Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 56156-56158 [2017-25379]
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56156
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0526; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–026–AD; Amendment
39–19109; AD 2017–24–05]
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 cracking in the upper aft skin
at the rear spar of the wings. This AD
requires repetitive inspections for
cracking of the upper aft skin of the
wings, and repair if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 2,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 2, 2018.
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;
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–
0526.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES
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–
0526; 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
15:23 Nov 27, 2017
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
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
Jkt 244001
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
June 5, 2017 (82 FR 25744). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of cracking in
the upper aft skin at the rear spar of the
wings. The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
upper aft skin of the wings, and repair
if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this final rule.
The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment
of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) stated
that the installation of winglets per
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE does not affect the
accomplishment of the manufacturer’s
service instructions.
Southwest Airlines requested
clarification that additional alternative
method of compliance (AMOC)
approvals are not necessary during
accomplishment of the actions specified
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
57A1329, dated January 16, 2017, if the
installation of winglets was done using
STC ST01219SE.
We agree with the commenters’
statements. 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’’
AMOC approval request is not necessary
to comply with the requirements of 14
CFR 39.17.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Request To Revise Certain Corrective
Action Requirements
All Nippon Airways (ANA) asked that
we revise paragraph (h) of the proposed
AD to change the compliance method
for crack repair to allow use of the
Boeing 737–500 Structural Repair
Manual (SRM) 57–20–10, Repair 7. ANA
stated that Boeing has already
developed the repair procedure for the
outer wing upper aft skin at the trailing
edge between wing buttock line (WBL)
160 and WBL 205, as specified in
Boeing 737–500 SRM 57–20–10,
Repair 7. ANA added that the repair
procedure is applicable to part of an
inspection area specified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1329,
dated January 16, 2017. ANA noted that
its request should be considered to
reduce AMOC requests.
We disagree with the request. Boeing
has indicated that Repair 7 of the SRM
is currently being revised. We do not
consider that delaying this rulemaking
until release of the revised service
information is warranted. However,
under the provisions of paragraph (j) of
this AD, we will consider requests for
approval of alternative service
information if sufficient data are
submitted to substantiate that the
service information would provide an
acceptable level of safety. Boeing has
indicated it intends to request approval
of a global AMOC for the revised service
information after this AD is published.
Therefore, we have made no change to
this AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify Certain
Requirements
Boeing asked that paragraph (g) of the
proposed AD, and the heading for
paragraph (g), be changed to include
‘‘corrective actions’’ to clarify that
corrective actions may be required.
We agree with the commenter’s
request. We have revised paragraph (g)
of this AD accordingly.
Boeing also asked that the header for
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be
changed to remove ‘‘repetitive’’ because
merely specifying ‘‘inspections’’
addresses both initial and repetitive
inspections.
We agree to clarify the terminology in
the header for paragraph (h) of this AD.
We do not presume that the term
‘‘repetitive’’ necessarily excludes the
initial action. An action cannot be
repeated without accomplishment of the
initial action. Many existing ADs use
the term ‘‘repetitive’’ actions, which we
intend as including the initial action.
Therefore, we have not changed this AD
regarding this issue.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
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 Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1329, dated January
16, 2017. The service information
describes procedures for repetitive
surface high frequency eddy current
inspections, low frequency eddy current
inspections, and detailed inspections on
airplanes with or without an external
56157
repair, for cracking of the upper aft skin
from WBL 159 to WBL 220. 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 471
airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
the following costs to comply with this
AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection ........
Up to 9 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to $765 per
inspection cycle.
We have received no definitive data
that enables us to provide cost estimates
for the on-condition actions specified in
this AD.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:23 Nov 27, 2017
Jkt 244001
Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $765 per inspection
cycle.
Regulatory Findings
§ 39.13
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.
Up to $360,315 per inspection cycle.
■
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
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2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2017–24–05 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–19109; Docket No.
FAA–2017–0526; Product Identifier
2017–NM–026–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 2, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 737–100, –.200, –.200C,
–.300, –.400, and –.500 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (https://
rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
48e13cdfbbc32cf4862576a4005d308b/$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
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PO 00000
[Amended]
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57; Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking in the upper aft skin at the rear spar
of the wings. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracks in the upper aft skin of the
wings, which could result in the inability of
a principal structural element to sustain limit
load, and consequent reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
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56158
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) For Group 1 Airplanes: Inspection and
Corrective Actions
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1329,
dated January 16, 2017: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, do an inspection
for cracking of the upper aft skin of the
wings, and do all applicable corrective
actions, using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(h) For Groups 2 and 3 Airplanes: Repetitive
Inspections and Repair
For Groups 2 and 3 airplanes identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1329,
dated January 16, 2017: At the applicable
time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1329, dated January 16,
2017, except as required by paragraph (i) of
this AD, do the applicable inspection for
cracking of the upper aft skin of the wings
from wing buttock line (WBL) 159 to WBL
220, in accordance with the Work
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1329, dated January 16, 2017. If any
cracking is found, repair before further flight,
in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1329,
dated January 16, 2017.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES
(i) Exceptions to the Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1329, dated January 16, 2017,
specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the
original issue date of this service bulletin,’’
paragraph (h) of this AD requires compliance
within the specified compliance time after
the effective date of this AD.
(2) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1329, dated January 16, 2017,
specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions, and specifies that action as
‘‘RC’’ (Required for Compliance), this AD
requires repair in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:23 Nov 27, 2017
Jkt 244001
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (i)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii)
of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. An AMOC is required for any
deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures.
