Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 11186-11189 [2021-03577]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 24, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report
indicating that the left-hand main landing
gear (MLG) collapsed after touchdown,
causing severe damage to the airplane. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address abnormal
behavior of the MLG hydraulic transfer valve
due to a restriction in hydraulic flow, which
could cause the MLG hydraulic transfer valve
to not function properly and fail to retract,
extend, or lock the MLG, and possibly result
in MLG collapse following landing and
consequent damage to the airplane and injury
to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0233, dated
October 14, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0233).
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(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0233
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0233 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0233 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Saab AB, Support and Services’
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if
any service information contains procedures
or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
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methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2020–0233, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; Internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material 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. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0023.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3220;
Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov.
Issued on February 1, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03575 Filed 2–23–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0026; Project
Identifier AD–2020–01164–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 737–100,
–200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report indicating that a
crack was found on the splice angle
flange that is attached to the station
(STA) 540 bulkhead in the area between
certain stringers. This proposed AD
would require repetitive surface high
frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections at the radius of the left- and
SUMMARY:
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right side of the STA 540 bulkhead
splice angle for any cracking and
applicable on-condition actions. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 12, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, 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–2021–0026.
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–2021–
0026; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5232; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: george.garrido@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 24, 2021 / Proposed Rules
11187
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0026; Project Identifier AD–
2020–01164–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. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
Discussion
FAA’s Determination
The FAA has received a report from
Boeing indicating that a crack was
found on the splice angle flange that is
attached to the STA 540 bulkhead in the
area between stringer 21 to stringer 22.
The crack was found during the
accomplishment of Supplemental
Structural Inspection Document (SSID)
F–25A on a Model 737–300 airplane.
The airplane had accumulated 80,634
flight hours and 62,768 flight cycles at
the time of the crack finding. This
condition, if not addressed, could result
in the inability of a principal structural
element to sustain limit load and could
adversely affect the structural integrity
of the airplane; in addition, such
cracking could lead to adjoining parts
cracking and a potential fuel leak and
consequent fire.
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the agency evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Confidential Business Information
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1347
RB, dated July 29, 2020. The service
information describes procedures for
repetitive surface HFEC inspections at
the radius of the left- and right side of
the STA 540 bulkhead splice angle for
any cracking and applicable oncondition actions. On-condition actions
include repair or replacement.
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.
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to George Garrido,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section,
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5232; fax:
562–627–5210; email: george.garrido@
faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Explanation of Applicability
Model 737 airplanes having line
numbers 1 through 291 have a limit of
validity (LOV) of 34,000 total flight
cycles, and the actions proposed in this
NPRM, as specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1347
RB, dated July 29, 2020, would be
required at a compliance time occurring
after that LOV. Although operation of an
airplane beyond its LOV is prohibited
by 14 CFR 121.1115 and 129.115, this
NPRM would include those airplanes in
the applicability so that these airplanes
are tracked in the event the LOV is
extended in the future.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB, dated July
29, 2020, described previously, except
for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD.
For information on the procedures
and compliance times, see this service
information at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0026.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee (AD ARC), to
enhance the AD system. One
enhancement is a process for annotating
which steps in the service information
are ‘‘required for compliance’’ (RC) with
an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC
concept into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the
quality of ADs and AD-related Boeing
service information, a joint process
improvement initiative was worked
between the FAA and Boeing. The
initiative resulted in the development of
a new process in which the service
information more clearly identifies the
actions needed to address the unsafe
condition in the ‘‘Accomplishment
Instructions.’’ The new process results
in a Boeing Requirements Bulletin,
which contains only the actions needed
to address the unsafe condition (i.e.,
only the RC actions).
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 117 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Repetitive surface HFEC
inspections.
7 work-hour × $85 per hour = $595 per inspection cycle.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
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Parts cost
$0
actions that would be required. The
FAA has no way of determining the
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Cost per product
$595 per inspection
cycle.
Cost on U.S. operators
$69,615 per inspection
cycle.
number of aircraft that might need these
on-condition actions:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 24, 2021 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 53 work-hour × $85 per hour = Up to $4,505 (replacement) .......
Up to $1,000 ..................................
