Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 41179-41182 [2017-18389]
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41179
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 167
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[EERE–2017–BT–TP–0047]
Energy Conservation Program: Test
Procedure for Small Electric Motors
and Electric Motors
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information;
extension of public comment period.
AGENCY:
On July 31, 2017, the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) published
a request for information (RFI)
pertaining to the test procedures for
small electric motors and electric
motors. The notice provided an
opportunity for submitting written
comments, data, and information by
August 30, 2017. This document
announces an extension of the comment
period until September 13, 2017.
DATES: The comment period for the RFI,
published on July 31, 2017 (82 FR
35468), is extended. DOE will accept
written comments, data, and
information in response to the RFI
received no later than September 13,
2017.
SUMMARY:
Interested persons are
encouraged to submit comments by any
of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Email:
SmallElectricMotors2017TP0047@
ee.doe.gov. Include docket number
EERE–2017–BT–TP–0047 in the subject
line of the message. Submit electronic
comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft
Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and
avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption.
• Postal Mail: Appliance and
Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121. If
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ADDRESSES:
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possible, please submit all items on a
compact disc (CD), in which case it is
not necessary to include printed copies.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance
and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Office, 950 L’Enfant Plaza
SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024.
Telephone: (202) 287–1445. If possible,
please submit all items on a CD, in
which case it is not necessary to include
printed copies.
No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be
accepted. For detailed instructions on
submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process,
see section III of this document.
Docket: The docket for this activity,
which includes Federal Register
notices, comments, and other
supporting documents/materials, is
available for review at https://
www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the docket are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index,
such as those containing information
that is exempt from public disclosure,
may not be publicly available.
The docket Web page can be found at
https://www.regulations.gov/#!docket
Detail;D=EERE-2017-BT-TP-0047. The
docket Web page will contain simple
instructions on how to access all
documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section III for
information on how to submit
comments through https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, EE–5B 1000
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–9870. Email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
Mary Greene, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–1817. Email:
mary.greene@hq.doe.gov.
For further information on how to
submit a comment, review other public
comments and the docket, contact the
Appliance and Equipment Standards
Program staff at (202) 287–1445 or by
email: ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
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DOE
published a RFI pertaining to the test
procedure for small electric motors and
electric motors on July 31, 2017. 82 FR
35468. The RFI initiated a data
collection process to consider whether
to amend DOE’s test procedures for
small electric motors and electric
motors, and whether new test
procedures are needed for motors
beyond those subject to the existing
Federal test procedures. DOE requested
written comment, data, and information
pertaining to these test procedures by
August 30, 2017.
The National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA), an interested party
in the matter, requested a two-week
extension of the public comment period
for the RFI published in the Federal
Register on August 17, 2017. (NEMA,
No. 6, at p. 1)
DOE believes that extending the
comment period to allow additional
time for interested parties to submit
comments is appropriate. Therefore,
DOE is extending the comment period
until September 13, 2017 to provide
interested parties additional time to
prepare and submit comments.
Accordingly, DOE will consider any
comments received by September 13,
2017 to be timely submitted.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 23,
2017.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
[FR Doc. 2017–18408 Filed 8–29–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0807; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–080–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
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 167 / Wednesday, August 30, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200,
–200C, –300, –400, and –500 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracking in the
webs of the stub beams at certain
fuselage stations. These cracks are the
result of fatigue caused by cyclical
loading from pressurization, wing loads,
and landing loads. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections for
cracking of the webs of the stub beams
at certain fuselage stations, 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 October 16, 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–2017–0807.
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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–
0807; 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:
Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: galib.abumeri@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–
2017–0807; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–080–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 of cracking
in the webs of the stub beams at fuselage
station (STA) 685, STA 695, and STA
706. These cracks are a result of fatigue
caused by cyclical loading from
pressurization, wing loads, and landing
loads.
Cracks have occurred in the stub
beam webs at STA 685 on the left and
right sides of airplanes, with total flight
cycles ranging between 21,673 and
45,892 at the time of the crack finding.
Cracks have occurred in the stub beam
webs at STA 695 on the left and right
sides of airplanes, with total flight
cycles ranging between 49,572 and
56,712 at the time of crack findings.
Cracks have also occurred in the stub
beam webs at STA 706 on the left and
right sides of airplanes with total flight
cycles ranging between 12,017 and
64,392 at the time of crack findings.
Cracking in the stub beam webs at
certain fuselage stations, if not
corrected, could result in the loss of
structural integrity of the airframe
during flight, collapse of the main
landing gear, and failure of the pressure
deck.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1364, dated May 24,
2017. The service information describes
procedures for doing high frequency
eddy current and detailed inspections
for cracking of the fuselage stub beam
webs below the passenger floor at STA
685, STA 695, and STA 706, 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 designs.
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 737–53A1364, 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–
0807.
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
Inspections ..
Up to 13 work-hours × $85 per
hour = $1,105 per inspection
cycle.
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Parts cost
PO 00000
Cost per product
$0
Frm 00002
Cost on U.S. operators
Up to $1,105 per inspection cycle ..
Up to $176,800 per inspection
cycle.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 167 / Wednesday, August 30, 2017 / Proposed Rules
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
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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 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.
