Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 22417-22420 [2018-10209]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (l) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards 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 International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD: If any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified 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 procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (m) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2018–0031, dated January 31, 2018, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0410. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 May 14, 2018 Jkt 244001 Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 7, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–10211 Filed 5–14–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0408; Product Identifier 2017–NM–146–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–13– 16, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. AD 2016–13–16 requires an inspection or records check to determine if affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related investigative actions, and, for affected horizontal stabilizers, repetitive inspections for any crack of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective action if necessary. Since we issued AD 2016– 13–16, we have determined that clarification of inspection areas and serial number information of the horizontal stabilizer is necessary. Therefore, this proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016–13– 16, with revised service information that clarifies the inspection areas and serial number information of the horizontal stabilizer. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 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. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 22417 • 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 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– 0408. 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– 0408; 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: Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3525; email: lu.lu@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– 2018–0408; Product Identifier 2017– NM–146–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. E:\FR\FM\15MYP1.SGM 15MYP1 22418 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules Discussion We issued AD 2016–13–16, Amendment 39–18581 (81 FR 44503, July 8, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–13–16’’), for all The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. AD 2016–13–16 requires an identification plate inspection or records check to determine if affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related investigative actions, and for affected horizontal stabilizers, repetitive inspections for any crack of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2016–13–16 resulted from reports of a manufacturing oversight, in which a supplier omitted the required protective finish on certain bushings installed in the rear spar upper chord on horizontal stabilizers, which could lead to galvanic corrosion and consequent cracking of the rear spar upper chord. We issued AD 2016–13–16 to address cracking of the rear spar upper chord, which can result in the failure of the upper chord, consequent departure of the horizontal stabilizer from the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane. Actions Since AD 2016–13–16 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2016–13–16, it has been determined that clarification of inspection areas and serial number information of the horizontal stabilizer is necessary. Therefore, the service information has been revised to clarify the inspection areas for cracking and serial number information of the horizontal stabilizer. Proposed AD Requirements We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017. This service information describes procedures for an identification plate inspection or records check to determine whether affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related investigative actions, and for affected horizontal stabilizers, repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for any crack of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective action. 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. Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 2016–13–16, this proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2016–13– 16. Those requirements are referenced in the service information identified previously, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would clarify the inspection areas and serial number information of the horizontal stabilizer. This proposed AD would also require accomplishment of the actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, described previously. 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– 0408. FAA’s Determination Costs of Compliance 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. We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,748 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Labor cost Inspection or records check to determine the serial number of the horizontal stabilizer. HFEC inspection ............................................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $148,580 6 work-hour × $85 per hour = $510 ............... 0 510 891,480 We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD. According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our cost estimate. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 May 14, 2018 Jkt 244001 Parts cost Cost on U.S. operators Action 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 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 have 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 that the proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, E:\FR\FM\15MYP1.SGM 15MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules (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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–13–16, Amendment 39–18581 (81 FR 44503, July 8, 2016), and adding the following new AD: ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2018–0408; Product Identifier 2017– NM–146–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by June 29, 2018. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2016–13–16, Amendment 39–18581 (81 FR 44503, July 8, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–13–16’’). