Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 10776-10780 [2021-03572]
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10776
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
work-hours per product to comply with
the requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $75 per
product.
Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators at $63,900, or $1,775 per
product.
The FAA has included all costs in this
cost estimate. According to the
manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this AD may be covered under
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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,
(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.
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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:
■
2021–01–05 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.:
Amendment 39–21381; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0818; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00987–A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Model PC–24 airplanes, serial numbers 101
through 160 inclusive, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2497, ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
WIRING; 3197, INSTRUMENT SYSTEM
WIRING.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by electrical
harness installations on some PC–24
airplanes in production that did not comply
with the approved design. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent wire chafing and
potential arcing or failure of wires having the
incorrect length. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of system
redundancy, electrical arcing, or loss of
power plant fire protection.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already accomplished, during the
next annual inspection after the effective date
of this AD or within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, modify the electrical harness
installation in accordance with sections 3.A.
through 3.H. of the Accomplishment
Instructions in Pilatus PC–24 Service
Bulletin No. 91–001, dated April 7, 2020.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to Doug Rudolph, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
PO 00000
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64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816)
329–4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(h) Related Information
(1) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020–0158,
dated July 16, 2020, for more information.
You may examine the EASA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0818.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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) Pilatus PC–24 Service Bulletin No. 91–
001, dated April 7, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd service
information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH–6371, Stans,
Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email:
techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com;
website: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
(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,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03511 Filed 2–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0705; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–098–AD; Amendment
39–21396; AD 2021–02–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–600,
–700, –700C, –800, and –900 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks in the bear strap from
station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and
between stringers S–8R and S–9R,
sometimes common to fasteners in the
gap cover and emanating from rough
sanding marks found on the surface of
the bear strap. This AD requires
inspections of the fuselage skin and bear
strap at the forward galley door between
certain stations for cracks, and
applicable on-condition actions. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 30,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 30, 2021.
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;
phone: 562–797–1717; internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this 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–2019–0705.
SUMMARY:
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–
0705; 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 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:
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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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 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and
–900 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
October 1, 2019 (84 FR 52047). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of
cracks in the bear strap between certain
stations, sometimes common to
fasteners in the gap cover and
emanating from rough sanding marks
found on the surface of the bear strap.
The NPRM proposed to require
inspections of the fuselage skin and bear
strap at the forward galley door between
certain stations for cracks, and
applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA issued a supplemental
NPRM (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part
39 by adding an AD that would apply
to certain The Boeing Company Model
737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900
series airplanes. The SNPRM published
in the Federal Register on May 1, 2020
(85 FR 25348). The FAA issued the
SNPRM to revise certain inspections to
provide the correct thickness callouts
for the fuselage skin and bear strap.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracking of the bear strap, which could
result in severing of the bear strap,
possibly leading to uncontrolled
decompression and 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 SNPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Support for the SNPRM
United Airlines stated that it has no
technical objection to the SNPRM and
that it concurs with the proposed
rulemaking.
Request for an Alternative Method of
Compliance for a Certain Repair
Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested
that the Boeing 737–700/-800 Structural
Repair Manual (SRM) 53–10–01, Repair
6, be approved as an alternative method
of compliance (AMOC) to certain
corrective actions specified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February
19, 2020. SWA contended that this
repair covers the affected inspection
zone, and that this SRM repair should
be a terminating action to the
inspections specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020,
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10777
because the entire inspection area
covered is common to the repair given
in Boeing 737–700/-800 SRM 53–10–01,
Repair 6. SWA asserted that operators
should be able to accomplish this SRM
repair without contacting Boeing,
provided there are no deviations and
that the findings meet the criteria listed
in the Boeing 737–700/-800 SRM 53–
10–01, Repair 6. SWA also noted that
the SRM was published after Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February
19, 2020, so there was no way to
reference the SRM repair within it.
The FAA disagrees with the request
because the referenced SRM repair has
not yet been approved for the specified
conditions. However, under the
provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD,
the FAA will consider requests for
approval of an AMOC if a proposal is
submitted that is supported by technical
data indicating that the proposed repair
will provide an acceptable level of
safety. If the referenced SRM repair is
determined to be acceptable to address
the specified conditions, the FAA may
approve, and Boeing may issue, a global
AMOC for the SRM repair. The FAA has
not changed this AD as a result of this
comment.
