Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 62741-62743 [2018-26361]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–1004; Product Identifier 2018–NM–106–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 all The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks caused by corrosion of the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore of certain side-strut support fitting lugs. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs with bushings installed for any corrosion, any crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs with bushings removed for any corrosion or any crack; and applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22, 2019. 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 khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:35 Dec 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 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–2018–1004. 62741 attachment to the airplane, resulting in the collapse of a main landing gear. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018. This service information describes procedures for repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right sidestrut support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings installed for any corrosion, any crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed and HFEC inspections of the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings removed for any corrosion or any crack; and applicable on-condition actions. Oncondition actions include, among other things, inspections, corrosion removal, and a preventative modification. Doing the repetitive detailed and HFEC inspections of the side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings removed terminates the repetitive detailed inspections of the side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings installed. 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. Comments Invited FAA’s Determination 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– 2018–1004; Product Identifier 2018– NM–106–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. 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. 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– 1004; 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. Discussion We have received reports of cracks caused by corrosion of the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore of the body station (BS) 685 side-strut support fitting lugs. This condition, if not addressed, could result in sudden loss of the side-strut support fitting joint and main landing gear PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 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– 1004. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 302 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM 06DEP1 62742 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Action Labor cost Repetitive detailed inspection of left and right side lugs with bushings installed. 17 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,445 per inspection cycle. 29 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,465 per inspection cycle. Repetitive detailed and HFEC inspections of left and right side lugs with bushings removed. We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required. We have no way of Cost per product Parts cost $0 0 $1,445 per inspection cycle. $2,465 per inspection cycle. Cost on U.S. operators $436,390 per inspection cycle. $744,430 per inspection cycle. determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Up to 18 work-hour × $85 per hour = $1,530 per inspection cycle ........................... Unknown ........... We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide parts cost estimates for the on-condition inspections and repairs specified in this proposed AD. khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:35 Dec 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 Regulatory Findings 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. Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Up to $1,530 per inspection cycle. § 39.13 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. PO 00000 Cost per product Sfmt 4702 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2018–1004; Product Identifier 2018– NM–106–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 22, 2019. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks caused by corrosion of the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore of the body station (BS) 685 side-strut support fitting lugs. We are issuing this AD to address cracks caused by corrosion, which could result in sudden loss of the side-strut support fitting joint and main landing gear attachment to the airplane, resulting in the collapse of a main landing gear. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Actions for Group 7 For airplanes identified as Group 7 in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018: Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 685 and do all applicable on-condition actions using a method E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM 06DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (h) Required Actions for Groups 1 Through 6 For airplanes identified as Groups 1 through 6 in Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53– 1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737– 53–1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018. khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL (i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD: Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53–1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, uses the phrase ‘‘the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737–53– 1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or for work instructions: This AD requires doing the repair or the work instructions and doing applicable oncondition actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (j) 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 (k)(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, 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 (i) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:35 Dec 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, 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. (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 Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2018. John P. Piccola, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–26361 Filed 12–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 62743 their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. TTB invites comments on this proposed addition to its regulations. DATES: Comments must be received by February 4, 2019. ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this proposed rule to one of the following addresses: • internet: https:// www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form for this proposed rule as posted within Docket No. TTB–2018– 0009 at ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal e-rulemaking portal); • U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or • Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. See the Public Participation section of this proposed rule for specific instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for information on how to request a public hearing or view or request copies of the petition and supporting materials. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202–453–1039, ext. 175. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background on Viticultural Areas DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2018–0009; Notice No. 178] RIN 1513–AC43 Proposed Establishment of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County Viticultural Area Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to establish the approximately 215-square mile ‘‘Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County’’ viticultural area in Henderson County, North Carolina. The proposed viticultural area is not located within, nor does it contain, any other established viticultural area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 TTB Authority Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated various authorities through Treasury Department Order 120–01, dated December 7, 2013, (superseding Treasury Order 120–01,dated January 24, 2003), to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions. E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM 06DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 234 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62741-62743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26361]



[[Page 62741]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1004; Product Identifier 2018-NM-106-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 all 
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks 
caused by corrosion of the edge of the bore of the spot face and 
corrosion of the lug bore of certain side-strut support fitting lugs. 
This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the 
left and right side-strut support fitting lugs with bushings installed 
for any corrosion, any crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed 
and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the left and 
right side-strut support fitting lugs with bushings removed for any 
corrosion or any crack; and applicable on-condition actions. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22, 
2019.

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-2018-1004.

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-
1004; 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: 
[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-2018-1004; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-106-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 of cracks caused by corrosion of the edge 
of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore of the body 
station (BS) 685 side-strut support fitting lugs. This condition, if 
not addressed, could result in sudden loss of the side-strut support 
fitting joint and main landing gear attachment to the airplane, 
resulting in the collapse of a main landing gear.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated 
May 30, 2018. This service information describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right side-strut 
support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings installed for any 
corrosion, any crack, or any severed lug; repetitive detailed and HFEC 
inspections of the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 
685 with bushings removed for any corrosion or any crack; and 
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include, among 
other things, inspections, corrosion removal, and a preventative 
modification. Doing the repetitive detailed and HFEC inspections of the 
side-strut support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings removed 
terminates the repetitive detailed inspections of the side-strut 
support fitting lugs at BS 685 with bushings installed. 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 Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated 
May 30, 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-2018-1004.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 302 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 62742]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed inspection of  17 work-hours x $85              $0  $1,445 per           $436,390 per
 left and right side lugs with      per hour = $1,445                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
 bushings installed.                per inspection
                                    cycle.
Repetitive detailed and HFEC       29 work-hours x $85               0  $2,465 per           $744,430 per
 inspections of left and right      per hour = $2,465                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
 side lugs with bushings removed.   per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Labor cost                  Parts cost        Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 18 work-hour x $85 per    Unknown...............  Up to $1,530 per
 hour = $1,530 per inspection                            inspection
 cycle.                                                  cycle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
parts cost estimates for the on-condition inspections and repairs 
specified in this proposed AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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-2018-1004; Product Identifier 
2018-NM-106-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 22, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks caused by corrosion of 
the edge of the bore of the spot face and corrosion of the lug bore 
of the body station (BS) 685 side-strut support fitting lugs. We are 
issuing this AD to address cracks caused by corrosion, which could 
result in sudden loss of the side-strut support fitting joint and 
main landing gear attachment to the airplane, resulting in the 
collapse of a main landing gear.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Actions for Group 7

    For airplanes identified as Group 7 in Boeing Service Bulletin 
737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018: Within 120 days after 
the effective date of this AD, inspect the left and right side-strut 
support fitting lugs at BS 685 and do all applicable on-condition 
actions using a method

[[Page 62743]]

approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(j) of this AD.

(h) Required Actions for Groups 1 Through 6

    For airplanes identified as Groups 1 through 6 in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, except as 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the applicable times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018, do all 
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) 
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2018.

(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, 
dated May 30, 2018, uses the phrase ``the Revision 1 date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1246, Revision 1, dated 
May 30, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or 
for work instructions: This AD requires doing the repair or the work 
instructions and doing applicable on-condition actions using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) 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 (k)(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, 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 (i) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the 
provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, 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: [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 Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26361 Filed 12-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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