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18:16 Aug 29, 2017
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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–
2017–0807; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–080–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 16,
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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking in the webs of the stub beams at
certain fuselage stations. These cracks are the
result of fatigue caused by cyclical loading
from pressurization, wing loads, and landing
loads. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking in the webs of the stub
beams at certain fuselage stations, which if
not corrected, could result in the loss of
structural integrity of the airframe during
flight, collapse of the main landing gear, and
failure of the pressure deck.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1364,
dated May 24, 2017, within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the stub
beam webs for any cracking, and do all
applicable on-condition actions, using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
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41181
(h) Required Actions for Group 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6 Airplanes
Except as required by paragraph (i) of this
AD: For Group 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 airplanes as
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1364, dated May 24, 2017: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1364, dated May 24, 2017,
do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’
(required for compliance) in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1364,
dated May 24, 2017.
(i) 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,’’ which is
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1364, dated May 24, 2017.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1364, 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 (j) of this AD.
(j) 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 (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-LAAC-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 (i)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii)
of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. An AMOC is required for any
deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 167 / Wednesday, August 30, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(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.
No. 17–AWP–11 at the beginning of
your comments. You may also submit
comments through the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov. You may review
the public docket containing the
proposal, any comments received, and
any final disposition in person in the
Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and
(k) Related Information
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
(1) For more information about this AD,
except Federal holidays. The Docket
contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
Office (telephone 1 (800) 647–5527), is
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
on the ground floor of the building at
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
the above address.
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
5324; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
Designations and Reporting Points, and
galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
subsequent amendments can be viewed
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
publications/. For further information,
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
you can contact the Airspace Policy
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
Group, Federal Aviation
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet: https://
Administration, 800 Independence
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
referenced service information at the FAA,
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind
also available for inspection at the
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
National Archives and Records
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
Order 7400.11A at NARA, call (202)
22, 2017.
741–6030, or go to https://
Dionne Palermo,
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_
Aircraft Certification Service.
locations.html.
[FR Doc. 2017–18389 Filed 8–29–17; 8:45 am]
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0344; Airspace
Docket No. 17–AWP–11]
Proposed Modification of Air Traffic
Service (ATS) Routes; Western United
States
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
modify VOR Federal Airways V–113
and V–244 which caused navigational
aid gaps due to the decommissioning of
Manteca and Maxwell VORs.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before October 16, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone:
1 (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826.
You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA–2017–0344 and Airspace Docket
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:16 Aug 29, 2017
Jkt 241001
Kenneth Ready, Airspace Policy Group,
Office of Airspace Services, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202)
267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of the airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it modifies the
route structure as necessary to preserve
the safe and efficient flow of air traffic
within the National Airspace System
(NAS).
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Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2017–0344 and Airspace Docket No. 17–
AWP–11) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management Facility (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2017–0344, and
Airspace Docket No. 17–AWP–11.’’ The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
date will be considered before taking
action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s Web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. An informal
docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the office of
the Western Service Center, Operations
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 167 (Wednesday, August 30, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41179-41182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18389]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0807; Product Identifier 2017-NM-080-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
[[Page 41180]]
Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the
webs of the stub beams at certain fuselage stations. These cracks are
the result of fatigue caused by cyclical loading from pressurization,
wing loads, and landing loads. This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the webs of the stub beams at
certain fuselage stations, 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 October 16,
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-2017-0807.
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-
0807; 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: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: galib.abumeri@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-2017-0807;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-080-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 of cracking in the webs of the stub beams
at fuselage station (STA) 685, STA 695, and STA 706. These cracks are a
result of fatigue caused by cyclical loading from pressurization, wing
loads, and landing loads.
Cracks have occurred in the stub beam webs at STA 685 on the left
and right sides of airplanes, with total flight cycles ranging between
21,673 and 45,892 at the time of the crack finding. Cracks have
occurred in the stub beam webs at STA 695 on the left and right sides
of airplanes, with total flight cycles ranging between 49,572 and
56,712 at the time of crack findings. Cracks have also occurred in the
stub beam webs at STA 706 on the left and right sides of airplanes with
total flight cycles ranging between 12,017 and 64,392 at the time of
crack findings.
Cracking in the stub beam webs at certain fuselage stations, if not
corrected, could result in the loss of structural integrity of the
airframe during flight, collapse of the main landing gear, and failure
of the pressure deck.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1364, dated May
24, 2017. The service information describes procedures for doing high
frequency eddy current and detailed inspections for cracking of the
fuselage stub beam webs below the passenger floor at STA 685, STA 695,
and STA 706, 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 designs.
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 737-53A1364, 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-2017-0807.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections............. Up to 13 $0 Up to $1,105 per Up to $176,800 per
work[dash]hours x $85 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per hour = $1,105 per
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more 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.
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-2017-0807; Product Identifier
2017-NM-080-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 16, 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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the webs of the
stub beams at certain fuselage stations. These cracks are the result
of fatigue caused by cyclical loading from pressurization, wing
loads, and landing loads. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking in the webs of the stub beams at certain fuselage
stations, which if not corrected, could result in the loss of
structural integrity of the airframe during flight, collapse of the
main landing gear, and failure of the pressure deck.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1364, dated May 24, 2017, within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the stub beam webs for any
cracking, and do all applicable on-condition actions, using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions for Group 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 Airplanes
Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: For Group 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1364, dated May 24, 2017: At the applicable times specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1364, dated May 24, 2017, do all applicable actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1364, dated May 24, 2017.
(i) 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,'' which is specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1364, dated May 24, 2017.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1364, 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 (j) of this AD.
(j) 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 (k)(1) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAAC-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 (i)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
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(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5324; fax: 562-627-5210; email: galib.abumeri@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 22, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18389 Filed 8-29-17; 8:45 am]
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