Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 34136-34139 [2020-11828]
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34136
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 107 / Wednesday, June 3, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Issued on May 8, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thanh Tran, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5304; fax:
562–627–5210; email thanh.b.tran@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[FR Doc. 2020–11343 Filed 6–2–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0492; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–025–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell
International Inc. (Honeywell)
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning
System (EGPWS)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
AGENCY:
The FAA is withdrawing a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that proposed to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) that would
have applied to various normal and
transport category rotorcraft with certain
Honeywell enhanced ground proximity
warning systems (EGPWS) installed.
The NPRM was prompted by a software
defect that prevents the EGPWS from
providing terrain warnings. The NPRM
would have required updating the
software version of the EGPWS. Since
issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has
determined that the unsafe condition no
longer exists and has confirmed that the
majority of operators have updated their
software as specified in the NPRM.
Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.
DATES: The FAA is withdrawing the
proposed rule published June 6, 2017
(82 FR 25978), as of June 3, 2020.
ADDRESSES:
SUMMARY:
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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–2017–
0492; 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 AD action,
any comments received, and other
information. The street 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.
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Discussion
The FAA has issued an NPRM that
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
adding an AD that would apply to the
specified products. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
June 6, 2017 (82 FR 25978). The NPRM
was prompted by a software defect that
prevents the EGPWS from providing
terrain warnings. The NPRM proposed
to require updating the software version
of the EGPWS. The proposed actions
were intended to address failure of an
EGPWS to generate a terrain warning,
which could result in flight into terrain.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA
has determined that the unsafe
condition no longer exists and has
confirmed that the majority of operators
have updated their software as specified
in the NPRM. In addition, the FAA
confirmed that the software failure
related to the potential unsafe condition
has occurred only during lab testing; no
failures have occurred during operation
of the affected helicopters. The FAA
completed a new risk assessment based
on this data that showed there is an
acceptable level of risk. Therefore, the
FAA has determined that AD action is
not appropriate and the NPRM should
be withdrawn.
Withdrawal of this NPRM constitutes
only such action and does not preclude
the FAA from further rulemaking on
this issue, nor does it commit the FAA
to any course of action in the future.
FAA’s Conclusions
Upon further consideration, the FAA
has determined that the NPRM is
unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is
withdrawn.
Regulatory Findings
Since this action only withdraws an
NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a
final rule. This action therefore is not
covered under Executive Order 12866,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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The Withdrawal
Accordingly, the notice of proposed
rulemaking, Docket No. FAA–2017–
0492, which was published in the
Federal Register on June 6, 2017 (82 FR
25978), is withdrawn.
Issued on May 28, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–11848 Filed 6–2–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0459; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–049–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 737 series
airplanes, excluding Model 737–100,
–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracked or
completely severed lugs in the upper aft
corner stop fitting assembly of the
forward entry door. This proposed AD
would require an inspection, a
measurement, or a records check of that
assembly to determine the part number,
and replacement if a certain part is
found. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by July 20, 2020.
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.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 107 / Wednesday, June 3, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety 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–2020–0459.
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–2020–
0459; 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, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Bumbaugh, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206–231–3522; email:
michael.bumbaugh@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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–2020–0459; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–049–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of
those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Jun 02, 2020
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34137
contact received about this proposed
AD.
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to FAA Aerospace
Engineer Michael Bumbaugh at the
previously-listed contact information.
Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the agency 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.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of
cracked and completely severed lugs in
the stop fitting assembly of the forward
entry door on Boeing Model 737 Next
Generation (NG) airplanes. Analysis of
the design of the stop fitting assembly
revealed that undersized wall thickness
of the lug made it susceptible to fatigue
cracking. The FAA has determined that
the failure of the door stop fitting
assembly may result in the forward
entry door being unable to sustain limit
load. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the forward entry door and
consequent rapid decompression of the
airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–52A1180
RB, dated January 24, 2020. The service
information describes procedures for an
inspection, a measurement, or a records
check of the upper aft corner door stop
fitting assembly to determine the part
number, and applicable on-condition
actions. The on-condition action is to
replace the affected stop fitting
assembly with a newly designed stop
fitting assembly that has improved wall
thickness and strength. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
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Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–52A1180 RB, dated
January 24, 2020, described previously,
except as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the
Service Information,’’ and 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–2020–
0459.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee (AD ARC), to
enhance the AD system. One
enhancement is a process for annotating
which steps in the service information
are ‘‘required for compliance’’ (RC) with
an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC
concept into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the
quality of ADs and AD-related Boeing
service information, a joint process
improvement initiative was worked
between the FAA and Boeing. The
initiative resulted in the development of
a new process in which the service
information more clearly identifies the
actions needed to address the unsafe
condition in the ‘‘Accomplishment
Instructions.’’ The new process results
in a Boeing Requirements Bulletin,
which contains only the actions needed
to address the unsafe condition (i.e.,
only the RC actions).
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
The effectivity of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–52A1180
RB, dated January 24, 2020, is limited to
certain Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes. However, the applicability of
this proposed AD includes all existing
and future Boeing Model 737 series
airplanes, excluding Model 737–100,
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 107 / Wednesday, June 3, 2020 / Proposed Rules
–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes. Because the affected
parts are rotable parts, the FAA has
determined that these parts with the
unsafe design could later be installed on
airplanes that were initially delivered
with acceptable parts, thereby
subjecting those airplanes to the unsafe
condition.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD would affect 1,075 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Inspection and part replacement.
Labor cost
Up to 4 work-hours × $85 per
hour = Up to $340.
$4,640
Cost per product
Up to $4,980 ..........................
The FAA has included all known
costs in the cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, some or all of the
costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
persons.
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The Proposed Amendment
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.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
Regulatory Findings
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Parts cost
The FAA has 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) 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
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16:35 Jun 02, 2020
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0459; Product Identifier 2020–
NM–049–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by July
20, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 737 series airplanes,
excluding Model 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracked or completely severed lugs in the
stop fitting assembly of the forward entry
door. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
such cracking or severing, which could result
in reduced structural integrity of the forward
entry door and consequent rapid
decompression of the airplane.
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Cost on U.S. operators
Up to $5,353,500.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
For airplanes having a date of issuance of
the original airworthiness certificate or date
of issuance of the original export certificate
of airworthiness on before the effective date
of this AD: Except as specified by paragraph
(h) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
52A1180 RB, dated January 24, 2020, do all
applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–52A1180 RB, dated January 24,
2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–52A1180, dated January 24,
2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–52A1180 RB,
dated January 24, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–52A1180 RB, dated January 24,
2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 737–52A1180 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–52A1180 RB, dated January 24,
2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the
repair before further flight using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
For airplanes on which the actions
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD have
been accomplished, or for airplanes having a
date of issuance of the original airworthiness
certificate or date of issuance of the original
export certificate of airworthiness dated after
the effective date of this AD: As of the
effective date of this AD, no person may
install a stop fitting assembly with part
number 141A6104–3 or a forward entry door
that has a stop fitting assembly with part
number 141A6104–3, on any airplane.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 107 / Wednesday, June 3, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(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 Company
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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Michael Bumbaugh, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle
ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–
3522; email: michael.bumbaugh@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,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on May 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0460; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–078–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Jun 02, 2020
Jkt 250001
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 and
AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of a broken
extrusion rubber window seal. This
proposed AD would require installation
of a reinforcement around the rubber
filler wedge where the extrusion rubber
window seal meets the door’s
emergency exit handle. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by July 20, 2020.
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 Leonardo S.p.A.
Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
telephone +39–0331–225074; fax +39–
0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Operational Safety Branch,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
[FR Doc. 2020–11828 Filed 6–2–20; 8:45 am]
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0460; 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
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
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34139
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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–2020–0460; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–078–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of
those comments.
The FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(now European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2018–0197, dated September 5, 2018
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for all
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169
helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A
Model AW189 helicopters. EASA
advises of a broken extrusion rubber
window seal, part number
A417AF001WB. According to EASA, an
investigation determined that the
damage to the rubber filler wedge of the
rubber window seal could have been
caused by the excessive tension of the
string applied during the installation of
an affected emergency exit handle.
EASA advises that this condition, if not
corrected, could result in an excessive
load to release the emergency exit
window, possibly resulting in delayed
evacuation of helicopter occupants
during an emergency. EASA states that,
due to design similarities, the same
unsafe condition could exist or develop
on certain Model AW189 helicopters.
To correct this condition, EASA AD
2018–0197 requires installation of a
reinforcement around the rubber filler
wedge where the extrusion rubber
window seal meets the door’s
emergency exit handle.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 3, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34136-34139]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-11828]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0459; Product Identifier 2020-NM-049-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all The Boeing Company Model 737 series airplanes, excluding Model
737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked or completely severed
lugs in the upper aft corner stop fitting assembly of the forward entry
door. This proposed AD would require an inspection, a measurement, or a
records check of that assembly to determine the part number, and
replacement if a certain part is found. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 20,
2020.
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.
[[Page 34137]]
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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety 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-2020-
0459.
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-2020-
0459; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Bumbaugh, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3522; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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-2020-0459;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-049-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to FAA
Aerospace Engineer Michael Bumbaugh at the previously-listed contact
information. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of cracked and completely severed lugs
in the stop fitting assembly of the forward entry door on Boeing Model
737 Next Generation (NG) airplanes. Analysis of the design of the stop
fitting assembly revealed that undersized wall thickness of the lug
made it susceptible to fatigue cracking. The FAA has determined that
the failure of the door stop fitting assembly may result in the forward
entry door being unable to sustain limit load. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the forward
entry door and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB,
dated January 24, 2020. The service information describes procedures
for an inspection, a measurement, or a records check of the upper aft
corner door stop fitting assembly to determine the part number, and
applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition action is to replace
the affected stop fitting assembly with a newly designed stop fitting
assembly that has improved wall thickness and strength. 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
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB, dated
January 24, 2020, described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information,''
and 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-2020-0459.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept
into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the
development of a new process in which the service information more
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180
RB, dated January 24, 2020, is limited to certain Boeing Model 737-600,
-700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. However, the
applicability of this proposed AD includes all existing and future
Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, excluding Model 737-100,
[[Page 34138]]
-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. Because the
affected parts are rotable parts, the FAA has determined that these
parts with the unsafe design could later be installed on airplanes that
were initially delivered with acceptable parts, thereby subjecting
those airplanes to the unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 1,075
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and part replacement.. Up to 4 work-hours $4,640 Up to $4,980....... Up to $5,353,500.
x $85 per hour =
Up to $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in the cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected persons.
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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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) 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.
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-2020-0459; Product Identifier
2020-NM-049-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by July 20, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737 series
airplanes, excluding Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -
500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or completely severed
lugs in the stop fitting assembly of the forward entry door. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address such cracking or severing, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the forward entry door and
consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
For airplanes having a date of issuance of the original
airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export
certificate of airworthiness on before the effective date of this
AD: Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB, dated January 24, 2020,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-52A1180 RB, dated January 24, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-52A1180, dated January 24, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB, dated January 24, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB,
dated January 24, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-52A1180 RB,
dated January 24, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair before further
flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
For airplanes on which the actions specified in paragraph (g) of
this AD have been accomplished, or for airplanes having a date of
issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or date of
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness dated
after the effective date of this AD: As of the effective date of
this AD, no person may install a stop fitting assembly with part
number 141A6104-3 or a forward entry door that has a stop fitting
assembly with part number 141A6104-3, on any airplane.
[[Page 34139]]
(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 Company 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael
Bumbaugh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206-231-3522; 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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on May 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-11828 Filed 6-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
