Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 7425-7428 [2018-03433]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, 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 to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
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):
■
AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–
2017–0619; Product Identifier 2016–SW–
093–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to AgustaWestland S.p.A.
Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with tail assembly part number
8G5350A00131 installed.
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(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack on a tail gearbox fitting. This condition
could reduce the tail assembly’s ability to
sustain loads from the tail rotor gearbox
(TGB) and the tail rotor and result in loss of
helicopter control.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 23,
2018.
17:45 Feb 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2016–0177, dated September 8, 2016.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–
0619.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox. Issued in
Fort Worth, Texas, on February 12, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–03494 Filed 2–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0112; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–161–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(e) Required Actions
Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours
TIS, clean and inspect the TGB fitting for a
crack in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of
Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No.
189–114, dated September 6, 2016. If there is
a crack, replace the TGB fitting before further
flight.
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200,
SUMMARY:
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7425
–200C, –300, –400, –500 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracking in
certain flanges, and the adjacent web, of
the wing outboard flap track at certain
positions. This proposed AD would
require an inspection to determine the
part number of the wing outboard flap
track assembly; repetitive inspections of
each affected wing outboard flap track
for discrepancies, and applicable oncondition actions; and repetitive
overhaul of each wing outboard flap
track. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 9, 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,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206–231–
3195. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2018–0112.
DATES:
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–2018–
0112; or in person at the Docket
Operations 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 Operations (phone: 800–647–
5527) is listed above. Comments will be
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
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:
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–
2018–0112; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–161–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.
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Discussion
We have received a report indicating
that during the tear down of a Model
737–300 airplane, cracking was found in
the inboard lower flange and adjacent
web near the forward attachment of the
outboard flap track at position 8. The
cracked flap track had accumulated
1,579 flight cycles since it was installed
on the airplane after the most recent
overhaul, and approximately 20,000
flight cycles since new. The
metallurgical evaluation of the cracked
flap track found that stress corrosion
cracking originated from a fastener hole
in the flap track web with missing
cadmium plating. There was not
sufficient evidence to conclude that the
missing cadmium plating was the cause
or the result of the cracking. Boeing has
since received one more report of
cracking in the outboard lower flange
and the adjacent web of the outboard
flap track at position 8 on a different
Model 737–300 airplane. The crack was
also found near the forward attachment,
but did not originate from a fastener
hole. The cracked flap track had
accumulated 1,175 flight cycles since it
was installed on the airplane. Boeing
determined that the existing inspection
programs are not sufficient to find such
cracks before failure of a flap track
could occur.
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17:45 Feb 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
Cracking in the area between the
forward and rear spar attachments of the
wing outboard flap tracks may lead to
the inability of a principal structural
element to sustain required flight load,
such cracking could result in loss of the
outboard trailing edge flap and
consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
Related Rulemaking
AD 2013–09–02, Amendment 39–
17443 (78 FR 27010, May 9, 2013) (‘‘AD
2013–09–02’’), requires operators to use
Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737–
57A1271, Revision 3, dated February 13,
2012 (‘‘SB 737–57A1271 R3’’), to
accomplish the inspections required by
paragraph (p) of that AD. Boeing SB
737–57A1271 was issued to address
more than 30 reports of stress corrosion
cracks in the wing outboard flap tracks
at positions 2 and 7, and provides
instructions to do detailed and nondestructive test (NDT) inspections of the
flap track flanges and webs, and
detailed and NDT inspections of the flap
track at the rear spar attachment. Boeing
SB 737–57A1271 also gives instructions
to repair, overhaul, and replace the wing
outboard flap tracks at positions 2 and
7. Boeing SB 737–57A1271 does not
include NDT inspections of the flap
track flanges at the attachment of the
flap transmission and the hinge support
assembly, or NDT inspections of the flap
track webs forward of the rear spar
attachment nor repair, overhaul, and
replacement of the wing outboard flap
tracks at positions 1 and 8. As discussed
above, Boeing reported information that
indicates additional areas of stress
corrosion cracks in other positions of
the wing outboard flap tracks and the
adjacent web of the outboard flap tracks.
Therefore, the existing requirements of
AD 2013–09–02 do not fully address the
unsafe condition.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1338
RB, dated September 25, 2017. The
service information describes
procedures for repetitive inspections,
repair, repetitive overhaul, and
replacement of the wing outboard flap
tracks, 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.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
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and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require new
NDT inspections of the flap track
flanges and webs forward of the rear
spar attachment, in areas not previously
inspected using SB 737–57A1271 R3 (or
previous revisions), to the existing
requirements in AD 2013–09–02. The
new and existing requirements would
also apply to the wing outboard flap
tracks at positions 1 and 8.
Accomplishment of the inspections,
repair, overhaul, and replacement of the
wing outboard flap tracks specified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–57A1338 RB, dated September 25,
2017, would replace the instruction in
SB 737–57A1271 R3 (or previous
revisions), and terminates the
requirements of AD 2013–09–02.
This proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1338
RB, dated September 25, 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–2018–
0112.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
Directives 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).
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 160 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection (positions 1 and 8; Group 2
and Group 3, configuration 1).
Inspection (positions 1 and 8; Group 3,
configuration 2).
Inspection (positions 2 and 7; Group 2
and Group 3, configuration 1).
Inspection (positions 2 and 7; Group 3,
configuration 2).
78 work-hours × $85 per
per inspection cycle.
89 work-hours × $85 per
per inspection cycle.
83 work-hours × $85 per
per inspection cycle.
86 work-hours × $85 per
per inspection cycle.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the actions for Group 1
airplanes or the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
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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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Feb 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
Cost per
product
Parts cost
hour = $6,630
$0
hour = $7,565
0
hour = $7,055
0
hour = $7,310
0
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.
$6,630 per inspection cycle.
$7,565 per inspection cycle.
$7,055 per inspection cycle.
$7,310 per inspection cycle.
Cost on U.S.
operators
$1,060,800 per inspection cycle.
$1,210,400 per inspection cycle.
$1,128,800 per inspection cycle.
$1,169,600 per inspection cycle.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2013–09–02,
Amendment 39–17443 (78 FR 27010, May 9,
2013) (‘‘AD 2013–09–02’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, –500 series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
The Proposed Amendment
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking in certain flanges, and the adjacent
web, of the wing outboard flap track at
certain positions. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracking of the rear spar
attachment, and cracking of the wing
outboard flap tracks. Cracking in the area
between the forward and rear spar
attachments of the wing outboard flap tracks
could lead to the inability of a principal
structural element to sustain required flight
load, and result in loss of the outboard
trailing edge flap and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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–
2018–0112; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–161–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 9,
2018.
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(g) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017:
Within 120 days after the effective date of
this AD, do actions to correct the unsafe
condition using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions
For airplanes not specified in paragraph (g)
of this AD: Except as required by paragraph
(i) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Bulletin 737–57A1338 RB, dated September
25, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:
Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1338, dated
September 25, 2017, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance
with the requirements of this AD: Where
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017, uses
the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1338 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(j) Terminating Action for Requirements of
AD 2013–09–02
Accomplishment of the requirements
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD
terminates all of the requirements specified
in AD 2013–09–02.
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(k) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, a wing
outboard flap track having a part number
listed in paragraph 1.B. of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1338 RB,
dated September 25, 2017, unless the
inspections and corrective actions specified
in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017, are
accomplished prior to the part’s installation
on the airplane.
(l) 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 (m)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Feb 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
(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, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
12, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–03433 Filed 2–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1034; Airspace
Docket No. 17–ANM–23]
Proposed Amendment of Class D and
Class E Airspace; Aurora, OR
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Class D airspace, Class E surface
area airspace, and Class E airspace
extending upward from 700 feet above
the surface, at Aurora State Airport,
Aurora, OR. After a biennial review the
FAA found modification necessary to
accommodate airspace redesign for the
safety and management of instrument
flight rules (IFR) operations at the
airport. Additionally, an editorial
change would be made removing the
city associated with the airport name in
the airspace designations. Also, this
proposal would make an editorial
change to the Class D airspace legal
description replacing Airport/Facility
Directory with the term Chart
Supplement.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 9, 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.
SUMMARY:
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You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA–2017–1034; Airspace Docket No.
17–ANM–23, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. For further information,
you can contact the Airspace Policy
Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202)
741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Clark, Federal Aviation Administration,
Operations Support Group, Western
Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue SW,
Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425)
203–4511.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
amend Class D and Class E airspace at
Aurora State Airport, Aurora, OR to
support IFR operations at the airport.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7425-7428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03433]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0112; Product Identifier 2017-NM-161-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in
certain flanges, and the adjacent web, of the wing outboard flap track
at certain positions. This proposed AD would require an inspection to
determine the part number of the wing outboard flap track assembly;
repetitive inspections of each affected wing outboard flap track for
discrepancies, and applicable on-condition actions; and repetitive
overhaul of each wing outboard flap track. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It
is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0112.
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-2018-
0112; or in person at the Docket Operations 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 Operations (phone: 800-
647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be
[[Page 7426]]
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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: [email protected].
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-2018-0112;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-161-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 indicating that during the tear down of a
Model 737-300 airplane, cracking was found in the inboard lower flange
and adjacent web near the forward attachment of the outboard flap track
at position 8. The cracked flap track had accumulated 1,579 flight
cycles since it was installed on the airplane after the most recent
overhaul, and approximately 20,000 flight cycles since new. The
metallurgical evaluation of the cracked flap track found that stress
corrosion cracking originated from a fastener hole in the flap track
web with missing cadmium plating. There was not sufficient evidence to
conclude that the missing cadmium plating was the cause or the result
of the cracking. Boeing has since received one more report of cracking
in the outboard lower flange and the adjacent web of the outboard flap
track at position 8 on a different Model 737-300 airplane. The crack
was also found near the forward attachment, but did not originate from
a fastener hole. The cracked flap track had accumulated 1,175 flight
cycles since it was installed on the airplane. Boeing determined that
the existing inspection programs are not sufficient to find such cracks
before failure of a flap track could occur.
