Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 57552-57554 [2017-26193]
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57552
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 233
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1099; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–093–AD]
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
1221. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–1099.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 767–200
and –300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report
of two cracks at a certain frame inner
chord. This proposed AD would require
a detailed inspection for any material
review board (MRB) filler installed in
the area from the frame web to the stubbeam fitting at certain stations to
determine if the filler extends above the
frame-to-stub-beam joint, and applicable
on-condition actions. We are proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 22, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:39 Dec 05, 2017
Jkt 244001
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1099; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this NPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6447;
fax: 425–917–6590; email:
wayne.lockett@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2017–1099; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–093–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
because of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report of a crack
on the transition radius of the station
(STA) 883.5 frame inner chord and an
additional crack indication at a fastener
hole in the frame inner chord common
to a MRB filler that extended above the
frame-to-stub-beam joint. Extending the
MRB filler above the frame-to-stub-beam
joint changes the critical fastener
location. For this configuration of the
overwing frame-to-stub-beam joint, the
upper-lobe-interior-structural and
internal zonal (general visual)
inspections in the existing baseline
maintenance program together with
supplemental structural inspections of
the overwing stub frames are not
adequate to reliably detect a crack in the
frame inner chord before the crack
grows to a critical length. This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in the inability of one or more overwing
stub frames between STA 808 and STA
933, each a principal structural element,
to sustain limit load, which could
adversely affect the structural integrity
of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278
RB, dated June 30, 2017. The service
information describes procedures for a
detailed inspection for any MRB filler
installed in the area from the frame web
to the stub-beam fitting on the left and
right side at STA 859.5, 883.5, and 903.5
to determine if the filler extends above
the frame-to-stub-beam joint, and
applicable on-condition actions. The
applicable on-condition actions include
repetitive surface high frequency eddy
current inspections and repair for
cracking in the frame inner chord
around the end fastener common to
each affected MRB filler. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
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06DEP1
57553
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules
enhancement is a process for annotating
which steps in the service information
are ‘‘required for compliance’’ (RC) with
an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC
concept into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the
quality of ADs and AD-related Boeing
service information, a joint process
improvement initiative was worked
between the FAA and Boeing. The
initiative resulted in the development of
a new process in which the service
information more clearly identifies the
actions needed to address the unsafe
condition in the ‘‘Accomplishment
Instructions.’’ The new process results
in a Boeing Requirements Bulletin,
which contains only the actions needed
to address the unsafe condition (i.e.,
only the RC actions).
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278
RB, dated June 30, 2017, described
previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures
and compliance times, see this service
information at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1099.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee (AD ARC), to
enhance the AD system. One
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB, dated June
30, 2017, may be modified to a freighter
configuration per certain supplemental
type certificates. For the modified
airplanes, in lieu of accomplishing the
actions specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278
RB, dated June 30, 2017, for Group 1,
Configuration 1, and Group 2,
Configuration 1, the actions specified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767–53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017,
for Group 1, Configuration 2, and Group
2, Configuration 2, as applicable, must
be done. We have coordinated this
difference with Boeing.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
Airplanes in Group 1, Configuration
1, and Group 2, Configuration 1, as
develop in other products of the same
type design.
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 51 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
Costs of Compliance
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Detailed Inspection .................
20 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,700 ................................
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary on-condition actions that
would be required. We have no way of
Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
$1,700
$86,700
determining the number of aircraft that
might need these on-condition actions:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION INSPECTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 per inspection cycle ..........................................
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs
specified in this proposed AD.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:39 Dec 05, 2017
Jkt 244001
$0
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
This proposed AD is issued in
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft
Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance
and Airworthiness Division, but during
this transition period, the Executive
Director has delegated the authority to
issue ADs applicable to transport
category airplanes to the Director of the
System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost per product
$255 per inspection cycle.
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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57554
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2017–1099; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–093–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 22,
2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 767–200 and –300 series airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
crack on the transition radius of the station
(STA) 883.5 frame inner chord and an
additional crack indication at a fastener hole
in the frame inner chord common to a
material review board (MRB) filler that
extended above the frame-to-stub-beam joint.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking of the frame inner chord, which
could result in the inability of one or more
overwing stub frames between STA 808 and
STA 933, each a principal structural element,
to sustain limit load; this condition could
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
Except as required by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:39 Dec 05, 2017
Jkt 244001
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:
Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0278, dated
June 30, 2017, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278
RB, dated June 30, 2017.
