Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 48465-48467 [2020-17469]
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48465
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 85, No. 155
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0684; Project
Identifier AD–2020–01032–T; Amendment
39–21204; AD 2020–16–51]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 737–300, –400,
–500, –600, –700, –700C, –800, –900,
and –900ER series airplanes. An
emergency AD was sent to all known
U.S. owners and operators of these
airplanes. This AD requires inspections
of the engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve on each engine, and replacement
of the engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve if any inspection is not passed.
This AD was prompted by four recent
reports of single-engine shutdowns due
to engine bleed air 5th stage check
valves being stuck open. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 26,
2020 to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2020–16–51,
issued on July 23, 2020, which
contained the requirements of this
amendment.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by September 25, 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.
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:51 Aug 10, 2020
Jkt 250001
• 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.
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–
0684; 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,
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: For
Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500
series airplanes, for further information
about this AD, contact Serj Harutunian,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion
Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5254;
fax: 562–627–5210; email:
serj.harutunian@faa.gov.
For Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes, for further information about
this AD, contact Rajendran Mohanraj,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3621; email:
rajendran.mohanraj@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On July 23, 2020, the FAA issued
Emergency AD 2020–16–51, which
applies to all The Boeing Company
Model 737–300, –400, –500, –600, –700,
–700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes, AD 2020–16–51 requires
inspections of the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve on each engine, and
replacement of the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve if any inspection is
not passed. This emergency AD was
sent to all known U.S. owners and
operators of these airplanes. This action
was prompted by four recent reports of
single-engine shutdowns caused by
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
engine bleed air 5th stage check valves
stuck in the open position. This
condition, if not addressed, could result
in compressor stalls and dual-engine
power loss without the ability to restart,
which could result in a forced offairport landing.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspections of the
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve
on each engine, and replacement of the
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve if
any inspection is not passed.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of
Emergency AD 2020–16–51, issued on
July 23, 2020, to all known U.S. owners
and operators of these airplanes. The
FAA found that the risk to the flying
public justified waiving notice and
comment prior to adoption of this rule
because corrosion of the engine bleed
air 5th stage check valves on both
engines could result in a dual-engine
power loss without the ability to restart,
which could result in a forced offairport landing. These conditions still
exist, and the AD is hereby published in
the Federal Register as an amendment
to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it
effective to all persons. In addition, the
compliance time for the required action
is shorter than the time necessary for the
public to comment and for publication
of the final rule. Therefore, the FAA
finds good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment
are impracticable. In addition, for the
reasons stated above, the FAA finds that
good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment.
However, the FAA invites you to send
any written data, views, or arguments
E:\FR\FM\11AUR1.SGM
11AUR1
48466
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 155 / Tuesday, August 11, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
about this final rule. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number FAA–2020–0684 and Project
Identifier AD–2020–01032–T at the
beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. To ensure
the docket does not contain duplicate
comments, commenters should submit
only one copy of the 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD,
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 AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to either person
identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that
is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not
apply when an agency finds good cause
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule
without prior notice and comment.
Because the FAA has determined that it
has good cause to adopt this rule
without notice and comment, RFA
analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 2,161 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspections .............................
6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 .....................................
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable providing 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.
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,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
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
Cost per
product
Parts cost
[Amended]
$0
$510
Cost on U.S.
operators
$1,102,110
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 26, 2020 to all
persons except those persons to whom it was
made immediately effective by Emergency
AD 2020–16–51, issued on July 23, 2020,
which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 737–300, –400, –500, –600,
–700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 36, Pneumatic.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by four recent
reports of single-engine shutdowns caused by
engine bleed air 5th stage check valves stuck
in the open position. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address corrosion of the engine bleed
air 5th stage check valves for both engines,
which could result in compressor stalls and
dual-engine power loss without the ability to
restart, which could result in a forced offairport landing.
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
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
2020–16–51 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–21204; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0684; Project Identifier AD–
2020–01032–T.
(g) Definition
Any airplane that, for 7 or more
consecutive days, has not been operated in
flight is considered to be in ‘‘storage.’’
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15:51 Aug 10, 2020
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Fmt 4700
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 155 / Tuesday, August 11, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Inspections and Corrective Actions
(1) For any airplane that is in storage on
or after the effective date of this AD, and any
airplane that, as of the effective date of this
AD, has been operated for 10 or fewer flight
cycles since returning to service from the
most recent period of storage: Before further
flight, do the inspections specified in
paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD on the
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve on
each engine. If any engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve fails any inspection, replace that
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve before
further flight. For each engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve that passes both
inspections specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i)
and (ii) of this AD, do the actions specified
in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD on that engine
bleed air 5th stage check valve before further
flight.
(i) Rotate the flapper plates by hand at least
3 times. If the flapper plate moves smoothly,
without signs of binding or sticking, from the
fully closed position to the stop tube using
gravity force alone, the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve has passed this inspection.
