Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 47363-47367 [2017-21444]

Download as PDF 47363 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 196 Thursday, October 12, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0244; Product Identifier 2016–NM–044–AD; Amendment 39–19071; AD 2017–20–14] 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 all The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain structural significant items (SSIs). This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental inspections. This AD also requires inspections to detect cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective November 16, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 16, 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 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. jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:21 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0244. 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– 0244; 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 final rule, 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627– 5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@ 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 all The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2017 (82 FR 15169). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain SSIs. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental inspections and SSI discrepancy reporting. The NPRM also proposed to require inspections to detect cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Revise Program Designation Boeing requested that we revise ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ to ‘‘maintenance inspection program’’ in the proposed AD. Boeing stated that operators have a single program that relates to the Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID). We do not agree with the commenter’s request. Airplanes operating under 14 CFR part 91 have ‘‘inspection programs’’ while airplanes operating under 14 CFR part 121 have ‘‘maintenance programs.’’ The decision to use the wording ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ is intentional. We have not changed this AD in this regard. Request To Revise Service Information Reference Boeing requested that we revise the proposed AD to refer to the specified service information as ‘‘Revision 1, October 2015,’’ instead of ‘‘Revision, October 2015.’’ We do not agree with Boeing’s request. The document title page, List of Effective Pages table, Revision Highlights table, document footer, and SSID Revision table listed under ‘‘1.0 Purpose’’ all identify the revision as ‘‘October 2015,’’ and not as ‘‘Revision 1, October 2015.’’ We have not changed this AD in this regard. Request To Revise Compliance Times Boeing and Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that we revise the compliance time for the initial inspections in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD. Boeing requested that the compliance time for initial inspections be changed from ‘‘before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later’’ to before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or at the next scheduled inspection as required by AD 2008–09– 13, Amendment 39–15494 (73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008) (‘‘AD 2008–09– 13’’), whichever occurs later. Boeing stated that, if operators have started SSID inspections, they should continue as scheduled in accordance with AD 2008–09–13; however, if they have not started inspections, they should already be prepared to begin at the 66,000 total flight cycle compliance time and that no E:\FR\FM\12OCR1.SGM 12OCR1 jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES 47364 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations new grace period is needed from the effective date of this AD. SWA stated that operators who have completed SSID inspections as required by AD 2008–09–13 would be required to repeat inspections within 12 months and it does not believe this is the intent of the proposed AD. SWA suggested that only inspections with revised requirements in the proposed AD should require future action and that all other inspections completed in accordance with the previous SSID revision, including alternative inspections with an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval, should be accepted as compliance to the proposed AD. Isaac Trolinder requested that we revise the compliance time measurement in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD from total flight cycles to total flight miles. We do not agree with Isaac Trolinder’s request. Compliance times for the actions in this AD are defined in terms of total airplane flight cycles and are not dependent on flight miles. We partially agree with Boeing and SWA’s requests. We disagree with Boeing’s request to remove the 12month grace period. Operators who are very close to accomplishing an initial or repeat inspection required by AD 2008– 09–13 need time to incorporate the revised service information in their maintenance or inspection program. Because this AD is not superseding the existing SSID AD, any initial or repeat inspection required by AD 2008–09–13 will still be required until the corresponding action in this AD is accomplished. We agree with SWA that previously approved AMOCs for inspections of SSIs that are not affected by the revised service information should remain applicable. This is addressed in paragraph (1)(4) of this AD. We agree with Boeing and SWA that we need to address the situation where an operator has already initiated inspections on SSIs. We have revised the introductory text of paragraph (h) of this AD and added paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) to this AD to include compliance time options to address compliance times for SSIs affected, and not affected, by the revised service information. This new wording provides identical requirements to paragraph (h) in the proposed AD, but offers a relieving option to operators who have initiated SSID inspections for certain SSIs. Request To Address Repaired or Altered SSIs Boeing requested that we revise the proposed AD to include a paragraph VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:21 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 that addresses any repair installed on an SSI such that the repair affects the operator’s ability to accomplish inspections required by the proposed AD. Boeing suggested that we include wording similar to the wording in paragraph (i) from AD 2008–09–13, except that we make the actions applicable to a repair installed on an SSI at any time and not exclusive to repairs installed before the effective date of the AD. We agree with the commenter’s request to revise this AD to include wording to address repairs or alterations on any SSI such that the repair or alteration affects the operator’s ability to accomplish the inspections required by this AD. We have included paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) in this AD. Paragraph (i)(1) of this AD requires repairs to SSI structure if cracks are found while accomplishing inspections in accordance with this AD and is similar to paragraph (i) of the proposed AD, except for the change described below under ‘‘Change to Paragraph (i) of the Proposed AD.’’ Paragraph (i)(2) is added to this AD to address repairs or alterations that affect the ability to inspect an SSI as required by this AD. If an operator finds a repaired or altered SSI such that the repair or alteration affects the operator’s ability to accomplish the inspections required by this AD and the repair or alteration does not have AMOC approval in accordance with paragraph (l) of this AD, then paragraph (i)(2) of this AD will provide the operator an 18-month grace period after the compliance time to request an AMOC. Change to Paragraph (i) of the Proposed AD Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD specifies to repair ‘‘using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.’’ We have changed the method of compliance language in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD to specify to repair ‘‘using an FAA-approved method.’’ Specifying an FAA-approved method will allow for FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) to approve repairs in addition to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) and the Los Angeles ACO Branch as specified by the procedures in paragraph (l) of this AD. If an FAA DER has the appropriate structures delegation for major repairs on 14 CFR part 25 airplanes, then the DER has the authority to approve these types of repairs. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Acknowledgement of Revision to Global AMOC Needed Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) acknowledged that installation of supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01219SE requires the modification of wing structure on Boeing Model 737– 300 and –500 airplanes, making it impossible to inspect the modified structure using the service information. APB noted that it has a global AMOC to paragraphs (g) and (h) of AD 2008–09– 13 for alternative inspections of the STC modified structure. APB stated that it will revise its inspection program for STC ST01219SE to adjust for the changes in Boeing Document D6–82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015, that affect the modified structure. APB stated that it will request a new global AMOC when the final rule is published. We acknowledge APB’s comment. No change is needed to this 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 final rule 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. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final rule. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Document D6– 82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/ 400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. The service information identifies SSIs having fatigue crack growth characteristics warranting special attention, describes procedures for inspections to detect cracks of all structure identified as SSIs, and provides corrective actions for cracked SSI structure. 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. E:\FR\FM\12OCR1.SGM 12OCR1 47365 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations Costs of Compliance estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: We estimate that this AD will affect 500 airplanes of U.S. registry. We ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Revision of maintenance or inspection program. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. We have not specified cost estimates for the inspections and repair specified in this AD. Compliance with this AD constitutes a method of compliance with the FAA aging airplane safety final rule (AASFR) for certain baseline structure of Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. The AASFR requires certain operators to incorporate damage tolerance inspections into their maintenance programs. These requirements are described in 14 CFR Cost per product Parts cost 121.1109(c)(1) and 14 CFR 129.109(b)(1). Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD will meet the requirements of these regulations for certain baseline structure. The costs for accomplishing the inspection portion of this AD were accounted for in the regulatory evaluation of the AASFR for airplanes affected by that rule. For airplanes not affected by the AASFR, we have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost $0 Cost on U.S. operators $85 $42,500 estimates for the inspection portion of this AD. We estimate the following costs to do any necessary reporting that would be required based on the results of the inspections specified in the revision of the maintenance or inspection program. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Reporting ...................................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... Paperwork Reduction Act jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120–0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:21 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Cost per product Parts cost $0 $85 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: E:\FR\FM\12OCR1.SGM 12OCR1 47366 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/ 500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. Accomplishment of the revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2008–09–13. 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): ■ 2017–20–14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–19071; Docket No. FAA–2017–0244; Product Identifier 2016–NM–044–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective November 16, 2017. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2008–09–13, Amendment 39–15494 (73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008) (‘‘AD 2008–09–13’’). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors; 53, Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/Pylons; 55, Stabilizers; 57, Wings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a structural reevaluation conducted by the manufacturer. We have determined that supplemental inspections are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain structural significant items (SSIs). We are issuing this AD to ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Revision of the Maintenance or Inspection Program for All Airplanes Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, that provides no less than the required damage tolerance rating (DTR) for each SSI listed in Boeing Document D6– 82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. The required DTR value for each SSI is listed in Boeing Document D6–82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. The revision to the maintenance or inspection program must include, and must be implemented in accordance with, the procedures in Section 5.0, ‘‘Damage Tolerance Rating (DTR) System Application;’’ and Section 6.0, ‘‘SSI Discrepancy Reporting;’’ of Boeing Document D6–82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:21 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 (h) Initial and Repetitive Inspections At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, perform an inspection in accordance with Boeing Document D6–82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015, to detect cracks of the applicable structure identified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in Boeing Document D6–82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this paragraph terminates the corresponding inspection required by paragraph (h) of AD 2008–09–13. (1) For all structure identified in Boeing Document D6–82669, ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015, except for empennage SSIs E– 19, E–21, E–29, E–30, and E–31: Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, at the next repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of AD 2008–09–13, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest. (2) For empennage SSIs E–19, E–21, E–29, E–30, and E–31: Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (i) Repairs and Alterations (1) If any cracked SSI structure is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, repair before further flight using an FAA-approved method or using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. Within 18 months after repair, incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include a damage-tolerance-based alternative inspection program for the repaired structure. Thereafter, inspect the affected structure in accordance with the alternative program. The inspection method and compliance times (i.e., threshold and repetitive intervals) of the alternative program must be approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. (2) If any repair or alteration to an SSI is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD such that the repair or alteration affects your ability to accomplish the inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD, within 18 months after the inspection compliance time, incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include a damage tolerance based alternative inspection program for each affected SSI. Thereafter, inspect the affected structure in accordance with the alternative inspection program. The inspection method and compliance times (i.e., threshold and PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 repetitive intervals) of the alternative inspection program must be approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this paragraph terminates the corresponding inspection required by paragraph (i) of AD 2008–09–13. (j) Terminating Action for AD 2008–09–13 Accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD and all initial inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2008– 09–13. (k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 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 (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2008–09–13 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for the SSIs identified in the AMOC, except for AMOCs written for E:\FR\FM\12OCR1.SGM 12OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations empennage SSIs E–19, E–21, E–29, E–30, and E–31. Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, and –200C series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of incidents (m) Related Information involving fatigue cracking in transport For more information about this AD, category airplanes that are approaching contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section FAA, Los Angeles or have exceeded their design service ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, objective and a structural reevaluation Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– that was conducted by the 5264; fax: 562–627–5210; email: manufacturer. This AD requires revising jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov. the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental (n) Material Incorporated by Reference inspections. This AD also requires (1) The Director of the Federal Register inspections to detect cracks in each approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this structural significant item (SSI), and paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR repair of any cracked structure. We are part 51. issuing this AD to address the unsafe (2) You must use this service information condition on these products. as applicable to do the actions required by DATES: This AD is effective November this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. 16, 2017. (i) Boeing Document D6–82669, The Director of the Federal Register ‘‘Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737–300/400/500 approved the incorporation by reference Airplanes,’’ Revision October 2015. of a certain publication listed in this AD (ii) Reserved. as of November 16, 2017. (3) For service information identified in ADDRESSES: For service information this AD, contact Boeing Commercial identified in this final rule, contact Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; Attention: Contractual & Data Services telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https:// (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC www.myboeingfleet.com. 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; (4) You may view this service information telephone 562–797–1717; Internet at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For may view this service information at the information on the availability of this FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (5) You may view this service information Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For that is incorporated by reference at the information on the availability of this National Archives and Records material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Administration (NARA). For information on It is also available on the Internet at the availability of this material at NARA, call https://www.regulations.gov by searching 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr0243. locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 2017. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–21444 Filed 10–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0243; Product Identifier 2016–NM–045–AD; Amendment 39–19069; AD 2017–20–12] jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES 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 all The SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:21 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 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– 0243; 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 final rule, 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5264; fax: 562–627– 5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@ faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 47367 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 all The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, and –200C series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2017 (82 FR 15166) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was prompted by a report of incidents involving fatigue cracking in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have exceeded their design service objective and a structural reevaluation that was conducted by the manufacturer. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental inspections and SSI discrepancy reporting. The NPRM also proposed inspections to detect cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing Company Model 737– 100, –200, and –200C series airplanes. 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 An anonymous commenter expressed support for the NPRM. Request To Revise Program Designation Boeing requested that we revise ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ to ‘‘maintenance inspection program’’ in the proposed AD. Boeing stated that operators have a single program that relates to the Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID). We do not agree with the commenter’s request. Airplanes operating under 14 CFR part 91 have ‘‘inspection programs’’ while airplanes operating under 14 CFR part 121 have ‘‘maintenance programs.’’ The decision to use the wording ‘‘maintenance or inspection program’’ is intentional. We have not changed this AD in this regard. Request To Revise Compliance Times Boeing requested that we revise the compliance time for the initial inspections in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the proposed AD from ‘‘before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later’’ to before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or at the next scheduled inspection as required E:\FR\FM\12OCR1.SGM 12OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47363-47367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21444]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 47363]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0244; Product Identifier 2016-NM-044-AD; Amendment 
39-19071; AD 2017-20-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are 
required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain 
structural significant items (SSIs). This AD requires revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add supplemental 
inspections. This AD also requires inspections to detect cracks in each 
SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 16, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 16, 
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 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-
0244.