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
for the on-condition repair specified in
this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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
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The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
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16:41 Feb 23, 2021
Jkt 253001
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2021–0026 Project Identifier AD–2020–
01164–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by April
12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report
indicating that a crack was found on the
splice angle flange that is attached to the
station (STA) 540 bulkhead in the area
between stringer 21 to stringer 22. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address any cracking in
the splice angle, which could result in the
inability of a principal structural element to
sustain limit load and could adversely affect
the structural integrity of the airplane; in
addition, such cracking could lead to
adjoining parts cracking and a potential fuel
leak and consequent fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020: Within 120
days after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the airplane and do all applicable oncondition actions using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020: Except as
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Cost per product
Up to $5,505.
specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the
applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1347, dated July 29, 2020,
which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB, dated July 29,
2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–57A1347 RB, dated July 29,
2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the
repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, to
make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or
alteration deviation must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 24, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
5232; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
george.garrido@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on February 3, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03577 Filed 2–23–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0029; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01216–T]
Examining the AD Docket
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault
Aviation Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Dassault Aviation Model
FALCON 7X airplanes and Model
FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report
that non-certified ANCRA seat tracks
were installed on some airplanes and
that those seat tracks might not sustain
required loads during an emergency
landing. This proposed AD would
require replacement of certain ANCRA
seat tracks with certified (Brownline)
seat tracks, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is proposed for incorporation
by reference. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 12, 2021.
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.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:41 Feb 23, 2021
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this IBR material 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 in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0029.
Jkt 253001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0029; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3226; email
tom.rodriguez@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0029; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01216–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. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
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11189
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
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Tom Rodriguez,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax
206–231–3226; email tom.rodriguez@
faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0188, dated August 24, 2020
(EASA AD 2020–0188) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Dassault Aviation Model
FALCON 7X airplanes and Model
FALCON 2000EX airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report that non-certified ANCRA seat
tracks were installed on some airplanes
and that those seat tracks might not
sustain required loads during an
emergency landing. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address seat tracks
that could fail and lead to seat
detachment during an emergency
landing, which could result in injury to
airplane occupants and prevent
evacuation of the airplane. See the
E:\FR\FM\24FEP1.SGM
24FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 24, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11186-11189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03577]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0026; Project Identifier AD-2020-01164-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and
-500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report
indicating that a crack was found on the splice angle flange that is
attached to the station (STA) 540 bulkhead in the area between certain
stringers. This proposed AD would require repetitive surface high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections at the radius of the left-
and right side of the STA 540 bulkhead splice angle for any cracking
and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 12,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
view this referenced service information at the FAA, 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-2021-
0026.
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-2021-
0026; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
[[Page 11187]]
your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket
No. FAA-2021-0026; Project Identifier AD-2020-01164-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. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone:
562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA has received a report from Boeing indicating that a crack
was found on the splice angle flange that is attached to the STA 540
bulkhead in the area between stringer 21 to stringer 22. The crack was
found during the accomplishment of Supplemental Structural Inspection
Document (SSID) F-25A on a Model 737-300 airplane. The airplane had
accumulated 80,634 flight hours and 62,768 flight cycles at the time of
the crack finding. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
the inability of a principal structural element to sustain limit load
and could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane; in
addition, such cracking could lead to adjoining parts cracking and a
potential fuel leak and consequent fire.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive surface HFEC inspections at the radius of the left- and
right side of the STA 540 bulkhead splice angle for any cracking and
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include repair or
replacement.
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.
Explanation of Applicability
Model 737 airplanes having line numbers 1 through 291 have a limit
of validity (LOV) of 34,000 total flight cycles, and the actions
proposed in this NPRM, as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020, would be required at a
compliance time occurring after that LOV. Although operation of an
airplane beyond its LOV is prohibited by 14 CFR 121.1115 and 129.115,
this NPRM would include those airplanes in the applicability so that
these airplanes are tracked in the event the LOV is extended in the
future.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated
July 29, 2020, described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0026.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept
into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the
development of a new process in which the service information more
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 117 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive surface HFEC 7 work-hour x $85 per $0 $595 per inspection $69,615 per
inspections. hour = $595 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition
actions:
[[Page 11188]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 53 work-hour x $85 per Up to $1,000...... Up to $5,505.
hour = Up to $4,505
(replacement).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repair specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-0026 Project Identifier AD-
2020-01164-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by April 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a crack was
found on the splice angle flange that is attached to the station
(STA) 540 bulkhead in the area between stringer 21 to stringer 22.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address any cracking in the splice
angle, which could result in the inability of a principal structural
element to sustain limit load and could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane; in addition, such cracking
could lead to adjoining parts cracking and a potential fuel leak and
consequent fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020: Within
120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane
and do all applicable on-condition actions using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020: Except as
specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020, do all
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1347, dated July 29, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(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 responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
[[Page 11189]]
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone:
562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on February 3, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03577 Filed 2-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