(ii) Measure the clearance between the
flapper bushings at both locations on each
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve. If the
clearance between the flapper bushings is a
minimum of 0.004 inch (0.102 mm) at both
locations, the engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve at that location has passed this
inspection.
(2) For each engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve that passes the inspections
specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of
this AD, do the inspections specified in
paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD
before further flight on the engine bleed air
5th stage check valve on each engine. If any
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve fails
any of the inspections specified in
paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD,
replace that engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve before further flight.
(i) Do a general visual inspection of the
flapper bushings for signs of cracks, fractures,
and missing bushing heads. If the flapper
bushings do not show any signs of cracks,
fractures, or missing bushing heads, the
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve has
passed this inspection. Signs of corrosion are
not a cause for replacing the engine bleed air
5th stage check valve if the engine bleed air
5th stage check valve did not fail any of the
inspections specified in paragraph (h)(1) of
this AD.
(ii) Using only hand pressure, try to rotate
the flapper bushings in the flapper plates. If
the bushings do not rotate in the flapper
plate, the engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve has passed this inspection.
(iii) Do a general visual inspection of the
check valve for signs of the flappers rubbing
against the valve body. If the flappers do not
show any signs of rubbing against the valve
body, the engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve has passed this inspection.
(i) Minimum Equipment List Relief for
Certain Airplanes
For airplanes that have operated 10 or
fewer flight cycles since the most recent
period of storage prior to the effective date
of this AD, as an alternative to compliance
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:51 Aug 10, 2020
Jkt 250001
with paragraph (h): If allowed by the
operator’s FAA-approved Minimum
Equipment List, the airplane may be
dispatched with one engine’s engine bleed
air high stage valve locked closed. Thereafter,
within 5 additional flight cycles, inspect the
engine bleed air 5th stage check valve on
both engines as required by paragraph (h) of
this AD.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
to operate the airplane to a location where
the airplane can be inspected, provided one
engine’s engine bleed air high stage valve has
been locked closed. This option is only
available if the operator’s FAA-approved
Minimum Equipment List allows dispatching
the airplane with one engine’s engine bleed
air high stage valve locked closed.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) For Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and
–500 series airplanes, 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 (l)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes, the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and
–500 series airplanes, for further information
about this AD, contact Serj Harutunian,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section,
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–
PO 00000
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48467
4137; phone: 562–627–5254; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: serj.harutunian@faa.gov.
(2) For Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series
airplanes, for further information about this
AD, contact Rajendran Mohanraj, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle
ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–
3621; email: rajendran.mohanraj@faa.gov.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on July 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–17469 Filed 8–10–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service
26 CFR Part 1
[TD 9907]
RIN 1545–BP40
Treatment of Payments to Charitable
Entities in Return for Consideration
Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
Treasury.
ACTION: Final regulations.
AGENCY:
This document contains final
regulations under sections 162, 164, and
170 of the Internal Revenue Code
(Code). First, the final regulations
update the regulations under section
162 to reflect current law regarding the
application of section 162 to taxpayers
that make payments or transfers for
business purposes to entities described
in section 170(c). Second, the final
regulations provide safe harbors under
section 162 to provide certainty with
respect to the treatment of payments
made by business entities to entities
described in section 170(c). Third, the
final regulations provide a safe harbor
under section 164 for payments made to
an entity described in section 170(c) by
individuals who itemize deductions and
receive or expect to receive a State or
local tax credit in return. Fourth, the
final regulations update the regulations
under section 170 to reflect past
guidance and case law regarding the
application of the quid pro quo
principle under section 170 to a donor
who receives or expects to receive
benefits from a third party. These
regulations affect taxpayers who make
transfers to entities described in section
170(c) for business purposes, and
taxpayers who receive State or local tax
credits in exchange for transfers to such
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 155 (Tuesday, August 11, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48465-48467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17469]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 155 / Tuesday, August 11, 2020 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 48465]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0684; Project Identifier AD-2020-01032-T;
Amendment 39-21204; AD 2020-16-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800,
-900, and -900ER series airplanes. An emergency AD was sent to all
known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires
inspections of the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve on each
engine, and replacement of the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve
if any inspection is not passed. This AD was prompted by four recent
reports of single-engine shutdowns due to engine bleed air 5th stage
check valves being stuck open. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2020 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2020-
16-51, issued on July 23, 2020, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 25, 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.