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-
0244; 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 final rule, 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@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 all The Boeing Company 
Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on March 27, 2017 (82 FR 15169). The NPRM was 
prompted by a determination that supplemental inspections are required 
for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain SSIs. The NPRM 
proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to add supplemental inspections and SSI discrepancy 
reporting. The NPRM also proposed to require inspections to detect 
cracks in each SSI, and repair of any cracked structure. We are issuing 
this AD to ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing 
Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.

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.

Request To Revise Program Designation

    Boeing requested that we revise ``maintenance or inspection 
program'' to ``maintenance inspection program'' in the proposed AD. 
Boeing stated that operators have a single program that relates to the 
Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID).
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. Airplanes operating 
under 14 CFR part 91 have ``inspection programs'' while airplanes 
operating under 14 CFR part 121 have ``maintenance programs.'' The 
decision to use the wording ``maintenance or inspection program'' is 
intentional. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Service Information Reference

    Boeing requested that we revise the proposed AD to refer to the 
specified service information as ``Revision 1, October 2015,'' instead 
of ``Revision, October 2015.''
    We do not agree with Boeing's request. The document title page, 
List of Effective Pages table, Revision Highlights table, document 
footer, and SSID Revision table listed under ``1.0 Purpose'' all 
identify the revision as ``October 2015,'' and not as ``Revision 1, 
October 2015.'' We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Compliance Times

    Boeing and Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that we revise the 
compliance time for the initial inspections in paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD. Boeing requested that the compliance time for initial 
inspections be changed from ``before the accumulation of 66,000 total 
flight cycles, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later'' to before the accumulation of 66,000 total 
flight cycles, or at the next scheduled inspection as required by AD 
2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008) (``AD 2008-
09-13''), whichever occurs later. Boeing stated that, if operators have 
started SSID inspections, they should continue as scheduled in 
accordance with AD 2008-09-13; however, if they have not started 
inspections, they should already be prepared to begin at the 66,000 
total flight cycle compliance time and that no

[[Page 47364]]

