Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 43454-43456 [2021-16679]
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<![CDATA[
43454
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3220; email
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
Issued on July 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–16558 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0543; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00353–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
certain The Boeing Company Model
737–200 and –200C series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of nuisance stick shaker
activation while the airplane was
accelerating to cruise speed at the top of
a climb. Investigation revealed the cause
of the activation was the angle of attack
(AOA) (also known as angle of airflow)
sensor vanes had frozen and
malfunctioned due to insufficient heat
in certain AOA sensors to prevent ice
buildup. This proposed AD would
require inspecting the AOA sensors for
certain part numbers or vane shapes,
and replacing any affected AOA sensor
with a new or serviceable sensor. 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 September 23,
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
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:39 Aug 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
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 at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0543.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0543; 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:
Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5351; fax:
562–627–5210; email: jeffrey.w.palmer@
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–2021–0543; Project Identifier AD–
2021–00353–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 this 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 NPRM.
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 Jeffrey W. Palmer,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5351; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: jeffrey.w.palmer@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 FAA has received reports of
nuisance stick shaker activation while
the airplane was accelerating to cruise
speed at the top of a climb. Investigation
revealed the cause of the activation was
the AOA sensor vanes had frozen and
malfunctioned due to insufficient heat
in certain AOA sensors to prevent ice
buildup. This condition could be caused
by heavy moisture conditions on the
ground, leading to water entering the
AOA vane pivot and freezing prior to or
during flight. It was determined that the
potential for AOA vane pivot freezing
exists on certain AOA sensors having
part numbers used on Model 737–200
airplanes. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in the AOA
sensor vanes being immobilized, which
could result in unreliable or inaccurate
AOA sensor data being transmitted to
airplane systems, and consequent loss of
control of the airplane.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–27A1324, dated
E:\FR\FM\09AUP1.SGM
09AUP1
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
March 2, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures for doing a general
visual inspection of the left and right
side AOA sensor vane shape, or
inspecting the left and right AOA
sensors to determine the part number,
and replacing any affected AOA sensor
with a new or serviceable sensor.
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 ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions identified as
‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1324,
dated March 2, 2021, already described,
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–
0543.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 11
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection ...............................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .........................................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
Cost per
product
Parts cost
results of the proposed inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
$85
$935
number of aircraft that might need these
replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replacement ....................................
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ........................................................
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.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:39 Aug 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
Parts cost
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
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:
■
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
$54,000
Cost per
product
$54,255
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2021–0543; Project Identifier AD–2021–
00353–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by September
23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 737–200 and –200C series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1324,
dated March 2, 2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
nuisance stick shaker activation while the
airplane was accelerating to cruise speed at
the top of a climb. Investigation revealed the
cause of the activation was the angle of attack
(AOA) (also known as angle of airflow)
sensor vanes had frozen and malfunctioned
due to insufficient heat in certain AOA
sensors to prevent ice buildup. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent the AOA sensor
vanes from being immobilized, which could
result in unreliable or inaccurate AOA sensor
data being transmitted to airplane systems,
and consequent loss of control of the
airplane.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1324,
dated March 2, 2021: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect the AOA
sensor, using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–27A1324, dated
March 2, 2021, do all applicable actions
identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance)
in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–27A1324, dated March
2, 2021.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(i) Exception to Service Information
Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
27A1324, dated March 2, 2021, uses the
phrase ‘‘the original issue date of this service
bulletin,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the
effective date of this AD.’’
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in Related Information.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the 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.
(4) For service information that contains
steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. An AMOC is required for any
deviations to RC steps, including substeps
and identified figures.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:39 Aug 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section,
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–
4137; phone: 562–627–5351; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: jeffrey.w.palmer@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 June 28, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–16679 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1–
800–647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–
2021–0557; Airspace Docket No. 21–
AWP–2, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11E at NARA, email:
fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Roberts, Federal Aviation
Administration, Western Service Center,
Operations Support Group, 2200 S.
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone (206) 231–2245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0557; Airspace
Docket No. 21–AWP–2]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of Class E
Airspace; Rogers Field, CA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
of the earth at Rogers Field, Chester, CA.
This action would accommodate a new
area navigation (RNAV) procedure and
ensure the safety and management of
instrument flight rule (IFR) operations
within the National Airspace System.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before September 23, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
establish Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
of the earth to support IFR operations at
Rogers Field, Chester, CA.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
E:\FR\FM\09AUP1.SGM
09AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43454-43456]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16679]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0543; Project Identifier AD-2021-00353-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200 and -200C series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick
shaker activation while the airplane was accelerating to cruise speed
at the top of a climb. Investigation revealed the cause of the
activation was the angle of attack (AOA) (also known as angle of
airflow) sensor vanes had frozen and malfunctioned due to insufficient
heat in certain AOA sensors to prevent ice buildup. This proposed AD
would require inspecting the AOA sensors for certain part numbers or
vane shapes, and replacing any affected AOA sensor with a new or
serviceable sensor. 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 September
23, 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0543.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0543; 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: Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351; 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 your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0543; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00353-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
this 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 NPRM.
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
Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section,
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351; 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.
Background
The FAA has received reports of nuisance stick shaker activation
while the airplane was accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a
climb. Investigation revealed the cause of the activation was the AOA
sensor vanes had frozen and malfunctioned due to insufficient heat in
certain AOA sensors to prevent ice buildup. This condition could be
caused by heavy moisture conditions on the ground, leading to water
entering the AOA vane pivot and freezing prior to or during flight. It
was determined that the potential for AOA vane pivot freezing exists on
certain AOA sensors having part numbers used on Model 737-200
airplanes. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the AOA
sensor vanes being immobilized, which could result in unreliable or
inaccurate AOA sensor data being transmitted to airplane systems, and
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated
[[Page 43455]]
March 2, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for doing
a general visual inspection of the left and right side AOA sensor vane
shape, or inspecting the left and right AOA sensors to determine the
part number, and replacing any affected AOA sensor with a new or
serviceable sensor.
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 ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions identified
as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated March 2, 2021,
already described, 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-2021-0543.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 11 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $935
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $54,000 $54,255
$255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-2021-0543; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00353-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-200 and -200C
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated March 2, 2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker
activation while the airplane was accelerating to cruise speed at
the top of a climb. Investigation revealed the cause of the
activation was the angle of attack (AOA) (also known as angle of
airflow) sensor vanes had frozen and malfunctioned due to
insufficient heat in certain AOA sensors to prevent ice buildup. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the AOA sensor vanes from being
immobilized, which could result in unreliable or inaccurate AOA
sensor data being transmitted to airplane systems, and consequent
loss of control of the airplane.
[[Page 43456]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated March 2, 2021: Within 120 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the AOA sensor, using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated March 2, 2021, do
all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for
compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated
March 2, 2021.
(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1324, dated March 2,
2021, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this
AD.''
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in Related Information. 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.
(4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(j)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey W.
Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; phone: 562-627-5351; 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 June 28, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16679 Filed 8-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
