Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 45855-45858 [2021-17681]

Download as PDF 45855 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 86, No. 156 Tuesday, August 17, 2021 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 1. The authority citation for part 457 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l) and 1506(o). § 457.150 [Amended] 2. In § 457.150, section 2, in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A), add the word ‘‘you’’ after the phrase ‘‘All types in which’’. ■ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Richard Flournoy, Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 7 CFR Parts 457 [FR Doc. 2021–17300 Filed 8–16–21; 8:45 am] [Docket ID FCIC–21–0004] BILLING CODE 3410–08–P RIN 0563–AC72 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Dry Pea Crop Insurance Provisions and Dry Beans Crop Insurance Provisions DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Correcting amendment. 14 CFR Part 39 AGENCY: On June 24, 2021, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation revised the Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Dry Pea and Dry Beans Crop Insurance Provisions. That final rule inadvertently omitted the term ‘‘you’’ in the Dry Beans Crop Insurance Provisions and is being added in this correction. DATES: Effective date: August 17, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Francie Tolle; telephone (816) 926– 7730; email francie.tolle@usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720–2600 or 844–433–2774. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES This correction is being published to correct section 2, paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A) of the Dry Beans Crop Insurance Provisions published June 24, 2021 (86 FR 33081–33085). The term ‘‘you’’ was inadvertently omitted and is being added in this correction. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 457 Acreage allotments, Crop insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Accordingly, 7 CFR part 457 is corrected by making the following amendment: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Aug 16, 2021 Jkt 253001 Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2021–0670; Project Identifier AD–2021–00849–T; Amendment 39–21691; AD 2021–17–08] SUMMARY: RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–800 and –900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that several of the fittings that provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were cracked to the point of failure on airplanes modified in accordance with a certain supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD requires demodification of the STC installation on the airplane by removing the external equipment installed during the STC modification (including the radome, antenna, and associated structure), installing doubler and fasteners, and system deactivation by pulling and collaring associated circuit breakers if installed. This AD also requires inspecting the external and feed-through doublers, intercostals, skin, and frames in the area around the removed external equipment for cracking, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 This AD is effective August 17, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 17, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 1, 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 final rule, contact Astronics Armstrong Aerospace, 804 S Northpoint Blvd., Waukegan, IL 60085; telephone 847–244–4500; internet https:// www.Astronics.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 at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0670. DATES: PART 457—COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0670; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Surinder Sangha, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion & Program Management Section, FAA, Chicago ACO Branch, Room 107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847– 294–7010; fax 847–294–7834; email: surinder.sangha@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1 45856 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Background The FAA has received reports indicating that several of the fittings that provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were cracked to the point of failure. The radome to fuselage fittings were part of the ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System Antenna Provisions installed in accordance with FAA STC ST04096CH on Model 737– 800 and –900ER series airplanes. This failure of the attachment fittings, if not addressed, could result in loss of the radome and antennae, and consequent damage to the tail and damage to the fuselage in the vicinity of the radome, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering Order, ‘‘ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System DE–MOD Boeing 737–800/ –900ER Series Aircraft,’’ Document No. EO23–9642–02, Revision B, dated April 25, 2016. This service information specifies procedures for demodification of the STC installation by removing the external equipment (including radome, antenna, and associated structure) that was installed in accordance with FAA STC ST04096CH, and installing doubler and fasteners (de-mod kit), and system deactivation by pulling and collaring associated circuit breakers. The FAA also reviewed Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification Service Bulletin SB44–9642–01, dated July 8, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for inspecting the external and feed-through doublers, intercostals, skin, and frames in the area around the removed external equipment for cracking. The inspections include an external low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection of the skin at the alteration installation area, doubler fastener holes in the first two rows of attachments between the doubler and fuselage skin, fastener and connector hole locations, the external doublers between fasteners at the area common to the stringers, and at the area common to the frame tees; an internal high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the intercostal at the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Aug 16, 2021 Jkt 253001 fastener locations and the frames in the area of added frame segments; an internal detailed visual inspection of the frames between stringers 3L and 3R; an open hole HFEC rotating hole inspections of the stringer fastener holes where the doublers cover the stringer; a HFEC open-hole inspection of the 4X fitting base holes common to the external doublers at the 8X AR240– 1949–01 side fitting assembly locations; and an external HFEC inspection of the skin at the stringer fasteners, including all stringer fasteners which may be covered beneath the radome and adapter ring. 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. AD Requirements This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already described. This AD also requires repairing any crack found during the inspections. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. There are currently no U.S.-registered airplanes affected by this AD. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3). In addition, for the foregoing reason(s), the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA–2021–0670 and Project Identifier AD–2021–00849– T at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule 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 final rule. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Surinder Sangha, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion & Program Management Section, FAA, Chicago ACO Branch, Room 107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847–294–7010; fax 847–294–7834; email: surinder.sangha@ faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance Currently, there are no affected U.S.registered airplanes. For any affected airplane that is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 45857 ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Removal and installation .............................................. Inspections .................................................................... 24 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,040 ...................... 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ........................... The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD. Authority for This Rulemaking Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Aug 16, 2021 Jkt 253001 $2,000 0 Cost per product $4,040 680 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Boeing 737–800/–900ER Series Aircraft,’’ Document No. EO23–9642–02, Revision B, dated April 25, 2016. 