Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 34769-34772 [2019-15358]

Download as PDF 34769 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 84, No. 139 Friday, July 19, 2019 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 10 CFR Part 72 [NRC–2019–0070] RIN 3150–AK33 List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: NAC International NAC–UMS® Universal Storage System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1015, Amendment No. 7 Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date. AGENCY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is confirming the effective date of July 29, 2019, for the direct final rule that was published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2019. This direct final rule amended the NRC’s spent fuel storage regulations by revising the NAC International NAC– UMS® Universal Storage System listing within the ‘‘List of approved spent fuel storage casks,’’ to include Amendment No. 7 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1015. Amendment No. 7 revises the surveillance requirements for technical specifications A3.1.6.1 and A3.1.6.2 to ensure that adequate monitoring of the concrete cask heat removal system is performed. Amendment No. 7 also revises the basis for technical specification A3.1.6 to clarify that the surveillance requirements for technical specification A3.1.6 requires a minimum of two outlet air temperature measurements to provide an average outlet temperature. DATES: The effective date of July 29, 2019, for the direct final rule published May 15, 2019 (84 FR 21687), is confirmed. ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2019–0070 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly-available information jspears on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Jul 18, 2019 Jkt 247001 related to this action by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC–2019–0070. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301–415–3463; email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For technical questions, contact the individuals listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. • NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publiclyavailable documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ adams.html. To begin the search, select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301– 415–4737, or by email to pdr.resource@ nrc.gov. The proposed amendment to the certificate, the proposed Appendices A and B to the technical specifications, and the preliminary safety evaluation report are available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML19057A264. The final amendment to the certificate, final changes to the technical specifications, and final safety evaluation report can also be viewed in ADAMS under Accession No. ML19183A268. • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernard H. White, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards; telephone: 301–415–6577; email: Bernard.White@nrc.gov or Victoria V. Huckabay, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards; telephone: 301– 415–5183; email: Victoria.Huckabay@ nrc.gov. Both are staff of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 15, 2019 (84 FR 21687), the NRC published a direct final rule amending § 72.214 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, ‘‘List of approved spent fuel storage casks,’’ to include Amendment No. 7 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1015 for the NAC International NAC–UMS® Universal Storage System. Amendment No. 7 revises the surveillance requirements for PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 technical specifications A3.1.6.1 and A3.1.6.2 to ensure that adequate monitoring of the concrete cask heat removal system is performed. Amendment No. 7 also revises the basis for technical specification A3.1.6 to clarify that the surveillance requirements for technical specification A3.1.6 requires a minimum of two outlet air temperature measurements to provide an average outlet temperature. In the direct final rule, the NRC stated that if no significant adverse comments were received, the direct final rule would become effective on July 29, 2019. The NRC did not receive any comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, this direct final rule will become effective as scheduled. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 16th day of July 2019. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Cindy K. Bladey, Chief, Regulatory Analysis and Rulemaking Support Branch, Division of Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. [FR Doc. 2019–15398 Filed 7–18–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0022; Product Identifier 2018–NM–162–AD; Amendment 39–19675; AD 2019–13–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower lobe skin panel assemblies of the fuselage and an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that these assemblies are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires replacement of lower lobe skin panel assemblies, detailed inspections for scribe lines, and applicable on- SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19JYR1.SGM 19JYR1 34770 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2019 / Rules and Regulations condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective August 23, 2019. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 23, 2019. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 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–2019– 0022. jspears on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES 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–2019– 0022; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5357; fax: 562–627– 5210; email: james.guo@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR 5614). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Jul 18, 2019 Jkt 247001 lower lobe skin panel assemblies of the fuselage. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of lower lobe skin panel assemblies, detailed inspections for scribe lines, and applicable oncondition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of skin crack growth and multiple adjacent cracks at chem-milled steps in the fuselage skin linking up with each other, which could lead to decompression or loss of structural integrity of the airplane. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified in the NPRM. The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. Request To Revise What Prompted the NPRM Boeing requested that the FAA change the SUMMARY section of the NPRM and paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to indicate that the proposed AD was prompted by the DAH indication that the lower skin panel assemblies of the fuselage are subject to WFD. Boeing asserted that this kind of language was used to address a similar issue in a previous AD and in the associated service information. The FAA partially agrees that this AD was prompted by the DAH evaluation of WFD in this area, because the DAH did perform the evaluation. However, the FAA disagrees that this is the only reason for the creation of the proposed AD. The FAA has revised the SUMMARY PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 section in this final rule and paragraph (e) of this AD to state that the AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower lobe skin panel assemblies and by a DAH evaluation that lower lobe skin panel assemblies of the fuselage are subject to WFD. Request To Change Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Name Boeing requested that the FAA change ‘‘the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)’’ to ‘‘The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA),’’ because the name of the ODA has changed. The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has made the requested change in this AD. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final rule. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018. The service information describes procedures for replacement of lower lobe skin panel assemblies, detailed inspections for scribe lines, 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 171 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\19JYR1.SGM 19JYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2019 / Rules and Regulations 34771 ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS * Action Labor cost Inspection and replacement ............................ 688 work-hours × $85 per hour = $58,480 .... Cost per product Parts cost (*) * $58,480 Cost on U.S. operators * $10,000,080 * Parts cost unavailable. The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the oncondition actions specified in this AD. jspears on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES 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. The FAA is 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 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 and associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Jul 18, 2019 Jkt 247001 (3) 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. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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): ■ 2019–13–02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–19675; Docket No. FAA–2019–0022; Product Identifier 2018–NM–162–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective August 23, 2019. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018. (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower lobe skin panel assemblies of the fuselage and an evaluation PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lower lobe skin panel assemblies of the fuselage are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of skin crack growth and multiple adjacent cracks at chem-milled steps in the fuselage skin linking up with each other, which could lead to decompression or loss of structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1379, dated September 4, 2018, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for work instructions or for scribe line repair and skin panel replacement instructions: This AD requires doing the work and the scribe line repair and skin panel replacement before further flight 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 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) of this E:\FR\FM\19JYR1.SGM 19JYR1 34772 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2019 / Rules and Regulations AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-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 Company 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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–1008; Product Identifier 2018–NM–126–AD; Amendment 39–19666; AD 2019–12–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–2B19 For more information about this AD, (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) contact James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, airplanes. This AD was prompted by Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO reports indicating there is a possibility Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– of excessive error in the signal generated by the angle of attack (AOA) transducer. 5357; fax: 562–627–5210; email: james.guo@ This AD requires replacing certain AOA faa.gov. transducers. The FAA is issuing this AD (k) Material Incorporated by Reference to address the unsafe condition on these products. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference DATES: This AD is effective August 23, (IBR) of the service information listed in this 2019. paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR The Director of the Federal Register part 51. approved the incorporation by reference (2) You must use this service information of a certain publication listed in this AD as applicable to do the actions required by as of August 23, 2019. this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. ADDRESSES: For service information (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin identified in this final rule, contact 737–53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018. Bombardier, Inc., 400 Coˆte-Vertu Road (ii) [Reserved] West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; (3) For service information identified in Widebody Customer Response Center this AD, contact Boeing Commercial North America toll-free telephone Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 1–866–538–1247 or direct-dial Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., telephone 1–514–855–2999; fax 514– MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; 855–7401; email ac.yul@ telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// aero.bombardier.com; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. www.bombardier.com. You may view (4) You may view this service information this service information at the FAA, at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this service information It is also available on the internet at that is incorporated by reference at the https://www.regulations.gov by searching National Archives and Records for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 1008. SUMMARY: (j) Related Information jspears on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Examining the AD Docket Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 28, 2019. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–15358 Filed 7–18–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Jul 18, 2019 Jkt 247001 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 1008; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7369; fax 516–794–5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2018 (83 FR 63594). The NPRM was prompted by reports indicating there is a possibility of excessive error in the signal generated by the AOA transducer. The NPRM proposed to require replacing certain AOA transducers. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this potential error, which, if not detected by the stall protection computer, could lead to late activation of the stall protection system and possible loss of control of the airplane. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF–2018–17, dated June 29, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The MCAI states: Bombardier has received reports from the manufacturer of its Angle of Attack (AOA) transducers indicating that there is a possibility of excessive error in the signal generated by the AOA Transducer. It is possible that this error may not be detected by the stall protection computer, which could lead to late stall protection system activation and potentially result in the loss of control of the aeroplane. The error could be a result of incorrect assembly or/and internal wear in the AOA Transducer. This [Canadian] AD mandates the modification or replacement of the AOA transducers in order to prevent late activation of the stick pusher in the stall protection system. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 1008. E:\FR\FM\19JYR1.SGM 19JYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34769-34772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-15358]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0022; Product Identifier 2018-NM-162-AD; Amendment 
39-19675; AD 2019-13-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower 
lobe skin panel assemblies of the fuselage and an evaluation by the 
design approval holder (DAH) indicating that these assemblies are 
subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires 
replacement of lower lobe skin panel assemblies, detailed inspections 
for scribe lines, and applicable on-