(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 Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278
RB’’ as specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD
requires repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes identified as Group 1,
Configuration 1, in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017, that have been modified
to a freighter configuration: The actions
specified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017, for Group 1, Configuration 2, must be
done instead of the actions for Group 1,
Configuration 1, except as required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(4) For airplanes identified as Group 2,
Configuration 1, in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017, that have been modified
to a freighter configuration: The actions
specified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017, for Group 2, Configuration 2, must be
done instead of the actions for Group 2,
Configuration 1, except as required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO
Branch, to make those findings. To be
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–
3356; phone: 425–917–6447; fax: 425–917–
6590; email: wayne.lockett@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 27, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–26193 Filed 12–5–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0972; Airspace
Docket No. 16–ANM–9]
Proposed Establishment of Class E
Airspace; Rangely, CO
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface,
at Rangely Airport, Rangely, CO, to
accommodate new area navigation
(RNAV) procedures at the airport. This
action would ensure the safety and
management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations within the National
Airspace System.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before January 22, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building,
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1–
800–647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–
2017–0972; Airspace Docket No. 16–
ANM–9, at the beginning of your
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 233 (Wednesday, December 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57552-57554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26193]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 6, 2017 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 57552]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1099; Product Identifier 2017-NM-093-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of two cracks at a certain
frame inner chord. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection
for any material review board (MRB) filler installed in the area from
the frame web to the stub-beam fitting at certain stations to determine
if the filler extends above the frame-to-stub-beam joint, and
applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22,
2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is
also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1099.
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-
1099; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone:
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6447; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
wayne.lockett@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1099;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-093-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report of a crack on the transition radius of
the station (STA) 883.5 frame inner chord and an additional crack
indication at a fastener hole in the frame inner chord common to a MRB
filler that extended above the frame-to-stub-beam joint. Extending the
MRB filler above the frame-to-stub-beam joint changes the critical
fastener location. For this configuration of the overwing frame-to-
stub-beam joint, the upper-lobe-interior-structural and internal zonal
(general visual) inspections in the existing baseline maintenance
program together with supplemental structural inspections of the
overwing stub frames are not adequate to reliably detect a crack in the
frame inner chord before the crack grows to a critical length. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in the inability of one or
more overwing stub frames between STA 808 and STA 933, each a principal
structural element, to sustain limit load, which could adversely affect
the structural integrity of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017. The service information describes procedures for a
detailed inspection for any MRB filler installed in the area from the
frame web to the stub-beam fitting on the left and right side at STA
859.5, 883.5, and 903.5 to determine if the filler extends above the
frame-to-stub-beam joint, and applicable on-condition actions. The
applicable on-condition actions include repetitive surface high
frequency eddy current inspections and repair for cracking in the frame
inner chord around the end fastener common to each affected MRB filler.
This service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or
[[Page 57553]]
develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017, described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1099.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept
into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the
development of a new process in which the service information more
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1, and Group 2, Configuration
1, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017, may be modified to a freighter configuration per
certain supplemental type certificates. For the modified airplanes, in
lieu of accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017, for Group 1,
Configuration 1, and Group 2, Configuration 1, the actions specified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017,
for Group 1, Configuration 2, and Group 2, Configuration 2, as
applicable, must be done. We have coordinated this difference with
Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 51 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Inspection................ 20 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,700 $86,700
hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255 $0 $255 per inspection
per inspection cycle. cycle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed
AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
[[Page 57554]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-1099; Product Identifier
2017-NM-093-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 22, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300
series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the transition
radius of the station (STA) 883.5 frame inner chord and an
additional crack indication at a fastener hole in the frame inner
chord common to a material review board (MRB) filler that extended
above the frame-to-stub-beam joint. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracking of the frame inner chord, which could result in
the inability of one or more overwing stub frames between STA 808
and STA 933, each a principal structural element, to sustain limit
load; this condition could 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
Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing
the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 767-53A0278, dated June 30, 2017, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017.
(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 Requirements Bulletin
767-53A0278 RB'' as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30, 2017.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB,
dated June 30, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD requires
repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes identified as Group 1, Configuration 1, in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017, that have been modified to a freighter configuration: The
actions specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278
RB, dated June 30, 2017, for Group 1, Configuration 2, must be done
instead of the actions for Group 1, Configuration 1, except as
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(4) For airplanes identified as Group 2, Configuration 1, in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278 RB, dated June 30,
2017, that have been modified to a freighter configuration: The
actions specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0278
RB, dated June 30, 2017, for Group 2, Configuration 2, must be done
instead of the actions for Group 2, Configuration 1, except as
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be approved,
the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval
must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Lockett,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6447; fax:
425-917-6590; email: wayne.lockett@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 27, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26193 Filed 12-5-17; 8:45 am]
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