Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 39344-39347 [2017-16354]
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39344
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 159 / Friday, August 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Bulletin 670BA–36–022, dated May 30, 2016;
or Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–36–
022, Revision A, dated September 16, 2016.
(k) 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.
(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.
(l) Related Information
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(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–36–
022, Revision B, dated December 20, 2016.
(ii) Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet
Airworthiness Limitations Temporary
Revision ALI–0553, dated August 19, 2016.
(iii) Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet
Airworthiness Limitations Temporary
Revision ALI–0554, dated August 19, 2016.
15:59 Aug 17, 2017
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13,
2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–15484 Filed 8–17–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF–2016–35, dated
November 16, 2016, for related information.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0699.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Joseph Catanzaro, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch,
ANE–173, FAA, New York ACO, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516–228–7366; fax 516–
794–5531.
(3) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(iv) Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet
Airworthiness Limitations Temporary
Revision ALI–0555, dated August 19, 2016.
(v) Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet
Airworthiness Limitations Temporary
Revision ALI–0556, dated August 19, 2016.
(vi) Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet
Airworthiness Limitations Temporary
Revision ALI–0557, dated August 19, 2016.
(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.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Jkt 241001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9112; Product
Identifier 2016–NM–091–AD; Amendment
39–18982; AD 2017–16–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–600,
–700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a report of a Krueger flap bullnose
departing an airplane during taxi, which
caused damage to the wing structure
and thrust reverser. This AD requires a
one-time detailed visual inspection for
discrepancies in the Krueger flap
bullnose attachment hardware, and
related investigative and corrective
actions, if necessary. We are issuing this
SUMMARY:
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AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
22, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 22, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, 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 Staff, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425–227–1221. It is also available
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9112.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9112; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO) Branch, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–
3356; phone: 425–917–6450; fax: 425–
917–6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800,
–900, and –900ER series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 29, 2016 (81 FR
66874) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of a Krueger flap
bullnose departing an airplane during
taxi, which caused damage to the wing
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structure and thrust reverser. The NPRM
proposed to require a one-time detailed
visual inspection for discrepancies in
the Krueger flap bullnose attachment
hardware, and related investigative and
corrective actions, if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
missing Krueger flap bullnose hardware.
Such missing hardware could result in
the Krueger flap bullnose departing the
airplane during flight, which could
damage empennage structure and lead
to the inability to maintain continued
safe flight and landing.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
Vincent Romano, a private citizen,
and United Airlines (UAL), stated their
support for the NPRM.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment
of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that
accomplishing the Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not
affect the actions specified in the
NPRM.
We concur with the commenter. We
have redesignated paragraph (c) of the
NPRM as paragraph (c)(1) and added
paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that
installation of STC ST00830SE does not
affect the ability to accomplish the
actions required by this AD. Therefore,
for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’
alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not
necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Reference the Latest Service
Information
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All Nippon Airways (ANA), American
Airlines (AAL), Boeing, Jet2.com, TUIfly
GmbH (HAP), UAL, and Kennedy Juma,
requested revising the NPRM to
reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1327, Revision 1, dated
September 28, 2016. Some commenters
pointed out that the original issue had
some errors in the illustrations and
needed certain clarifications. ANA and
Boeing also requested that we provide
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15:59 Aug 17, 2017
Jkt 241001
credit for accomplishing the original
issue of the service information.
We agree that this final rule should
reference the latest service information.
Since we issued the NPRM, Boeing
issued Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1327, Revision 1, dated
September 28, 2016. We have revised
paragraphs (c)(1) (paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD) and (g) of this AD to
reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1327, Revision 1, dated
September 28, 2016, for
accomplishment of the required actions.
We have also revised this AD to provide
credit for using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1327, dated May 20,
2016, to accomplish the required actions
before the effective date of this AD.
Request To Correct the Latest Service
Information
AAL requested that Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–57A1327, Revision
1, dated September 28, 2016, be
corrected to address errors in Figures 1,
2, 3, and 4. AAL stated that these errors
affect the depiction of how the clevis
assembly, clevis, and bullnose hinge lug
are attached to each other, and
suggested that revising the figures to
correct the errors would clarify which
parts must be subject to the detailed
inspection.
We acknowledge that Figures 1, 2, 3,
and 4 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1327, Revision 1, dated
September 28, 2016, contain errors in
the labeling of parts in the illustrations.
However, the instructions in the tables
in the figures correctly identify the parts
and actions to be accomplished. Since
the instructions are correct, the service
bulletin adequately addresses the unsafe
condition. We do not revise
manufacturers’ service information.