Request for an Altered Compliance
Time for Condition 1, Action 1, of the
Service Information
Southwest Airlines requested that
where table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020,
states a compliance time of ‘‘Before
further flight’’ for certain on-condition
actions, the proposed AD should specify
this compliance time as ‘‘Before 15,000
total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight
cycles after the original issue of the AD,
whichever occurs later.’’ Southwest
Airlines also requested that the FAA
clarify the requirement of Condition 1,
Action 1, and Condition 3 and
Condition 4.1.1, within Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020,
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ in Tables
1 and 2, to do the alternative
inspections and applicable on-condition
action(s) before further flight. SWA
asserted that there is an equivalent level
of safety between an airplane without a
repair reaching the compliance time
threshold to perform the Boeing service
bulletin inspection and an airplane with
a repair reaching the compliance time
threshold before an action is required.
Therefore, the compliance times for
obtaining the alternative inspection(s)
for the existing repairs should align
with the compliance times allowed for
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the initial service bulletin general visual
inspection in lieu of ‘‘before further
flight.’’ SWA proposed that this
allowance be listed within paragraph (h)
of the proposed AD, similar to the
allowance provided by paragraph (i) of
the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees that allowing the AD
compliance time for an airplane with an
existing repair to be the same as an
aircraft without an existing repair will
provide an acceptable level of safety.
Any alternative inspection program
including compliance times must be
done in accordance with an approved
AMOC. The FAA has added paragraph
(h)(3) of this AD to address this change.
Request To Clarify Authority for
Approval of Alternative Inspection
Programs
Southwest Airlines requested that the
FAA clarify who has the authority to
approve an alternative inspection
program for any repair found during
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E,
‘‘Compliance,’’ Table 1, Condition 1,
Action 1. Paragraph (j)(1) of the
proposed AD clearly indicated that the
manager of the Seattle ACO Branch has
that authority; paragraph (j)(3) of the
proposed AD provided the path to
obtain an AMOC by The Boeing
Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) as delegated only
for a repair, modification, and
alteration. SWA requested clarification
whether paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed
AD encompasses both existing repairs
and repairs installed as a result of
inspection findings. SWA asserted that
it is unclear whether the reference to the
repair is for an existing repair that is
located in the inspection area or for a
repair that is installed as a result of any
crack finding.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The Boeing
Company ODA has authority to approve
AMOCs as authorized and delegated for
repairs installed prior to the AD and
repairs due to a crack finding, as well
as repairs not due to a crack finding. An
operator would need to provide The
Boeing Company ODA with all details
and geometry needed to design and
analyze the repair data.
Request To Clarify the Use of ‘‘Covers’’
in the Service Information
SWA commented that Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020,
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ Table 1,
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21:28 Feb 22, 2021
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note (b), omits the inspection in areas
where a repair covers the affected zone,
provided conditions 1 and 2 are met. A
similar note is included in paragraph
1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ Table 2, note (c).
SWA would like clarification of the
word ‘‘covers’’ as it relates to repairs in
the area. Since the configuration has
changed because of the repair, SWA
stated that the repair’s damage tolerance
program provides an equivalent level of
safety for this area.
The FAA has coordinated with Boeing
to clarify the intent of the wording in
this section. Note (b) in Table 1 and note
(c) in Table 2 of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020,
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ apply to
the area ‘‘covered by’’ a repair, but not
for the area ‘‘common to’’ a repair. A
repair that is ‘‘common to’’ the area,
meaning physically in the same area as
the NPRM-proposed repair, but that was
not meant to address the issue specified
in the NPRM (i.e., ‘‘covered’’ areas),
could potentially be obscuring the
inspections that would detect crack
growth which this AD is meant to
mitigate. Therefore, if a repair was not
done as a corrective action for a crack
in the bear strap, and the operator does
not perform the inspections specified in
the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, it may result in the
unsafe condition. The FAA has not
changed this AD as a result of this
comment.
Request To Include Inspection
Programs
SWA commented that paragraph (j)(3)
of the proposed AD (in the SNPRM)
stated that an AMOC may be used for
any required repair, modification, or
alteration if approved by The Boeing
Company ODA. SWA stated that
inspection programs should be included
in this list of conditions for which The
Boeing Company ODA can provide an
AMOC, as paragraph (h)(2) explicitly
states it is acceptable to accomplish
alternative inspections approved in
accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of the
proposed AD.
The FAA agrees with the assertion
that the inspection program may be part
of the AMOC because the inspection
program for the repaired area may be
part of the repair, which in turn is part
of the AMOC. However, the FAA
disagrees with changing this AD
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because an AMOC issued for a repair
will include the inspection program.
The request to add certain inspection
programs to The Boeing Company ODAauthorized list of AMOC approvals is
outside the scope of this rulemaking.