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: (h) Inspection and Repair Before further flight after accomplishing the removal required by paragraph (g) of this AD, inspect the external and feed-through doublers, intercostals, skin, stringers, and frames in the area around the removed external equipment for any cracking in accordance with paragraph 3.3., ‘‘Inspection,’’ of Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification Service Bulletin SB44–9642–01, dated July 8, 2021. If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 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. Parts cost § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2021–17–08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–21691; Docket No. FAA–2021–0670; Project Identifier AD– 2021–00849–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 17, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–800 and –900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, with ViaSat InFlight Connectivity (IFC) System Antenna Provisions installed in accordance with Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST04096CH. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that several of the fittings that provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were cracked to the point of failure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracked fittings, which could result in loss of the radome and antennae, and consequent damage to the tail and damage to the fuselage in the vicinity of the radome, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Demodification Part I (Removal of External Equipment) Before further flight, remove external equipment (including radome, antenna, and associated structure) that was installed in accordance with STC ST04096CH. Do the removal in accordance with steps 1 through 9 of paragraph 5.2.1., of Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering Order, ‘‘ViaSat InFlight Connectivity (IFC) System DE–MOD PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (i) Demodification Part II (Installation and System Deactivation) Before further flight after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Install doubler and fasteners and deactivate the system (including pulling and collaring associated circuit breakers if installed) in accordance with steps 10, 11, and 12 of paragraph 5.2.1., of Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering Order, ‘‘ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System DE–MOD Boeing 737–800/–900ER Series Aircraft,’’ Document No. EO23–9642–02, Revision B, dated April 25, 2016. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Chicago 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 Related Information. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Surinder Sangha, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion & Program Management Section, FAA, Chicago ACO Branch, Room 107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847–294–7010; fax 847– 294–7834; email: surinder.sangha@faa.gov. (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. E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1 45858 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering Order, ‘‘ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System DE–MOD Boeing 737–800/–900ER Series Aircraft,’’ Document No. EO23–9642–02, Revision B, dated April 25, 2016. (ii) Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification Service Bulletin SB44–9642–01, dated July 8, 2021. The issue date of this document is identified only on page 3 of the document. (3) For Astronics service information identified in this AD, contact Astronics Armstrong Aerospace, 804 S Northpoint Blvd., Waukegan, IL 60085; telephone 847– 244–4500; internet https:// www.Astronics.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 fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 11, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–17681 Filed 8–13–21; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0316; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00461–E; Amendment 39–21657; AD 2021–15–10] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) H75–200, H80–100, and H80–200 model turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by several reports of engine gas generator speed (Ng) rollbacks occurring below idle on GEAC H75–200, H80–100, and H80–200 model turboprop engines. This AD requires an khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Aug 16, 2021 Jkt 253001 inspection of a certain part number (P/ N) fuel control unit (FCU) and, if deficiencies are detected, replacement of the FCU with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 21, 2021. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact GE Aviation Czech, Beranovy´ch 65 199 02 Praha 9—Letnˇany, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238– 7759. It is also available at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0316. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0316; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 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: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7146; fax: (781) 238– 7199; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GEAC H75–200, H80–100, and H80–200 model turboprop engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 20, 2021 (86 FR 20465). The NPRM was prompted by several reports of engine gas generator speed (Ng) rollbacks occurring below idle on GEAC H75–200, H80–100, and H80–200 model turboprop engines. The NPRM proposed to require an PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 inspection of a certain P/N FCU and, if deficiencies are detected, replacement of the FCU with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2020–0082, dated April 1, 2020 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: Several occurrences have been reported of engine gas generator speed (Ng) rollbacks below idle on engines equipped with an affected part. The investigation determined that, during these events, the engine control lever (ECL) was set to idle, and identified as contributing factors specific environmental temperatures, possibly in combination with a high power off-take. The idle setting may be used in flight, in particular during the approach phase. This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to loss of engine power and eventually, on a single engine aeroplane, possibly result in loss of control. To address this potential unsafe condition, GEAC issued the ASB providing applicable instructions. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0316. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB– H80–73–00–00–0052[00]/ASB–H75–73– 00–00–0022[00] (single document), Revision 00, dated February 6, 2020. The service information specifies procedures for performing a functional inspection of the FCU, P/N LUN 6590.07–8, and replacing the FCU. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 17, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45855-45858]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17681]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0670; Project Identifier AD-2021-00849-T; 
Amendment 39-21691; AD 2021-17-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-800 and -900ER series airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by reports that several of the fittings that 
provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were cracked to the 
point of failure on airplanes modified in accordance with a certain 
supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD requires demodification of 
the STC installation on the airplane by removing the external equipment 
installed during the STC modification (including the radome, antenna, 
and associated structure), installing doubler and fasteners, and system 
deactivation by pulling and collaring associated circuit breakers if 
installed. This AD also requires inspecting the external and feed-
through doublers, intercostals, skin, and frames in the area around the 
removed external equipment for cracking, and repair if necessary. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 17, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 17, 
2021.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 1, 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 final rule, contact 
Astronics Armstrong Aerospace, 804 S Northpoint Blvd., Waukegan, IL 
60085; telephone 847-244-4500; internet https://www.Astronics.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 at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0670.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0670; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Surinder Sangha, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion & Program Management Section, FAA, Chicago ACO Branch, Room 
107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847-294-
7010; fax 847-294-7834; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 45856]]