new grace period is needed from the effective date of this AD. SWA 
stated that operators who have completed SSID inspections as required 
by AD 2008-09-13 would be required to repeat inspections within 12 
months and it does not believe this is the intent of the proposed AD. 
SWA suggested that only inspections with revised requirements in the 
proposed AD should require future action and that all other inspections 
completed in accordance with the previous SSID revision, including 
alternative inspections with an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
approval, should be accepted as compliance to the proposed AD.
    Isaac Trolinder requested that we revise the compliance time 
measurement in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD from total flight 
cycles to total flight miles.
    We do not agree with Isaac Trolinder's request. Compliance times 
for the actions in this AD are defined in terms of total airplane 
flight cycles and are not dependent on flight miles.
    We partially agree with Boeing and SWA's requests. We disagree with 
Boeing's request to remove the 12-month grace period. Operators who are 
very close to accomplishing an initial or repeat inspection required by 
AD 2008-09-13 need time to incorporate the revised service information 
in their maintenance or inspection program. Because this AD is not 
superseding the existing SSID AD, any initial or repeat inspection 
required by AD 2008-09-13 will still be required until the 
corresponding action in this AD is accomplished.
    We agree with SWA that previously approved AMOCs for inspections of 
SSIs that are not affected by the revised service information should 
remain applicable. This is addressed in paragraph (1)(4) of this AD.
    We agree with Boeing and SWA that we need to address the situation 
where an operator has already initiated inspections on SSIs.
    We have revised the introductory text of paragraph (h) of this AD 
and added paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) to this AD to include compliance 
time options to address compliance times for SSIs affected, and not 
affected, by the revised service information. This new wording provides 
identical requirements to paragraph (h) in the proposed AD, but offers 
a relieving option to operators who have initiated SSID inspections for 
certain SSIs.

Request To Address Repaired or Altered SSIs

    Boeing requested that we revise the proposed AD to include a 
paragraph that addresses any repair installed on an SSI such that the 
repair affects the operator's ability to accomplish inspections 
required by the proposed AD. Boeing suggested that we include wording 
similar to the wording in paragraph (i) from AD 2008-09-13, except that 
we make the actions applicable to a repair installed on an SSI at any 
time and not exclusive to repairs installed before the effective date 
of the AD.
    We agree with the commenter's request to revise this AD to include 
wording to address repairs or alterations on any SSI such that the 
repair or alteration affects the operator's ability to accomplish the 
inspections required by this AD. We have included paragraphs (i)(1) and 
(i)(2) in this AD. Paragraph (i)(1) of this AD requires repairs to SSI 
structure if cracks are found while accomplishing inspections in 
accordance with this AD and is similar to paragraph (i) of the proposed 
AD, except for the change described below under ``Change to Paragraph 
(i) of the Proposed AD.'' Paragraph (i)(2) is added to this AD to 
address repairs or alterations that affect the ability to inspect an 
SSI as required by this AD. If an operator finds a repaired or altered 
SSI such that the repair or alteration affects the operator's ability 
to accomplish the inspections required by this AD and the repair or 
alteration does not have AMOC approval in accordance with paragraph (l) 
of this AD, then paragraph (i)(2) of this AD will provide the operator 
an 18-month grace period after the compliance time to request an AMOC.

Change to Paragraph (i) of the Proposed AD

    Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD specifies to repair ``using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (l) of this AD.'' We have changed the method of compliance 
language in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD to specify to repair ``using an 
FAA-approved method.'' Specifying an FAA-approved method will allow for 
FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) to approve repairs in 
addition to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) and the Los Angeles ACO Branch as specified by the 
procedures in paragraph (l) of this AD. If an FAA DER has the 
appropriate structures delegation for major repairs on 14 CFR part 25 
airplanes, then the DER has the authority to approve these types of 
repairs.

Acknowledgement of Revision to Global AMOC Needed

    Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) acknowledged that installation of 
supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01219SE requires the modification 
of wing structure on Boeing Model 737-300 and -500 airplanes, making it 
impossible to inspect the modified structure using the service 
information. APB noted that it has a global AMOC to paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of AD 2008-09-13 for alternative inspections of the STC modified 
structure. APB stated that it will revise its inspection program for 
STC ST01219SE to adjust for the changes in Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 
Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, that affect the modified structure. 
APB stated that it will request a new global AMOC when the final rule 
is published.
    We acknowledge APB's comment. No change is needed to this 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 final rule 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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision 
October 2015. The service information identifies SSIs having fatigue 
crack growth characteristics warranting special attention, describes 
procedures for inspections to detect cracks of all structure identified 
as SSIs, and provides corrective actions for cracked SSI structure. 
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.