Therefore, the FAA has not changed this
AD in this regard.
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 change described
previously and minor editorial changes.
The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the SNPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the SNPRM.
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 737–53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
This service information describes
procedures for inspecting for cracks of
the fuselage skin and bear strap at the
forward galley door between certain
stations, through the use of two
alternative inspection methods for the
initial inspections: (1) Internal and
external general visual inspections and
internal surface high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspections, and (2)
external general visual and external
eddy current inspections. This service
information also describes procedures
for applicable on-condition actions
including inspections for cracks, HFEC
inspections for cracks, low frequency
eddy current (LFEC) inspections for
cracks, and repair, depending on the
inspection method selected. 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 752 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
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10779
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS: OPTION 1
Action
Labor cost
Internal general visual inspection ...........
External general visual inspection .........
Internal Surface HFEC inspections ........
11 work-hours × $85 per hour = $935 ...
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ........
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255
per inspection cycle.
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
$935 .......................
85 ...........................
255 per inspection
cycle.
$703,120.
63,920.
191,760 per inspection cycle.
Parts cost
$0
0
0
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS: OPTION 2
Action
Labor cost
External general visual inspection .........
External LFEC and HFEC inspections ...
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ........
18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530
per inspection cycle.
Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
0
$85 .........................
1,530 per inspection cycle.
Cost on U.S.
operators
$63,920.
1,150,560 per inspection cycle.
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable the agency to
provide cost estimates for the oncondition actions specified in this AD.
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
39.17.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Authority for This Rulemaking
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
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,
(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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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:
■
2021–02–13 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–21396; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0705; Product Identifier
2019–NM–098–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing
Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C,
–800, and –900 series airplanes, certificated
in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not affect
the ability to accomplish the actions required
by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which
STC ST00830SE is installed, a ‘‘change in
product’’ alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to
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(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
in the bear strap from station (STA) 290 to
STA 296, and between stringers S–8R and S–
9R, sometimes common to fasteners in the
gap cover and emanating from rough sanding
marks found on the surface of the bear strap.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracking of the bear strap, which could result
in severing of the bear strap, possibly leading
to uncontrolled decompression and 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 737–53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, do all
applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–53A1383, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the
original issue date of Requirements Bulletin
737–53A1383 RB,’’ this AD requires using
‘‘the effective date of this AD,’’ except where
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
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2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB’’
in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, specifies contacting
Boeing for repair instructions or for
alternative inspections: This AD requires
doing the repair, or doing the alternative
inspections and applicable on-condition
actions, using a method and compliance time
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–53A13833 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, in Tables 1 and 2,
Condition 1 (Action 1), Condition 3, and
Condition 4.1.1 (Action 1), specifies a
compliance time of ‘‘before further flight’’:
This AD requires compliance before 15,000
total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD, using Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB,
dated May 9, 2019, except for airplanes on
which Option 2, Condition 4, has been done.
For airplanes on which Option 2, Condition
4, has been done, credit is given for Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1383
RB, dated May 9, 2019, provided operators
do the external low frequency eddy current
(LFEC) inspection of the forward galley door
bear strap and external high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspection of the fuselage
skin for any crack in accordance with Figure
4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020. The compliance time for
accomplishing these actions is at the later of
the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and
(2) of this AD. Except as specified in
paragraph (h)(3), do all applicable oncondition actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, at the applicable times
specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020.
(1) Before 15,000 total flight cycles.
(2) Within 6,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:28 Feb 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
(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, 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
(k) Related Information
SUMMARY:
(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) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) 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
737–53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February
19, 2020.
(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;
phone: 562–797–1717; internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on January 14, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03572 Filed 2–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
Frm 00078
Fmt 4700
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0331; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–019–AD; Amendment
39–21397; AD 2021–02–14]
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 737–600,
–700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a report that the necessary sealant
was not applied to the side of body
(SOB) slot as a result of a production
drawing that provided unclear SOB slot
sealant application instructions. This
AD requires a general visual inspection
for insufficient sealant in the SOB slot,
and related investigative and corrective
actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD is effective March 30,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 30, 2021.
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, 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–2020–0331.
DATES:
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–
0331; 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
E:\FR\FM\23FER1.SGM
23FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10776-10780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03572]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0705; Product Identifier 2019-NM-098-AD; Amendment
39-21396; AD 2021-02-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 10777]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear
strap from station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and between stringers S-8R and
S-9R, sometimes common to fasteners in the gap cover and emanating from
rough sanding marks found on the surface of the bear strap. This AD
requires inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward
galley door between certain stations for cracks, and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 30, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 30,
2021.