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and 900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of a manufacturing oversight, in which a supplier omitted the required protective finish on certain bushings installed in the rear spar upper chord on horizontal stabilizers, which could lead to galvanic corrosion and consequent cracking of the rear spar upper chord. We are issuing this AD to address cracking of the rear spar upper chord, which could result in the failure of the upper chord, consequent departure of the horizontal stabilizer from the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 May 14, 2018 Jkt 244001 (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 paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017. (h) Exceptions to Service Information (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, uses the phrase ‘‘the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as RC: This AD requires repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. (i) Parts Installation Limitations As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a horizontal stabilizer on any airplane, except as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. (1) A horizontal stabilizer may be installed if the part is inspected in accordance with ‘‘Part 2: Horizontal Stabilizer Identification Plate Inspection’’ of the Accomplishments Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, and no affected serial number is found. (2) A horizontal stabilizer may be installed if the part is inspected in accordance with ‘‘Part 2: Horizontal Stabilizer Identification Plate Inspection’’ of the Accomplishments Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, and an affected serial number is found, provided that the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD are done, as applicable. (i) Initial and repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections, which are part of the required actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, are completed within the compliance times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (ii) All applicable corrective actions, which are part of the required actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, are done within the compliance times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (j) Credit for Previous Actions For Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017: This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 22419 performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– 55A1097, dated July 1, 2015. (k) 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 (l)(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 approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2016–13–16 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (5) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(5)(i) and (k)(5)(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. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3525; email: lu.lu@ faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., E:\FR\FM\15MYP1.SGM 15MYP1 22420 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 7, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–10209 Filed 5–14–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0409; Product Identifier 2017–NM–120–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–16– 05, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. AD 2017–16–05 requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for discrepancies in the Krueger flap bullnose attachment hardware, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2017–16–05, we received a report of a missing no. 2 Krueger flap bullnose hinge bolt from an airplane that was not included in the applicability of AD 2017–16–05. This proposed AD would add airplanes and an additional inspection to determine if any Krueger flap no. 1, 2, 3, or 4 has been replaced, and related investigative and corrective actions. Since this is a rotable parts issue, the applicability of this AD has been expanded beyond the airplanes listed in the related service bulletin to include all airplanes on which a Krueger flap bullnose may be installed. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 May 14, 2018 Jkt 244001 • 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 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– 0409. 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– 0409; or in person at 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 Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206– 231–3527; email: alan.pohl@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– 2018–0409; Product Identifier 2017– NM–120–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 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 issued AD 2017–16–05, Amendment 39–18982 (82 FR 39344, August 18, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–16–05’’), for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. AD 2017–16– 05 requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for discrepancies in the Krueger flap bullnose attachment hardware, and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. AD 2017–16–05 resulted from a report of a Krueger flap bullnose departing an airplane during taxi, which caused damage to the wing structure and thrust reverser. We issued AD 2017–16–05 to detect and correct missing Krueger flap bullnose hardware. Such missing hardware could result in the Krueger flap bullnose departing the airplane during flight, which could damage empennage structure and lead to the inability to maintain continued safe flight and landing. Actions Since AD 2017–16–05 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2017–16–05, we have received a report of a missing no. 2 Krueger flap bullnose hinge bolt from an airplane that was not included in the applicability of AD 2017–16–05. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1327, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2017 (‘‘BASB 737– 57A1327, R2’’). This service information describes procedures for a one-time detailed visual inspection for discrepancies in the Krueger flap bullnose attachment hardware, and related investigative and corrective actions; and an inspection to determine if any Krueger flap no. 1, 2, 3, or 4 has been replaced, and related investigative and corrective 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 E:\FR\FM\15MYP1.SGM 15MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22417-22420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10209]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0408; Product Identifier 2017-NM-146-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-
16, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, 
-800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2016-13-16 requires an 
inspection or records check to determine if affected horizontal 
stabilizers are installed, related investigative actions, and, for 
affected horizontal stabilizers, repetitive inspections for any crack 
of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective 
action if necessary. Since we issued AD 2016-13-16, we have determined 
that clarification of inspection areas and serial number information of 
the horizontal stabilizer is necessary. Therefore, this proposed AD 
would retain the requirements of AD 2016-13-16, with revised service 
information that clarifies the inspection areas and serial number 
information of the horizontal stabilizer. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 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 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-2018-0408.

