Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 46725-46727 [2017-21225]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0903; Product Identifier 2017–NM–074–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 certain The Boeing Company Model 737–300 and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that fatigue cracks were found in the lower wing skin of an airplane with winglets installed. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower wing skin, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 2017. SUMMARY: 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 Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 1–206– 830–7699; fax: 1–206–767–3355; email: leng@aviationpartners.com; Internet: https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 244001 of this material at the FAA, call 425– 227–1221. 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– 0903; 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: Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057– 3356; phone: 425–917–6478; fax: 425– 917–6590; email: lu.lu@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– 2017–0903; Product Identifier 2017– NM–074–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. Discussion We have received a report indicating that fatigue cracks were found in the lower wing skin at the farthest outboard fastener of stringer L–5 between wing station (WSTA) 479 and WSTA 505 on a Model 737–300 airplane with Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglet kit installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE. If not corrected, fatigue cracking of the lower wing skin common to the runout of stringer L–5 on Boeing Model 737–300 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 46725 and 737–500 airplanes with winglets installed could grow and result in loss of the structural integrity of the wing, and reduced, or complete loss of, controllability of the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C–57– 002, dated April 5, 2017. The service information describes procedures for repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower wing skin, and 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 specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information.’’ Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C–57–002, dated April 5, 2017, specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain instructions, but this proposed AD would require using repair methods, modification deviations, and alteration deviations in one of the following ways: • In accordance with a method that we approve; or • Using data that meet the certification basis of the airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have authorized to make those findings. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 93 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\06OCP1.SGM 06OCP1 46726 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Repetitive inspection .......... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection cycle. We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD. 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. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 244001 Parts cost Cost per product $0 $85 per inspection cycle. Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2017–0903; Product Identifier 2017– NM–074–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 20, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–300 and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, with blended winglet kits installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report indicating that fatigue cracks were found in the lower wing skin at stringer L–5 of a Boeing Model 737–300 airplane with winglets installed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower wing skin common to the runout of stringer L–5, which could grow and result in loss of structural integrity of the wing, and PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost on U.S. operators Up to $7,905 per inspection cycle. consequent reduced, or complete loss of, controllability of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Repetitive Inspection Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the lower wing skin external surface at the stringer L–5 location on the left and right wings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C– 57–002, dated April 5, 2017. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight cycles or 9,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first. (h) Repair If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Although Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C–57–002, dated April 5, 2017, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions, and specifies that action as ‘‘RC’’ (Required for Compliance), this AD requires repair as specified in this paragraph. (i) 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 (j)(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) Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the E:\FR\FM\06OCP1.SGM 06OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules 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 Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6478; fax: 425–917–6590; email: lu.lu@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 1–206–830–7699; fax: 1– 206–767–3355; email: leng@ aviationpartners.com; Internet: https:// www.aviationpartnersboeing.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. torque between the low-pressure (LP) pump impeller and the high-pressure (HP) pump shaft on the HP/LP pump and metering valve assembly, hereafter referred to as the hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU). Since we issued AD 2012–03–11, the manufacturer determined that incorporating Modification TU 178 is a more effective method to reduce the risk of uncoupling between the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft than the prior Modification TU 147. This proposed AD would require inspection and possible replacement of the HMU. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 2017. [Docket No. FAA–2009–0889; Product Identifier 2009–NE–35–AD] 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 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2009– 0889. RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 25, 2017. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–21225 Filed 10–5–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Turboshaft Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–03– 11 that applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines. AD 2012–03–11 requires checking the transmissible SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 244001 ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2009– 0889; 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 proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 46727 available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– 238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email: robert.green@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– 2009–0889; Product Identifier 2009– NE–35–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. Discussion We issued AD 2012–03–11, Amendment 39–16953 (77 FR 8092, February 14, 2012), ‘‘AD 2012–03–11,’’ for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines. AD 2012–03–11 requires checking the transmissible torque between the LP pump impeller and the HP pump shaft on the pre- and post-Modification TU 147 HMUs. AD 2012–03–11 resulted from instances of uncoupling between the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft. We issued AD 2012–03–11 to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown, which can result in a forced autorotation landing or accident. Actions Since AD 2012–03–11 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2012–03–11, the manufacturer determined that modification of an engine to incorporate Modification TU 178 is a more effective method to reduce the risk of uncoupling between the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft than the prior Modification TU 147. Also since we issued AD 2012–03–11, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2017–0102, dated June 13, 2017, which requires inspection and possible replacement of the HMU. E:\FR\FM\06OCP1.SGM 06OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 193 (Friday, October 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46725-46727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21225]



[[Page 46725]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0903; Product Identifier 2017-NM-074-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 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300 and -500 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that fatigue 
cracks were found in the lower wing skin of an airplane with winglets 
installed. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for 
cracking of the lower wing skin, and repair if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 
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 Aviation 
Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; 
phone: 1-206-830-7699; fax: 1-206-767-3355; email: 
leng@aviationpartners.com; Internet: https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com. You may view this 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.

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-
0903; 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:  Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
lu.lu@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-2017-0903; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that fatigue cracks were found 
in the lower wing skin at the farthest outboard fastener of stringer L-
5 between wing station (WSTA) 479 and WSTA 505 on a Model 737-300 
airplane with Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglet kit installed 
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE. If not corrected, 
fatigue cracking of the lower wing skin common to the runout of 
stringer L-5 on Boeing Model 737-300 and 737-500 airplanes with 
winglets installed could grow and result in loss of the structural 
integrity of the wing, and reduced, or complete loss of, 
controllability of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C-57-
002, dated April 5, 2017. The service information describes procedures 
for repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower wing skin, and 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 
specified in the service information described previously, except as 
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C-57-002, dated 
April 5, 2017, specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain 
instructions, but this proposed AD would require using repair methods, 
modification deviations, and alteration deviations in one of the 
following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 93 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 46726]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
               Action                     Labor cost        Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive inspection...............  1 work-hour x $85               $0  $85 per inspection  Up to $7,905 per
                                       per hour = $85                      cycle.              inspection cycle.
                                       per inspection
                                       cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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-2017-0903; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-074-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 20, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300 and -500 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, with blended winglet 
kits installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) ST01219SE.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that fatigue cracks 
were found in the lower wing skin at stringer L-5 of a Boeing Model 
737-300 airplane with winglets installed. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower wing skin common to 
the runout of stringer L-5, which could grow and result in loss of 
structural integrity of the wing, and consequent reduced, or 
complete loss of, controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspection

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
detailed inspection for cracking of the lower wing skin external 
surface at the stringer L-5 location on the left and right wings, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Aviation Partners 
Boeing Service Bulletin AP737C-57-002, dated April 5, 2017. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight 
cycles or 9,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first.

(h) Repair

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, repair before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD. Although Aviation Partners Boeing Service 
Bulletin AP737C-57-002, dated April 5, 2017, specifies to contact 
Boeing for repair instructions, and specifies that action as ``RC'' 
(Required for Compliance), this AD requires repair as specified in 
this paragraph.

(i) 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 (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) Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the

[[Page 46727]]

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 Lu Lu, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: lu.lu@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd Street, Suite 200, 
Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 1-206-830-7699; fax: 1-206-767-3355; 
email: leng@aviationpartners.com; Internet: https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.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 September 25, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21225 Filed 10-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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