[[Page 47365]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 500 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision of maintenance or inspection   1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $42,500
 program.                                hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have not specified cost estimates for the inspections and repair 
specified in this AD. Compliance with this AD constitutes a method of 
compliance with the FAA aging airplane safety final rule (AASFR) for 
certain baseline structure of Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes. The AASFR requires certain operators to incorporate damage 
tolerance inspections into their maintenance programs. These 
requirements are described in 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(1) and 14 CFR 
129.109(b)(1). Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD will 
meet the requirements of these regulations for certain baseline 
structure. The costs for accomplishing the inspection portion of this 
AD were accounted for in the regulatory evaluation of the AASFR for 
airplanes affected by that rule. For airplanes not affected by the 
AASFR, we have received no definitive data that would enable us to 
provide cost estimates for the inspection portion of this AD.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary reporting that 
would be required based on the results of the inspections specified in 
the revision of the maintenance or inspection program. We have no way 
of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting.....................................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85              $0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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:

[[Page 47366]]

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):

2017-20-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19071; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0244; Product Identifier 2016-NM-044-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 16, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164, 
May 2, 2008) (``AD 2008-09-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors; 53, 
Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/Pylons; 55, Stabilizers; 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a structural reevaluation conducted by 
the manufacturer. We have determined that supplemental inspections 
are required for timely detection of fatigue cracking for certain 
structural significant items (SSIs). We are issuing this AD to 
ensure the continued structural integrity of all The Boeing Company 
Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of the Maintenance or Inspection Program for All Airplanes

    Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later: Incorporate a revision into the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, that provides no less than the required 
damage tolerance rating (DTR) for each SSI listed in Boeing Document 
D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-
300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. The required DTR 
value for each SSI is listed in Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. The revision to the 
maintenance or inspection program must include, and must be 
implemented in accordance with, the procedures in Section 5.0, 
``Damage Tolerance Rating (DTR) System Application;'' and Section 
6.0, ``SSI Discrepancy Reporting;'' of Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015. Accomplishment of the 
revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of AD 2008-09-13.

(h) Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD, perform an inspection in accordance with Boeing Document 
D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-
300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, to detect cracks of 
the applicable structure identified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the intervals 
specified in Boeing Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision 
October 2015. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this 
paragraph terminates the corresponding inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of AD 2008-09-13.
    (1) For all structure identified in Boeing Document D6-82669, 
``Supplemental Structural Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/
500 Airplanes,'' Revision October 2015, except for empennage SSIs E-
19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31: Before the accumulation of 66,000 
total flight cycles, at the next repetitive inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of AD 2008-09-13, or within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest.
    (2) For empennage SSIs E-19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31: Before 
the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(i) Repairs and Alterations

    (1) If any cracked SSI structure is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, repair before further flight 
using an FAA-approved method or using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this 
AD. Within 18 months after repair, incorporate a revision into the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include a 
damage-tolerance-based alternative inspection program for the 
repaired structure. Thereafter, inspect the affected structure in 
accordance with the alternative program. The inspection method and 
compliance times (i.e., threshold and repetitive intervals) of the 
alternative program must be approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
    (2) If any repair or alteration to an SSI is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD such that the repair 
or alteration affects your ability to accomplish the inspections 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, within 18 months after the 
inspection compliance time, incorporate a revision into the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include a 
damage tolerance based alternative inspection program for each 
affected SSI. Thereafter, inspect the affected structure in 
accordance with the alternative inspection program. The inspection 
method and compliance times (i.e., threshold and repetitive 
intervals) of the alternative inspection program must be approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this 
AD. Accomplishing an initial inspection required by this paragraph 
terminates the corresponding inspection required by paragraph (i) of 
AD 2008-09-13.

(j) Terminating Action for AD 2008-09-13

    Accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
and all initial inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD 
terminates all requirements of AD 2008-09-13.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 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 (m) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be 
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration 
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the 
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2008-09-13 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD 
for the SSIs identified in the AMOC, except for AMOCs written for

[[Page 47367]]

empennage SSIs E-19, E-21, E-29, E-30, and E-31.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer 
Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section FAA, Los Angeles 
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov.

(n) 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 Document D6-82669, ``Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document, Models 737-300/400/500 Airplanes,'' Revision 
October 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (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 September 27, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21444 Filed 10-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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