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-
0408; 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: Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3525; 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-2018-0408; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-146-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.

[[Page 22418]]

Discussion

    We issued AD 2016-13-16, Amendment 39-18581 (81 FR 44503, July 8, 
2016) (``AD 2016-13-16''), for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -
700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2016-13-16 
requires an identification plate inspection or records check to 
determine if affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related 
investigative actions, and for affected horizontal stabilizers, 
repetitive inspections for any crack of the horizontal stabilizer rear 
spar upper chord, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2016-13-16 
resulted from reports of a manufacturing oversight, in which a supplier 
omitted the required protective finish on certain bushings installed in 
the rear spar upper chord on horizontal stabilizers, which could lead 
to galvanic corrosion and consequent cracking of the rear spar upper 
chord. We issued AD 2016-13-16 to address cracking of the rear spar 
upper chord, which can result in the failure of the upper chord, 
consequent departure of the horizontal stabilizer from the airplane, 
and loss of control of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2016-13-16 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2016-13-16, it has been determined that 
clarification of inspection areas and serial number information of the 
horizontal stabilizer is necessary. Therefore, the service information 
has been revised to clarify the inspection areas for cracking and 
serial number information of the horizontal stabilizer.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 1, 
dated September 20, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for an identification plate inspection or records check to determine 
whether affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related 
investigative actions, and for affected horizontal stabilizers, 
repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for any crack 
of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective 
action. 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

    Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the 
requirements of AD 2016-13-16, this proposed AD would retain all 
requirements of AD 2016-13-16. Those requirements are referenced in the 
service information identified previously, which, in turn, is 
referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would 
clarify the inspection areas and serial number information of the 
horizontal stabilizer. This proposed AD would also require 
accomplishment of the actions identified as ``RC'' (required for 
compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, described 
previously.
    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-2018-0408.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,748 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection or records check to          1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85        $148,580
 determine the serial number of the      hour = $85.
 horizontal stabilizer.
HFEC inspection.......................  6 work-hour x $85 per                  0             510         891,480
                                         hour = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.
    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our 
cost estimate.

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 have 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 that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,

[[Page 22419]]

    (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-13-16, Amendment 39-18581 (81 FR 44503, July 8, 2016), and adding 
the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0408; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-146-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by June 29, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-13-16, Amendment 39-18581 (81 FR 44503, 
July 8, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-16'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and 900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of a manufacturing oversight, in 
which a supplier omitted the required protective finish on certain 
bushings installed in the rear spar upper chord on horizontal 
stabilizers, which could lead to galvanic corrosion and consequent 
cracking of the rear spar upper chord. We are issuing this AD to 
address cracking of the rear spar upper chord, which could result in 
the failure of the upper chord, consequent departure of the 
horizontal stabilizer from the airplane, and loss of control 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 paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 1, dated 
September 20, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' 
(required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, 
Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, uses the phrase ``the Revision 
1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the 
effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 1, 
dated September 20, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies 
that action as RC: This AD requires repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this 
AD.

(i) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
horizontal stabilizer on any airplane, except as specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A horizontal stabilizer may be installed if the part is 
inspected in accordance with ``Part 2: Horizontal Stabilizer 
Identification Plate Inspection'' of the Accomplishments 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 
1, dated September 20, 2017, and no affected serial number is found.
    (2) A horizontal stabilizer may be installed if the part is 
inspected in accordance with ``Part 2: Horizontal Stabilizer 
Identification Plate Inspection'' of the Accomplishments 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 
1, dated September 20, 2017, and an affected serial number is found, 
provided that the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and 
(i)(2)(ii) of this AD are done, as applicable.
    (i) Initial and repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspections, which are part of the required actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, are completed within the compliance times 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (ii) All applicable corrective actions, which are part of the 
required actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, are done 
within the compliance times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    For Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 1 airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 1, dated 
September 20, 2017: This paragraph provides credit for the actions 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-55A1097, dated July 1, 2015.

(k) 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 (l)(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, 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2016-13-16 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-55A1097, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2017, that are 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (5) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required 
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(5)(i) and 
(k)(5)(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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Lu Lu, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3525; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,

[[Page 22420]]

MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; 
internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 7, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10209 Filed 5-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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