However, Boeing might decide to revise
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
57A1327, Revision 1, dated September
28, 2016, to correct the errors. We have
not changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Allow Alternate
Replacement Procedure
AAL and Southwest Airlines (SWA)
requested that we revise the NPRM to
provide an option to replace cracked or
deformed bullnose hinge lugs or clevis
assemblies with bullnose hinge lugs or
clevis assemblies instead of replacement
with a Krueger flap assembly, as
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39345
specified in paragraph 3.B.2.a.(1)(a)1) of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
57A1327, Revision 1, dated September
28, 2016. AAL suggested that the
replacement option could be done using
certain sections of a component
maintenance manual (CMM). SWA
suggested the use of Boeing production
installation drawings. Both AAL and
SWA also stated that replacing only the
affected bullnose hinge lugs or clevis
assemblies would also reduce the cost of
repair or replacement. SWA also stated
that there is a limited inventory of
Krueger flap assemblies and that limited
inventory, combined with a 6-month
compliance time could significantly
impair operators.
We understand that the suggested
replacement option might reduce the
burden on operators. However, we do
not agree to revise this AD to include
the suggested changes. The repairs
provided by the suggested sections of
the CMM address normal wear-and-tear,
and these repairs may not be
appropriate for addressing damage that
might result from an improperly
attached Krueger flap. Boeing informed
us that there is no procedure in the
CMM that would provide step-by-step
instructions to remove only the bullnose
other than by use of the drawing system.
Engineering instructions would be
needed to ensure that the remainder of
the flap assembly is serviceable and not
damaged in addition to the damaged
bullnose hinge lugs or clevis assembly,
and that level of instruction would be
too much detail for an AD. However,
once we issue this AD, any person may
request approval of an AMOC under the
provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD.
We have not changed the AD in this
regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 159 / Friday, August 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1327, Revision 1,
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
dated September 28, 2016. The service
information describes procedures for a
one-time detailed visual inspection for
discrepancies in the Krueger flap
bullnose attachment hardware, and
related investigative and corrective
actions. This service information is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,495
airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
the following costs to comply with this
AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspection of the Krueger flap bullnose hardware.
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 .........
None ..................
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. We
do not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, we
have included all available costs in our
cost estimate.
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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 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.
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15:59 Aug 17, 2017
Jkt 241001
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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):
■
2017–16–05 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–18982; Docket No.
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Cost per
product
$255
Cost on U.S.
operators
$381,225
FAA–2016–9112; Product Identifier
2016–NM–091–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 22, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing
Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C,
–800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1327,
Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE (https://rgl.faa.
gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.
nsf/0/354588EE63741A068625807D006
726F6?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the
actions required by this AD. Therefore, for
airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is
installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) approval
request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
Krueger flap bullnose departing an airplane
during taxi, which caused damage to the
wing structure and thrust reverser. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct missing
Krueger flap bullnose hardware. Such
missing hardware could result in the Krueger
flap bullnose departing the airplane during
flight, which could damage empennage
structure and lead to the inability to maintain
continued safe flight and landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection of the Krueger Flap Bullnose
Within 6 months after the effective date of
this AD, do a detailed inspection for
discrepancies of the Krueger flap bullnose
attachment hardware, and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions,
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 159 / Friday, August 18, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1327, Revision 1, dated September
28, 2016. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before
further flight.
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(h) 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 Alert
Service Bulletin 737–57A1327, dated May
20, 2016.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (j)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-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) For service information that contains
steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (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 sub-step is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
sub-step. 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 Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–
3356; phone: 425–917–6450; fax: 425–917–
6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
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15:59 Aug 17, 2017
Jkt 241001
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
57A1327, Revision 1, dated September 28,
2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Boeing 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
Lind Ave SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.
gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26,
2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–16354 Filed 8–17–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9508; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–065–AD; Amendment
39–18956; AD 2017–14–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–22–
06 which applied to all Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes. AD 2015–22–06 required
revising the After Start Normal
Procedures section of the airplane flight
SUMMARY:
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39347
manual (AFM) to provide procedures
that address latent failures in the spoiler
and elevator computer (SEC). This AD
requires installing new updated SEC
software. This AD was prompted by
reports that certain maintenance
messages indicated the loss of elevator
servo control monitoring performed by
SEC 1, SEC 2, or both, during the engine
start. We are issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
22, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of September 22, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of November 20, 2015 (80 FR
68429, November 5, 2015).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office–EIAS, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425 227–1221. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9508.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9508; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\18AUR1.SGM
18AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 159 (Friday, August 18, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39344-39347]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16354]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9112; Product Identifier 2016-NM-091-AD; Amendment
39-18982; AD 2017-16-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a Krueger flap
bullnose departing an airplane during taxi, which caused damage to the
wing structure and thrust reverser. This AD requires a one-time
detailed visual inspection for discrepancies in the Krueger flap
bullnose attachment hardware, and related investigative and corrective
actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 22, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
22, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 Staff, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9112.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9112; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO)
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2016 (81 FR
66874) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a Krueger
flap bullnose departing an airplane during taxi, which caused damage to
the wing
[[Page 39345]]
structure and thrust reverser. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time
detailed visual inspection for discrepancies in the Krueger flap
bullnose attachment hardware, and related investigative and corrective
actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
missing Krueger flap bullnose hardware. Such missing hardware could
result in the Krueger flap bullnose departing the airplane during
flight, which could damage empennage structure and lead to the
inability to maintain continued safe flight and landing.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
Vincent Romano, a private citizen, and United Airlines (UAL),
stated their support for the NPRM.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not affect the actions specified
in the NPRM.
