Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 52171-52173 [2018-22277]
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<![CDATA[
52171
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 200
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0901; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–114–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 adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–100,
–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports that frame web and
frame integral inboard chord cracking is
occurring on multiple airplanes in
multiple locations below the passenger
floor. This proposed AD would require
repetitive detailed, general visual, and
high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections of the section 43 lower lobe
frames at certain stations; an inspection
to determine if certain repairs are
installed; and applicable on-condition
actions. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 30,
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
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:27 Oct 15, 2018
Jkt 247001
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–2018–0901.
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Examining the AD Docket
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1361, dated July 17,
2018. The service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed,
general visual, and HFEC inspections of
the section 43 lower lobe frames from
STA 380 to STA 520; a general visual
inspection to determine if certain
repairs are installed; and applicable oncondition 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.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0901; 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:
Discussion
We have received reports indicating
that frame web and frame integral
inboard chord cracking is occurring on
multiple airplanes in multiple locations
below the passenger floor in section 43
from station (STA) 380 to STA 520. This
condition, if not addressed, could result
in the failure of one or more frames. The
failure of multiple frames or the
combination of a severed frame and
cracks in fuselage chem-milled pockets
in this area could lead to uncontrolled
decompression of the airplane.
Comments Invited
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.
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–
2018–0901; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–114–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
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for
compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1361, dated July 17,
2018, 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–
0901.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
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52172
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 262 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Inspections ........
Up to 84 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,140 per
inspection cycle.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this 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.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:27 Oct 15, 2018
Jkt 247001
Parts cost
Cost per product
$0
Up to $7,140 per inspection cycle.
(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
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–
2018–0901; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–114–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November
30, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400,
and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–53A1361, dated July 17,
2018.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost on U.S. operators
Up to $1,870,680 per inspection cycle.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that
frame web and frame integral inboard chord
cracking is occurring on multiple airplanes in
multiple locations below the passenger floor.
We are issuing this AD to address frame
cracking, which could result in the failure of
multiple frames or the combination of a
severed frame and cracks in fuselage chemmilled pockets in this area, which could lead
to uncontrolled decompression of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1361,
dated July 17, 2018: Within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane
and do all applicable corrective actions using
a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Groups 2
through 6 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1361, dated July 17, 2018: Except as
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1361, dated July 17, 2018,
do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’
(required for compliance) in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1361, dated July 17, 2018
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD:
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1361, dated July 17, 2018, uses the
phrase ‘‘the original issue date of this service
bulletin,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the
effective date of this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–53A1361, dated July 17, 2018, specifies
contacting Boeing for repair instructions or
contacting Boeing for alternative inspections:
This AD requires doing the repair, or the
alternative inspections and applicable oncondition actions, using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) 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, FAA, to make those findings.
To be approved, the repair method,
modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii)
of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. An AMOC is required for any
deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
(j) Related Information
(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 information about AMOCs, contact
George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
5232; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
george.garrido@faa.gov.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:27 Oct 15, 2018
Jkt 247001
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
October 4, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–22277 Filed 10–15–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0900; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–101–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 adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–100,
–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracking in the
frame web, frame integral inboard
chord, and fail-safe chord on multiple
airplanes in multiple locations below
the passenger floor, in addition to an
evaluation by the design approval
holder (DAH) indicating that certain
fuselage frame splices are subject to
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This
proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of certain fuselage upper
frames, side frames, fail-safe chords,
inboard chords, frame webs, and
stringers; an inspection for the presence
of repairs in certain inspections zones
and open tooling holes; and applicable
on-condition actions. We are proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 30,
2018.
SUMMARY:
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
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
52173
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–2018–0900.
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–
0900; 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.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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–
2018–0900; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–101–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\16OCP1.SGM
16OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 200 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52171-52173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22277]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2018 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 52171]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0901; Product Identifier 2018-NM-114-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and
-500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that
frame web and frame integral inboard chord cracking is occurring on
multiple airplanes in multiple locations below the passenger floor.
This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed, general visual, and
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the section 43 lower
lobe frames at certain stations; an inspection to determine if certain
repairs are installed; and applicable on-condition actions. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 30,
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-2018-0901.
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-
0901; 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-2018-0901;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-114-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 reports indicating that frame web and frame
integral inboard chord cracking is occurring on multiple airplanes in
multiple locations below the passenger floor in section 43 from station
(STA) 380 to STA 520. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
the failure of one or more frames. The failure of multiple frames or
the combination of a severed frame and cracks in fuselage chem-milled
pockets in this area could lead to uncontrolled decompression of the
airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July
17, 2018. The service information describes procedures for repetitive
detailed, general visual, and HFEC inspections of the section 43 lower
lobe frames from STA 380 to STA 520; a general visual inspection to
determine if certain repairs are installed; 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 accomplishment of the actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July
17, 2018, 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-2018-0901.
[[Page 52172]]
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 262 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections.............. Up to 84 work-hours x $85 $0 Up to $7,140 per Up to $1,870,680 per
per hour = $7,140 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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-2018-0901; Product Identifier
2018-NM-114-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 30, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1361, dated July 17, 2018.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that frame web and frame
integral inboard chord cracking is occurring on multiple airplanes
in multiple locations below the passenger floor. We are issuing this
AD to address frame cracking, which could result in the failure of
multiple frames or the combination of a severed frame and cracks in
fuselage chem-milled pockets in this area, which could lead to
uncontrolled decompression of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July 17, 2018: Within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane and do all
applicable corrective actions using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 6 in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July 17, 2018: Except as
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July 17, 2018, do all applicable actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July 17, 2018
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated
July 17, 2018, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of this
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of
this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1361, dated July
17, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or
contacting Boeing for alternative inspections: This AD requires
doing the repair, or the alternative inspections and applicable on-
condition actions, using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs
[[Page 52173]]
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(2) 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, FAA, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(j) Related Information
(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 information about AMOCs, contact George Garrido,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 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 Des Moines, Washington, on October 4, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-22277 Filed 10-15-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
