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 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 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 160 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 Inspection ................................................ 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 per inspection cycle. $0 $340 per inspection cycle. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Aug 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 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 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, PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost on U.S. operators $54,400 per inspection cycle. (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. E:\FR\FM\15AUP1.SGM 15AUP1 38634 § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 15, 2017 / Proposed Rules [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2017–0772; Product Identifier 2017– NM–075–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 reports of crack indications in the right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to the rear spar upper chord. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the wing upper aft skin, which can lead to the inability of a principal structural element to sustain flight load, and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Required Actions (1) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 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 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017. (2) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 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) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD, the phrase ‘‘the effective date of this AD’’ may be substituted for ‘‘the original issue date of this service bulletin,’’ as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017. (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as RC: This AD requires using a method VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Aug 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 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 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 4, 2017. Jeffrey E. Duven, Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–17096 Filed 8–14–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0769; Product Identifier 2017–NM–054–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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–19– 12, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. AD 2015–19–12 requires a general visual inspection of certain lap splices for missing fasteners, and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2015–19– 12, we have determined that additional airplanes are affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the actions required by AD 2015– 19–12 and revise the applicability by adding airplanes. 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. SUMMARY: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: (j) Related Information • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to (1) For more information about this AD, https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, instructions for submitting comments. Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO • Fax: 202–493–2251. Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, • Mail: U.S. Department of Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 5313; fax: 562–627–5210; email: 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room payman.soltani@faa.gov. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., (2) For service information identified in Washington, DC 20590. this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., address above between 9 a.m. and 5 MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; p.m., Monday through Friday, except telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https:// Federal holidays. www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this For service information identified in referenced service information at the FAA, this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\15AUP1.SGM 15AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 15, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38632-38634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17096]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0772; Product Identifier 2017-NM-075-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 crack 
indications in the right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener 
holes common to the rear spar upper chord. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections for cracking of the wing upper aft skin, 
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-2017-0772.

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-
0772; 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 ACO 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-2017-0772; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-075-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

[[Page 38633]]

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 a report of crack indications in the right wing 
upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to the rear spar 
upper chord at wing buttock line (WBL) 172.30 and WBL 197.38. The 
cracks were found on airplanes with 58,148 to 64,204 total flight hours 
and 45,512 to 51,409 total flight cycles. This cracking, if not 
corrected, could result in the inability of a principal structural 
element to sustain flight 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 737-57A1335, dated May 
24, 2017. The service information describes procedures for repetitive 
inspections for cracking of the wing upper aft skin at and forward of 
the rear spar upper chord, and applicable on-condition 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 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 737-57A1335, dated May 
24, 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-2017-0772.

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 
737-57A1335, dated May 24, 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 160 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...................  4 work-hours x $85                 $0   $340 per          $54,400 per inspection
                                per hour = $340 per                     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.

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 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.

[[Page 38634]]

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-2017-0772; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-075-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 reports of crack indications in the 
right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to 
the rear spar upper chord. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking of the wing upper aft skin, which can lead to the 
inability of a principal structural element to sustain flight load, 
and 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 airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24, 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 
737-57A1335, dated May 24, 2017, do all applicable actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance 
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24, 2017.
    (2) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24, 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) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD, the phrase ``the effective date of this AD'' may be 
substituted for ``the original issue date of this service 
bulletin,'' as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
57A1335, dated May 24, 2017.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 
24, 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 4, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-17096 Filed 8-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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