We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the NPRM as paragraph (c)(1) and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to
state that installation of STC ST00830SE does not affect the ability to
accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on
which STC ST00830SE is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply
with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Reference the Latest Service Information
All Nippon Airways (ANA), American Airlines (AAL), Boeing,
Jet2.com, TUIfly GmbH (HAP), UAL, and Kennedy Juma, requested revising
the NPRM to reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327,
Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016. Some commenters pointed out that
the original issue had some errors in the illustrations and needed
certain clarifications. ANA and Boeing also requested that we provide
credit for accomplishing the original issue of the service information.
We agree that this final rule should reference the latest service
information. Since we issued the NPRM, Boeing issued Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-57A1327, Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016. We
have revised paragraphs (c)(1) (paragraph (c) of the proposed AD) and
(g) of this AD to reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327,
Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016, for accomplishment of the
required actions. We have also revised this AD to provide credit for
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327, dated May 20, 2016, to
accomplish the required actions before the effective date of this AD.
Request To Correct the Latest Service Information
AAL requested that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327,
Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016, be corrected to address errors in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. AAL stated that these errors affect the
depiction of how the clevis assembly, clevis, and bullnose hinge lug
are attached to each other, and suggested that revising the figures to
correct the errors would clarify which parts must be subject to the
detailed inspection.
We acknowledge that Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1327, Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016, contain
errors in the labeling of parts in the illustrations. However, the
instructions in the tables in the figures correctly identify the parts
and actions to be accomplished. Since the instructions are correct, the
service bulletin adequately addresses the unsafe condition. We do not
revise manufacturers' service information. However, Boeing might decide
to revise Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327, Revision 1, dated
September 28, 2016, to correct the errors. We have not changed the AD
in this regard.
Request To Allow Alternate Replacement Procedure
AAL and Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that we revise the NPRM
to provide an option to replace cracked or deformed bullnose hinge lugs
or clevis assemblies with bullnose hinge lugs or clevis assemblies
instead of replacement with a Krueger flap assembly, as specified in
paragraph 3.B.2.a.(1)(a)1) of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
57A1327, Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016. AAL suggested that the
replacement option could be done using certain sections of a component
maintenance manual (CMM). SWA suggested the use of Boeing production
installation drawings. Both AAL and SWA also stated that replacing only
the affected bullnose hinge lugs or clevis assemblies would also reduce
the cost of repair or replacement. SWA also stated that there is a
limited inventory of Krueger flap assemblies and that limited
inventory, combined with a 6-month compliance time could significantly
impair operators.
We understand that the suggested replacement option might reduce
the burden on operators. However, we do not agree to revise this AD to
include the suggested changes. The repairs provided by the suggested
sections of the CMM address normal wear-and-tear, and these repairs may
not be appropriate for addressing damage that might result from an
improperly attached Krueger flap. Boeing informed us that there is no
procedure in the CMM that would provide step-by-step instructions to
remove only the bullnose other than by use of the drawing system.
Engineering instructions would be needed to ensure that the remainder
of the flap assembly is serviceable and not damaged in addition to the
damaged bullnose hinge lugs or clevis assembly, and that level of
instruction would be too much detail for an AD. However, once we issue
this AD, any person may request approval of an AMOC under the
provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD. We have not changed the AD in
this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
[[Page 39346]]
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327, Revision 1,
dated September 28, 2016. The service information describes procedures
for a one-time detailed visual inspection for discrepancies in the
Krueger flap bullnose attachment hardware, and related investigative
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,495 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the Krueger flap 3 work-hours x $85 per None................ $255 $381,225
bullnose hardware. hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our
cost estimate.
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 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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):
2017-16-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18982; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9112; Product Identifier 2016-NM-091-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 22, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
57A1327, Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/354588EE63741A068625807D006726F6?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a Krueger flap bullnose
departing an airplane during taxi, which caused damage to the wing
structure and thrust reverser. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct missing Krueger flap bullnose hardware. Such missing
hardware could result in the Krueger flap bullnose departing the
airplane during flight, which could damage empennage structure and
lead to the inability to maintain continued safe flight and landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection of the Krueger Flap Bullnose
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for discrepancies of the Krueger flap bullnose
attachment hardware, and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions,
[[Page 39347]]
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-57A1327, Revision 1, dated September 28, 2016.
Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight.
(h) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-
57A1327, dated May 20, 2016.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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
(j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (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 sub-step is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then
the RC requirement is removed from that step or sub-step. 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 Alan Pohl,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax:
425-917-6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1327, Revision 1, dated
September 28, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Boeing 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.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Ave SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-16354 Filed 8-17-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P