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-
0684; 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, 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: For Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -
500 series airplanes, for further information about this AD, contact
Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5254; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
For Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER
series airplanes, for further information about this AD, contact
Rajendran Mohanraj, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone
and fax: 206-231-3621; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On July 23, 2020, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2020-16-51, which
applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -
700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, AD 2020-16-51
requires inspections of the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve on
each engine, and replacement of the engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve if any inspection is not passed. This emergency AD was sent to
all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This action was
prompted by four recent reports of single-engine shutdowns caused by
engine bleed air 5th stage check valves stuck in the open position.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in compressor stalls and
dual-engine power loss without the ability to restart, which could
result in a forced off-airport landing.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspections of the engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve on each engine, and replacement of the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve if any inspection is not passed.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
Emergency AD 2020-16-51, issued on July 23, 2020, to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these airplanes. The FAA found that the risk to
the flying public justified waiving notice and comment prior to
adoption of this rule because corrosion of the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valves on both engines could result in a dual-engine power
loss without the ability to restart, which could result in a forced
off-airport landing. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to
all persons. In addition, the compliance time for the required action
is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for
publication of the final rule. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In
addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good cause
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments
[[Page 48466]]
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2020-0684 and
Project Identifier AD-2020-01032-T at the beginning of your comments.
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should submit only one copy of the 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to either
person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2,161 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections........................... 6 work-hours x $85 per $0 $510 $1,102,110
hour = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable providing
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.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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):
2020-16-51 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21204; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0684; Project Identifier AD-2020-01032-T.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 26, 2020 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD
2020-16-51, issued on July 23, 2020, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -
500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 36, Pneumatic.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by four recent reports of single-engine
shutdowns caused by engine bleed air 5th stage check valves stuck in
the open position. The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion
of the engine bleed air 5th stage check valves for both engines,
which could result in compressor stalls and dual-engine power loss
without the ability to restart, which could result in a forced off-
airport landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definition
Any airplane that, for 7 or more consecutive days, has not been
operated in flight is considered to be in ``storage.''
[[Page 48467]]
(h) Inspections and Corrective Actions
(1) For any airplane that is in storage on or after the
effective date of this AD, and any airplane that, as of the
effective date of this AD, has been operated for 10 or fewer flight
cycles since returning to service from the most recent period of
storage: Before further flight, do the inspections specified in
paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD on the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve on each engine. If any engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve fails any inspection, replace that engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve before further flight. For each engine bleed air
5th stage check valve that passes both inspections specified in
paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD, do the actions specified
in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD on that engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve before further flight.
(i) Rotate the flapper plates by hand at least 3 times. If the
flapper plate moves smoothly, without signs of binding or sticking,
from the fully closed position to the stop tube using gravity force
alone, the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve has passed this
inspection.
(ii) Measure the clearance between the flapper bushings at both
locations on each engine bleed air 5th stage check valve. If the
clearance between the flapper bushings is a minimum of 0.004 inch
(0.102 mm) at both locations, the engine bleed air 5th stage check
valve at that location has passed this inspection.
(2) For each engine bleed air 5th stage check valve that passes
the inspections specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this
AD, do the inspections specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through
(iii) of this AD before further flight on the engine bleed air 5th
stage check valve on each engine. If any engine bleed air 5th stage
check valve fails any of the inspections specified in paragraphs
(h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD, replace that engine bleed air
5th stage check valve before further flight.
(i) Do a general visual inspection of the flapper bushings for
signs of cracks, fractures, and missing bushing heads. If the
flapper bushings do not show any signs of cracks, fractures, or
missing bushing heads, the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve
has passed this inspection. Signs of corrosion are not a cause for
replacing the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve if the engine
bleed air 5th stage check valve did not fail any of the inspections
specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
(ii) Using only hand pressure, try to rotate the flapper
bushings in the flapper plates. If the bushings do not rotate in the
flapper plate, the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve has passed
this inspection.
(iii) Do a general visual inspection of the check valve for
signs of the flappers rubbing against the valve body. If the
flappers do not show any signs of rubbing against the valve body,
the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve has passed this
inspection.
(i) Minimum Equipment List Relief for Certain Airplanes
For airplanes that have operated 10 or fewer flight cycles since
the most recent period of storage prior to the effective date of
this AD, as an alternative to compliance with paragraph (h): If
allowed by the operator's FAA-approved Minimum Equipment List, the
airplane may be dispatched with one engine's engine bleed air high
stage valve locked closed. Thereafter, within 5 additional flight
cycles, inspect the engine bleed air 5th stage check valve on both
engines as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
airplane can be inspected, provided one engine's engine bleed air
high stage valve has been locked closed. This option is only
available if the operator's FAA-approved Minimum Equipment List
allows dispatching the airplane with one engine's engine bleed air
high stage valve locked closed.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) For Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes,
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 (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(2) For Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER series airplanes, the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes,
for further information about this AD, contact Serj Harutunian,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5254; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
(2) For Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER series airplanes, for further information about this AD,
contact Rajendran Mohanraj, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3621; email: [email protected].
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on July 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17469 Filed 8-10-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P