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 15, 2017.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–25379 Filed 11–27–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0478; Product
Identifier 2016–NM–174–AD; Amendment
39–19087; AD 2017–22–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A319 series airplanes;
Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
–232, and –233 airplanes; and Model
(k) Related Information
A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
For more information about this AD,
contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report of cracks on
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
frame forks and outer skin on the
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– forward and aft cargo compartment
5313; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
doors. This AD requires repetitive
payman.soltani@faa.gov.
inspections of the frame forks, and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
also includes optional modifications
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
that constitute terminating action. We
approved the incorporation by reference
are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
condition on these products.
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
DATES: This AD is effective January 2,
(2) You must use this service information
2018.
as applicable to do the actions required by
The Director of the Federal Register
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
approved the incorporation by reference
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
of certain publications listed in this AD
57A1329, dated January 16, 2017.
as of January 2, 2018.
(ii) Reserved.
(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
Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS,
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51;
www.myboeingfleet.com.
email: account.airworth-eas@
(4) You may view this service information
airbus.com; Internet: https://
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
www.airbus.com. You may view this
information on the availability of this
referenced service information at the
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
(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
the availability of this material at NARA, call It is also available on the Internet at
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/ibrlocations.html.
0478.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\28NOR1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 28, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56156-56158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25379]
[[Page 56156]]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0526; Product Identifier 2017-NM-026-AD; Amendment
39-19109; AD 2017-24-05]
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 cracking in the upper aft
skin at the rear spar of the wings. This AD requires repetitive
inspections for cracking of the upper aft skin of the wings, and repair
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 2, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 2,
2018.
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; 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-2017-0526.
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-
0526; 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 June 5, 2017 (82 FR 25744).
The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the upper aft skin at
the rear spar of the wings. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive
inspections for cracking of the upper aft skin of the wings, and repair
if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) stated that the installation of
winglets per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not
affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions.
Southwest Airlines requested clarification that additional
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approvals are not necessary
during accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated January 16, 2017, if the installation of
winglets was done using STC ST01219SE.
We agree with the commenters' statements. 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'' AMOC approval request is not
necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Revise Certain Corrective Action Requirements
All Nippon Airways (ANA) asked that we revise paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to change the compliance method for crack repair to allow
use of the Boeing 737-500 Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 57-20-10,
Repair 7. ANA stated that Boeing has already developed the repair
procedure for the outer wing upper aft skin at the trailing edge
between wing buttock line (WBL) 160 and WBL 205, as specified in Boeing
737-500 SRM 57-20-10, Repair 7. ANA added that the repair procedure is
applicable to part of an inspection area specified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated January 16, 2017. ANA noted that
its request should be considered to reduce AMOC requests.
We disagree with the request. Boeing has indicated that Repair 7 of
the SRM is currently being revised. We do not consider that delaying
this rulemaking until release of the revised service information is
warranted. However, under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD,
we will consider requests for approval of alternative service
information if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the
service information would provide an acceptable level of safety. Boeing
has indicated it intends to request approval of a global AMOC for the
revised service information after this AD is published. Therefore, we
have made no change to this AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify Certain Requirements
Boeing asked that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD, and the heading
for paragraph (g), be changed to include ``corrective actions'' to
clarify that corrective actions may be required.
We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised paragraph
(g) of this AD accordingly.
Boeing also asked that the header for paragraph (h) of the proposed
AD be changed to remove ``repetitive'' because merely specifying
``inspections'' addresses both initial and repetitive inspections.
We agree to clarify the terminology in the header for paragraph (h)
of this AD. We do not presume that the term ``repetitive'' necessarily
excludes the initial action. An action cannot be repeated without
accomplishment of the initial action. Many existing ADs use the term
``repetitive'' actions, which we intend as including the initial
action. Therefore, we have not changed this AD regarding this issue.
[[Page 56157]]
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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated
January 16, 2017. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive surface high frequency eddy current inspections, low
frequency eddy current inspections, and detailed inspections on
airplanes with or without an external repair, for cracking of the upper
aft skin from WBL 159 to WBL 220. 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 471 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.............. Up to 9 work-hours x $85 $0 Up to $765 per Up to $360,315 per
per hour = up to $765 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that enables 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):
2017-24-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19109; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0526; Product Identifier 2017-NM-026-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 2, 2018.
(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/0/48e13cdfbbc32cf4862576a4005d308b/$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 cracking in the upper aft
skin at the rear spar of the wings. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracks in the upper aft skin of the wings, which could
result in the inability of a principal structural element to sustain
limit load, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
[[Page 56158]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) For Group 1 Airplanes: Inspection and Corrective Actions
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated January 16, 2017: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, do an inspection for cracking of the
upper aft skin of the wings, and do all applicable corrective
actions, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(h) For Groups 2 and 3 Airplanes: Repetitive Inspections and Repair
For Groups 2 and 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated January 16, 2017: At the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated January 16, 2017, except as required by
paragraph (i) of this AD, do the applicable inspection for cracking
of the upper aft skin of the wings from wing buttock line (WBL) 159
to WBL 220, in accordance with the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated January 16, 2017. If any
cracking is found, repair before further flight, in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1329,
dated January 16, 2017.
(i) Exceptions to the Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated
January 16, 2017, specifies a compliance time ``after the original
issue date of this service bulletin,'' paragraph (h) of this AD
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1329, dated
January 16, 2017, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for
Compliance), this AD requires repair in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k) 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) Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
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.
(l) 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 737-57A1329, dated January 16,
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;
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 15, 2017.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-25379 Filed 11-27-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