Cracking in the area between the forward and rear spar attachments
of the wing outboard flap tracks may lead to the inability of a
principal structural element to sustain required flight load, such
cracking could result in loss of the outboard trailing edge flap and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
Related Rulemaking
AD 2013-09-02, Amendment 39-17443 (78 FR 27010, May 9, 2013) (``AD
2013-09-02''), requires operators to use Boeing Service Bulletin (SB)
737-57A1271, Revision 3, dated February 13, 2012 (``SB 737-57A1271
R3''), to accomplish the inspections required by paragraph (p) of that
AD. Boeing SB 737-57A1271 was issued to address more than 30 reports of
stress corrosion cracks in the wing outboard flap tracks at positions 2
and 7, and provides instructions to do detailed and non-destructive
test (NDT) inspections of the flap track flanges and webs, and detailed
and NDT inspections of the flap track at the rear spar attachment.
Boeing SB 737-57A1271 also gives instructions to repair, overhaul, and
replace the wing outboard flap tracks at positions 2 and 7. Boeing SB
737-57A1271 does not include NDT inspections of the flap track flanges
at the attachment of the flap transmission and the hinge support
assembly, or NDT inspections of the flap track webs forward of the rear
spar attachment nor repair, overhaul, and replacement of the wing
outboard flap tracks at positions 1 and 8. As discussed above, Boeing
reported information that indicates additional areas of stress
corrosion cracks in other positions of the wing outboard flap tracks
and the adjacent web of the outboard flap tracks. Therefore, the
existing requirements of AD 2013-09-02 do not fully address the unsafe
condition.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB,
dated September 25, 2017. The service information describes procedures
for repetitive inspections, repair, repetitive overhaul, and
replacement of the wing outboard flap tracks, 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.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require new NDT inspections of the flap
track flanges and webs forward of the rear spar attachment, in areas
not previously inspected using SB 737-57A1271 R3 (or previous
revisions), to the existing requirements in AD 2013-09-02. The new and
existing requirements would also apply to the wing outboard flap tracks
at positions 1 and 8. Accomplishment of the inspections, repair,
overhaul, and replacement of the wing outboard flap tracks specified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB, dated September 25,
2017, would replace the instruction in SB 737-57A1271 R3 (or previous
revisions), and terminates the requirements of AD 2013-09-02.
This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB,
dated September 25, 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-2018-0112.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directives 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).
[[Page 7427]]
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 160 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection (positions 1 and 8; 78 work-hours x $85 per $0 $6,630 per $1,060,800 per
Group 2 and Group 3, hour = $6,630 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
configuration 1). inspection cycle.
Inspection (positions 1 and 8; 89 work-hours x $85 per 0 $7,565 per $1,210,400 per
Group 3, configuration 2). hour = $7,565 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Inspection (positions 2 and 7; 83 work-hours x $85 per 0 $7,055 per $1,128,800 per
Group 2 and Group 3, hour = $7,055 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
configuration 1). inspection cycle.
Inspection (positions 2 and 7; 86 work-hours x $85 per 0 $7,310 per $1,169,600 per
Group 3, configuration 2). hour = $7,310 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the actions for Group 1 airplanes or the on-
condition actions specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0112; Product Identifier
2017-NM-161-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 9, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2013-09-02, Amendment 39-17443 (78 FR 27010,
May 9, 2013) (``AD 2013-09-02'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in certain flanges,
and the adjacent web, of the wing outboard flap track at certain
positions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of
the rear spar attachment, and cracking of the wing outboard flap
tracks. Cracking in the area between the forward and rear spar
attachments of the wing outboard flap tracks could lead to the
inability of a principal structural element to sustain required
flight load, and result in loss of the outboard trailing edge flap
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017: Within 120 days
after the effective date of this AD, do actions to correct the
unsafe condition using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions
For airplanes not specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Except
as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
[[Page 7428]]
Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing
the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-57A1338, dated September 25, 2017, which is referred to
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB, dated
September 25, 2017.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of
this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB,
dated September 25, 2017, uses the phrase ``the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB,'' this AD requires using
``the effective date of this AD.''
(j) Terminating Action for Requirements of AD 2013-09-02
Accomplishment of the requirements specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD terminates all of the requirements specified in AD 2013-09-
02.
(k) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, a wing outboard flap track having a part number listed
in paragraph 1.B. of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338
RB, dated September 25, 2017, unless the inspections and corrective
actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017, are
accomplished prior to the part's installation on the airplane.
(l) 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 (m)(1) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected].
(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.
(m) Related Information
(1) 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: [email protected].
(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, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03433 Filed 2-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