[[Page 34770]]

condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 23, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 23, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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-2019-
0022.

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-2019-
0022; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5357; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing 
Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR 5614). 
The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower lobe skin 
panel assemblies of the fuselage. The NPRM proposed to require 
replacement of lower lobe skin panel assemblies, detailed inspections 
for scribe lines, and applicable on-condition actions.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of skin crack 
growth and multiple adjacent cracks at chem-milled steps in the 
fuselage skin linking up with each other, which could lead to 
decompression or loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the Supplemental 
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified 
in the NPRM.
    The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated 
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and 
added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC 
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions 
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is 
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the 
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

Request To Revise What Prompted the NPRM

    Boeing requested that the FAA change the SUMMARY section of the 
NPRM and paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to indicate that the proposed 
AD was prompted by the DAH indication that the lower skin panel 
assemblies of the fuselage are subject to WFD. Boeing asserted that 
this kind of language was used to address a similar issue in a previous 
AD and in the associated service information.
    The FAA partially agrees that this AD was prompted by the DAH 
evaluation of WFD in this area, because the DAH did perform the 
evaluation. However, the FAA disagrees that this is the only reason for 
the creation of the proposed AD. The FAA has revised the SUMMARY 
section in this final rule and paragraph (e) of this AD to state that 
the AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower lobe skin panel 
assemblies and by a DAH evaluation that lower lobe skin panel 
assemblies of the fuselage are subject to WFD.

Request To Change Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Name

    Boeing requested that the FAA change ``the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)'' to ``The 
Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA),'' because 
the name of the ODA has changed.
    The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has made the requested 
change in this AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, 
dated September 4, 2018. The service information describes procedures 
for replacement of lower lobe skin panel assemblies, detailed 
inspections for scribe lines, 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 171 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 34771]]



                                     Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and replacement............  688 work-hours x $85 per             (*)       * $58,480   * $10,000,080
                                         hour = $58,480.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Parts cost unavailable.

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the 
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified 
in this 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.
    The FAA is 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 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2019-13-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19675; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0022; Product Identifier 2018-NM-162-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 23, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, 
-300, -400, and -500 airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, 
dated September 4, 2018.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions 
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE 
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with 
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the lower lobe 
skin panel assemblies of the fuselage and an evaluation by the 
design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lower lobe skin 
panel assemblies of the fuselage are subject to widespread fatigue 
damage (WFD). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility 
of skin crack growth and multiple adjacent cracks at chem-milled 
steps in the fuselage skin linking up with each other, which could 
lead to decompression or loss of structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018, 
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
737-53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-53A1379, dated September 4, 2018, which is referred to in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, dated September 4, 2018.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, 
dated September 4, 2018, uses the phrase ``the original issue date 
of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB,'' this AD requires using 
``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, 
dated September 4, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for work 
instructions or for scribe line repair and skin panel replacement 
instructions: This AD requires doing the work and the scribe line 
repair and skin panel replacement before further flight 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 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) of this

[[Page 34772]]

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 Company 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact James Guo, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5357; 
fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1379 RB, dated 
September 4, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 28, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-15358 Filed 7-18-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.