Background

    The FAA has received reports indicating that several of the 
fittings that provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were 
cracked to the point of failure. The radome to fuselage fittings were 
part of the ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System Antenna 
Provisions installed in accordance with FAA STC ST04096CH on Model 737-
800 and -900ER series airplanes. This failure of the attachment 
fittings, if not addressed, could result in loss of the radome and 
antennae, and consequent damage to the tail and damage to the fuselage 
in the vicinity of the radome, which could reduce the ability of the 
flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering Order, 
``ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System DE-MOD Boeing 737-800/-
900ER Series Aircraft,'' Document No. EO23-9642-02, Revision B, dated 
April 25, 2016. This service information specifies procedures for 
demodification of the STC installation by removing the external 
equipment (including radome, antenna, and associated structure) that 
was installed in accordance with FAA STC ST04096CH, and installing 
doubler and fasteners (de-mod kit), and system deactivation by pulling 
and collaring associated circuit breakers.
    The FAA also reviewed Astronics Connectivity Systems and 
Certification Service Bulletin SB44-9642-01, dated July 8, 2021. This 
service information specifies procedures for inspecting the external 
and feed-through doublers, intercostals, skin, and frames in the area 
around the removed external equipment for cracking. The inspections 
include an external low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection of the 
skin at the alteration installation area, doubler fastener holes in the 
first two rows of attachments between the doubler and fuselage skin, 
fastener and connector hole locations, the external doublers between 
fasteners at the area common to the stringers, and at the area common 
to the frame tees; an internal high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspection of the intercostal at the fastener locations and the frames 
in the area of added frame segments; an internal detailed visual 
inspection of the frames between stringers 3L and 3R; an open hole HFEC 
rotating hole inspections of the stringer fastener holes where the 
doublers cover the stringer; a HFEC open-hole inspection of the 4X 
fitting base holes common to the external doublers at the 8X AR240-
1949-01 side fitting assembly locations; and an external HFEC 
inspection of the skin at the stringer fasteners, including all 
stringer fasteners which may be covered beneath the radome and adapter 
ring.
    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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information already described. This AD also requires repairing any 
crack found during the inspections.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    There are currently no U.S.-registered airplanes affected by this 
AD. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3). In addition, for the 
foregoing reason(s), the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2021-0670 and Project Identifier AD-
2021-00849-T at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Surinder Sangha, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion & Program Management 
Section, FAA, Chicago ACO Branch, Room 107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des 
Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847-294-7010; fax 847-294-7834; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. For any 
affected airplane that is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in 
the future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply 
with this AD:

[[Page 45857]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal and installation......................  24 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $2,000          $4,040
                                                 $2,040.
Inspections...................................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  0             680
                                                 $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-17-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21691; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0670; Project Identifier AD-2021-00849-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 17, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-800 and -900ER 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, with ViaSat In-
Flight Connectivity (IFC) System Antenna Provisions installed in 
accordance with Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) ST04096CH.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that several of the fittings 
that provide attachment between the radome and fuselage were cracked 
to the point of failure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
cracked fittings, which could result in loss of the radome and 
antennae, and consequent damage to the tail and damage to the 
fuselage in the vicinity of the radome, which could reduce the 
ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Demodification Part I (Removal of External Equipment)

    Before further flight, remove external equipment (including 
radome, antenna, and associated structure) that was installed in 
accordance with STC ST04096CH. Do the removal in accordance with 
steps 1 through 9 of paragraph 5.2.1., of Astronics Armstrong 
Aerospace Engineering Order, ``ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) 
System DE-MOD Boeing 737-800/-900ER Series Aircraft,'' Document No. 
EO23-9642-02, Revision B, dated April 25, 2016.

(h) Inspection and Repair

    Before further flight after accomplishing the removal required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, inspect the external and feed-through 
doublers, intercostals, skin, stringers, and frames in the area 
around the removed external equipment for any cracking in accordance 
with paragraph 3.3., ``Inspection,'' of Astronics Connectivity 
Systems and Certification Service Bulletin SB44-9642-01, dated July 
8, 2021. If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Demodification Part II (Installation and System Deactivation)

    Before further flight after accomplishing the actions required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD: Install doubler and fasteners and 
deactivate the system (including pulling and collaring associated 
circuit breakers if installed) in accordance with steps 10, 11, and 
12 of paragraph 5.2.1., of Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering 
Order, ``ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System DE-MOD Boeing 
737-800/-900ER Series Aircraft,'' Document No. EO23-9642-02, 
Revision B, dated April 25, 2016.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago 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 Related Information.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

 (k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Surinder Sangha, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion & Program Management Section, FAA, 
Chicago ACO Branch, Room 107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, 
IL 60018; telephone 847-294-7010; fax 847-294-7834; email: 
[email protected].

(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.

[[Page 45858]]

    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Astronics Armstrong Aerospace Engineering Order, ``ViaSat 
In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) System DE-MOD Boeing 737-800/-900ER 
Series Aircraft,'' Document No. EO23-9642-02, Revision B, dated 
April 25, 2016.
    (ii) Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification Service 
Bulletin SB44-9642-01, dated July 8, 2021. The issue date of this 
document is identified only on page 3 of the document.
    (3) For Astronics service information identified in this AD, 
contact Astronics Armstrong Aerospace, 804 S Northpoint Blvd., 
Waukegan, IL 60085; telephone 847-244-4500; internet https://www.Astronics.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 August 11, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17681 Filed 8-13-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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