Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes, 52838-52840 [2017-24624]
Download as PDF
52838
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
27, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–24164 Filed 11–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0772; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–075–AD; Amendment
39–19099; AD 2017–23–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200,
–200C, –300, –400, and –500 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of crack indications in the right
wing upper aft skin, originating from
fastener holes common to the rear spar
upper chord. This AD requires
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
wing upper aft skin, and applicable oncondition actions. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
20, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 20, 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–
0772.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:48 Nov 14, 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–
0772; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this 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:
Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5313; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: payman.soltani@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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, –200C, –300, –400, and
–500 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
August 15, 2017 (82 FR 38632). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of
crack indications in the right wing
upper aft skin, originating from fastener
holes common to the rear spar upper
chord at wing buttock line (WBL) 172.30
and WBL 197.38. The cracks were found
on airplanes with 58,148 to 64,204 total
flight hours and 45,512 to 51,409 total
flight cycles. This cracking, if not
corrected, could result in the inability of
a principal structural element to sustain
flight load, which could adversely affect
the structural integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
wing upper aft skin at and forward of
the rear spar upper chord, and
applicable on-condition actions.
We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking of the wing upper aft
skin, which can lead to the inability of
a principal structural element to sustain
flight load, and adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
Support for the NPRM
The Boeing Company supported the
NPRM.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment
of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that
accomplishing the Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not
affect the actions specified in the
NPRM.
We concur with the commenter. We
have redesignated paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this
AD and added paragraph (c)(2) to this
AD to state that installation of STC
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to
accomplish the actions required by this
AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which
STC ST01219SE is installed, a ‘‘change
in product’’ alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval request is
not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
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 change 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 Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24,
2017. The service information describes
procedures for repetitive inspections for
cracking of the wing upper aft skin at
and forward of the rear spar upper
chord, and applicable on-condition
actions. This service information is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Comments
Costs of Compliance
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this final rule.
We have considered the comments
received.
We estimate that this AD affects 160
airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
the following costs to comply with this
AD:
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM
15NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
52839
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection .........
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 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 AD.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
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),
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:48 Nov 14, 2017
Jkt 244001
Parts cost
$0
$340 per inspection cycle
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2017–23–05 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–19099; Docket No.
FAA–2017–0772; Product Identifier
2017–NM–075–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 20, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (https://
rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e
86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the
actions required by this AD. Therefore, for
airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is
installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) approval
request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Cost on U.S.
operators
Cost per product
$54,400 per inspection
cycle.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of crack
indications in the right wing upper aft skin,
originating from fastener holes common to
the rear spar upper chord. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct cracking of the wing
upper aft skin, which can lead to the inability
of a principal structural element to sustain
flight load, and adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335,
dated May 24, 2017: Except as required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable
times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017,
do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’
(required for compliance) in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335,
dated May 24, 2017: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect the
airplane and do all applicable corrective
actions using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD,
the phrase ‘‘the effective date of this AD’’
may be substituted for ‘‘the original issue
date of this service bulletin,’’ as specified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1335,
dated May 24, 2017.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1335, dated May 24, 2017, specifies
contacting Boeing, and specifies that action
as RC: This AD requires using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this
E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM
15NOR1
52840
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
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) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii)
of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. An AMOC is required for any
deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
5313; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
payman.soltani@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
57A1335, dated May 24, 2017.
(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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:48 Nov 14, 2017
Jkt 244001
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 3, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–24624 Filed 11–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9568; Product
Identifier 2016–NM–150–AD; Amendment
39–19077; AD 2017–21–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; 328 Support
Services GmbH (Type Certificate
Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace
GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH;
Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
328 Support Services GmbH Model
328–100 and Model 328–300 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of
broken bonding wires of certain fuel
line clamps. This AD requires repetitive
inspections of certain fuel line clamps
for discrepancies; repetitive inspections
of certain parts for chafing marks; and
replacement of any discrepant parts.
This AD also includes an optional
modification, which is a terminating
action for the inspections. We are
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
20, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of December 20, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact 328
Support Services GmbH, Global Support
Center, P.O. Box 1252, D–82231
Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany;
telephone +49 8153 88111 6666; fax +49
8153 88111 6565; email gsc.op@
328support.de; Internet https://
www.328support.de. You may view this
referenced service information at the
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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–2016–
9568.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9568; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–
5527) is Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1175; fax 425–227–
1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD
that would apply to certain 328 Support
Services GmbH Model 328–100 and
Model 328–300 airplanes. The SNPRM
published in the Federal Register on
June 30, 2017 (82 FR 29786) (‘‘the
SNPRM’’). We preceded the SNPRM
with a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) that published in the Federal
Register on January 11, 2017 (82 FR
3217) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM
proposed to require a one-time
inspection of certain fuel line clamps for
discrepancies, and replacement of any
discrepant clamps. The NPRM was
prompted by reports of broken bonding
wires of certain fuel line clamps. The
SNPRM proposed to expand the
applicability and require repetitive
inspections of certain fuel line clamps
for discrepancies; repetitive inspections
of certain jet fuel pumps, connection
parts, and fuel lines for chafing marks;
a measurement of the depth of the
chafing marks on affected parts; and
replacement of any discrepant parts. We
are issuing this AD to prevent the loss
of bonding function, which, in
E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM
15NOR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52838-52840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24624]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0772; Product Identifier 2017-NM-075-AD; Amendment
39-19099; AD 2017-23-05]
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 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of crack indications in the
right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to
the rear spar upper chord. This AD requires repetitive inspections for
cracking of the wing upper aft skin, and applicable on-condition
actions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 20, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 20,
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-
0772.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0772; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this 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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5313; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: payman.soltani@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 15, 2017 (82 FR
38632). The NPRM was prompted by a report of crack indications in the
right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to
the rear spar upper chord at wing buttock line (WBL) 172.30 and WBL
197.38. The cracks were found on airplanes with 58,148 to 64,204 total
flight hours and 45,512 to 51,409 total flight cycles. This cracking,
if not corrected, could result in the inability of a principal
structural element to sustain flight load, which could adversely affect
the structural integrity of the airplane. The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the wing upper aft skin at and
forward of the rear spar upper chord, and applicable on-condition
actions.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the wing
upper aft skin, which can lead to the inability of a principal
structural element to sustain flight load, and adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. We have considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
The Boeing Company supported the NPRM.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified
in the NPRM.
We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added paragraph
(c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not
affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD.
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a
``change in product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval
request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
39.17.
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 change 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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May
24, 2017. The service information describes procedures for repetitive
inspections for cracking of the wing upper aft skin at and forward of
the rear spar upper chord, and applicable on-condition actions. This
service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 160 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 52839]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 per inspection $54,400 per
hour = $340 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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 AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2017-23-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19099; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0772; Product Identifier 2017-NM-075-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 20, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in
any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of crack indications in the
right wing upper aft skin, originating from fastener holes common to
the rear spar upper chord. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking of the wing upper aft skin, which can lead to the
inability of a principal structural element to sustain flight load,
and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24, 2017: Except as required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1335, dated May 24, 2017, do all applicable actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24, 2017.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24, 2017: Within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane and do all
applicable corrective actions using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD, the phrase ``the effective date of this AD'' may be
substituted for ``the original issue date of this service
bulletin,'' as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
57A1335, dated May 24, 2017.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May
24, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as
RC: This AD requires using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this
[[Page 52840]]
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5313; fax: 562-627-5210; email: payman.soltani@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1335, dated May 24,
2017.
(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 November 3, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24624 Filed 11-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P