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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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-2019-0705.
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-
0705; 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
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: 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:
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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2019 (84 FR
52047). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap
between certain stations, sometimes common to fasteners in the gap
cover and emanating from rough sanding marks found on the surface of
the bear strap. The NPRM proposed to require inspections of the
fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door between certain
stations for cracks, and applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA issued a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39
by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. The SNPRM
published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2020 (85 FR 25348). The FAA
issued the SNPRM to revise certain inspections to provide the correct
thickness callouts for the fuselage skin and bear strap.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the bear strap,
which could result in severing of the bear strap, possibly leading to
uncontrolled decompression and 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 SNPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the SNPRM
United Airlines stated that it has no technical objection to the
SNPRM and that it concurs with the proposed rulemaking.
Request for an Alternative Method of Compliance for a Certain Repair
Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that the Boeing 737-700/-800
Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 53-10-01, Repair 6, be approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to certain corrective actions
specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. SWA contended that this repair
covers the affected inspection zone, and that this SRM repair should be
a terminating action to the inspections specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020, because the entire inspection area covered is common to the
repair given in Boeing 737-700/-800 SRM 53-10-01, Repair 6. SWA
asserted that operators should be able to accomplish this SRM repair
without contacting Boeing, provided there are no deviations and that
the findings meet the criteria listed in the Boeing 737-700/-800 SRM
53-10-01, Repair 6. SWA also noted that the SRM was published after
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, so there was no way to reference the SRM repair
within it.
The FAA disagrees with the request because the referenced SRM
repair has not yet been approved for the specified conditions. However,
under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, the FAA will consider
requests for approval of an AMOC if a proposal is submitted that is
supported by technical data indicating that the proposed repair will
provide an acceptable level of safety. If the referenced SRM repair is
determined to be acceptable to address the specified conditions, the
FAA may approve, and Boeing may issue, a global AMOC for the SRM
repair. The FAA has not changed this AD as a result of this comment.
Request for an Altered Compliance Time for Condition 1, Action 1, of
the Service Information
Southwest Airlines requested that where table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, states a compliance time of
``Before further flight'' for certain on-condition actions, the
proposed AD should specify this compliance time as ``Before 15,000
total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight cycles after the original
issue of the AD, whichever occurs later.'' Southwest Airlines also
requested that the FAA clarify the requirement of Condition 1, Action
1, and Condition 3 and Condition 4.1.1, within Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020, paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' in Tables 1 and 2, to do the
alternative inspections and applicable on-condition action(s) before
further flight. SWA asserted that there is an equivalent level of
safety between an airplane without a repair reaching the compliance
time threshold to perform the Boeing service bulletin inspection and an
airplane with a repair reaching the compliance time threshold before an
action is required. Therefore, the compliance times for obtaining the
alternative inspection(s) for the existing repairs should align with
the compliance times allowed for
[[Page 10778]]
the initial service bulletin general visual inspection in lieu of
``before further flight.'' SWA proposed that this allowance be listed
within paragraph (h) of the proposed AD, similar to the allowance
provided by paragraph (i) of the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees that allowing the AD compliance time for an airplane
with an existing repair to be the same as an aircraft without an
existing repair will provide an acceptable level of safety. Any
alternative inspection program including compliance times must be done
in accordance with an approved AMOC. The FAA has added paragraph (h)(3)
of this AD to address this change.
Request To Clarify Authority for Approval of Alternative Inspection
Programs
Southwest Airlines requested that the FAA clarify who has the
authority to approve an alternative inspection program for any repair
found during Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E, ``Compliance,''
Table 1, Condition 1, Action 1. Paragraph (j)(1) of the proposed AD
clearly indicated that the manager of the Seattle ACO Branch has that
authority; paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed AD provided the path to
obtain an AMOC by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) as delegated only for a repair, modification, and
alteration. SWA requested clarification whether paragraph (j)(3) of the
proposed AD encompasses both existing repairs and repairs installed as
a result of inspection findings. SWA asserted that it is unclear
whether the reference to the repair is for an existing repair that is
located in the inspection area or for a repair that is installed as a
result of any crack finding.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The Boeing Company ODA has authority to
approve AMOCs as authorized and delegated for repairs installed prior
to the AD and repairs due to a crack finding, as well as repairs not
due to a crack finding. An operator would need to provide The Boeing
Company ODA with all details and geometry needed to design and analyze
the repair data.
Request To Clarify the Use of ``Covers'' in the Service Information
SWA commented that Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' Table 1, note (b), omits the inspection in areas where
a repair covers the affected zone, provided conditions 1 and 2 are met.
A similar note is included in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' Table 2,
note (c). SWA would like clarification of the word ``covers'' as it
relates to repairs in the area. Since the configuration has changed
because of the repair, SWA stated that the repair's damage tolerance
program provides an equivalent level of safety for this area.
The FAA has coordinated with Boeing to clarify the intent of the
wording in this section. Note (b) in Table 1 and note (c) in Table 2 of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' apply to the area
``covered by'' a repair, but not for the area ``common to'' a repair. A
repair that is ``common to'' the area, meaning physically in the same
area as the NPRM-proposed repair, but that was not meant to address the
issue specified in the NPRM (i.e., ``covered'' areas), could
potentially be obscuring the inspections that would detect crack growth
which this AD is meant to mitigate. Therefore, if a repair was not done
as a corrective action for a crack in the bear strap, and the operator
does not perform the inspections specified in the Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020, it may result in the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed
this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Include Inspection Programs
SWA commented that paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed AD (in the
SNPRM) stated that an AMOC may be used for any required repair,
modification, or alteration if approved by The Boeing Company ODA. SWA
stated that inspection programs should be included in this list of
conditions for which The Boeing Company ODA can provide an AMOC, as
paragraph (h)(2) explicitly states it is acceptable to accomplish
alternative inspections approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees with the assertion that the inspection program may
be part of the AMOC because the inspection program for the repaired
area may be part of the repair, which in turn is part of the AMOC.
However, the FAA disagrees with changing this AD because an AMOC issued
for a repair will include the inspection program. The request to add
certain inspection programs to The Boeing Company ODA-authorized list
of AMOC approvals is outside the scope of this rulemaking. Therefore,
the FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
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 change described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
SNPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the SNPRM.
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 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. This service information describes
procedures for inspecting for cracks of the fuselage skin and bear
strap at the forward galley door between certain stations, through the
use of two alternative inspection methods for the initial inspections:
(1) Internal and external general visual inspections and internal
surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections, and (2)
external general visual and external eddy current inspections. This
service information also describes procedures for applicable on-
condition actions including inspections for cracks, HFEC inspections
for cracks, low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for cracks,
and repair, depending on the inspection method selected. 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 752 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 10779]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions: Option 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal general visual 11 work-hours x $85 $0 $935............... $703,120.
inspection. per hour = $935.
External general visual 1 work-hour x $85 0 85................. 63,920.
inspection. per hour = $85.
Internal Surface HFEC inspections 3 work-hours x $85 0 255 per inspection 191,760 per
per hour = $255 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Costs for Required Actions: Option 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
External general visual 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................ $63,920.
inspection. per hour = $85.
External LFEC and HFEC 18 work-hours x $85 0 1,530 per 1,150,560 per
inspections. per hour = $1,530 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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:
2021-02-13 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21396; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0705; Product Identifier 2019-NM-098-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
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 cracks in the bear strap from
station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and between stringers S-8R and S-9R,
sometimes common to fasteners in the gap cover and emanating from
rough sanding marks found on the surface of the bear strap. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address cracking of the bear strap, which
could result in severing of the bear strap, possibly leading to
uncontrolled decompression and 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 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1383, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, which is referred
to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1,
dated February 19, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD,'' except where
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19,
[[Page 10780]]
2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of Requirements
Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB'' in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires
doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and
applicable on-condition actions, using a method and compliance time
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A13833 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, in Tables 1 and 2, Condition 1
(Action 1), Condition 3, and Condition 4.1.1 (Action 1), specifies a
compliance time of ``before further flight'': This AD requires
compliance before 15,000 total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD, using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-53A1383 RB, dated May 9, 2019, except for airplanes on which
Option 2, Condition 4, has been done. For airplanes on which Option
2, Condition 4, has been done, credit is given for Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, dated May 9, 2019, provided
operators do the external low frequency eddy current (LFEC)
inspection of the forward galley door bear strap and external high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the fuselage skin for
any crack in accordance with Figure 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. The compliance time for
accomplishing these actions is at the later of the times specified
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this AD. Except as specified in
paragraph (h)(3), do all applicable on-condition actions identified
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, at the applicable times specified in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(1) Before 15,000 total flight cycles.
(2) Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, 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) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) 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 737-53A1383 RB, Revision
1, dated February 19, 2020.
(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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 14, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03572 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
