Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 60563-60565 [2021-23935]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 210 / Wednesday, November 3, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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–2021–0372.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@
nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–23870 Filed 11–2–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1166; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00906–T; Amendment
39–21737; AD 2021–19–19]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–9
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of missing sealant on the left and
right wing leading edge outboard
blowout door. This AD requires doing a
fluid seal contact inspection and a
detailed inspection for missing sealant
on each blowout door and applying
sealant if necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 8,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 8, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:53 Nov 02, 2021
Jkt 256001
It is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1166.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1166; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chris Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3552; email: christopher.r.baker@
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 The Boeing Company Model
737–9 airplanes having line numbers
6834, 6852, 6872, 6899, 6917, 6935,
7096, 7173, 7196, 7201, 7208, 7216,
7246, 7253, 7261, 7268, 7306, 7316,
7338, 7348, 7361, 7384, 7388, 7394, and
7428. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on January 21, 2021
(86 FR 6269). The NPRM was prompted
by a report indicating that the
application of sealant on the left wing
and right wing leading edge outboard
blowout door was missed during the
airplane manufacturing process on some
Model 737–9 airplanes. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require doing a
fluid seal contact inspection and a
detailed inspection for missing sealant
on each blowout door and applying
sealant if necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the missing sealant,
which is intended to act as a fuel
barrier. In the presence of a substantial
fuel leak from the wing box, the
unintended drain path could allow fuel
to come into contact with the engine.
This condition, if not addressed, could
lead to a large ground fire.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from
The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), Boeing, and an
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
60563
individual, who all stated that they
supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA also received comments from
United Airlines (UAL) and two
individuals. The following discussion
presents those comments and the FAA’s
response.
Request To Use Alternative Products
UAL suggested that the FAA work
with Boeing on identifying acceptable
alternatives to the developer specified
in the service information. UAL stated
that during initial accomplishment of
the inspection there were difficulties
sourcing the specified developer due to
the requirement in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350 RB
to use the bulk material and not the
aerosol spray. UAL stated it was
ultimately able to procure the required
bulk material.
The FAA disagrees with the request to
change the AD to allow the use of
alternative developers. Use of the bulk
developer identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350
RB, dated April 23, 2020, is needed for
effective inspection. The aerosol spray
form of the developer penetrates more
aggressively than the bulk form, so it
could cause existing sealants to swell.
The use of bulk material avoids the
potential for false readings of the gasket
contact verification to be caused by
sealant swelling.
The commenter also did not identify
any alternative developers in either bulk
or aerosol spray that would be an
acceptable alternative to the developer
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–57A1350 RB, dated April
23, 2020. However, operators may
submit an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) request using the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of
this AD; the request should include data
that substantiates the alternative
developer will ensure an effective
inspection to determine if additional
sealant is required. The FAA has not
changed this AD as a result of this
comment.
Request for Information on the
Approval Process for Alternative
Materials
Two individuals asked about the
approval process for alternative suitable
materials (sealant) and procedures. In
addition, the individuals questioned the
role of the Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) in the approval process.
In order to receive an AMOC to use
an alternate sealant, the AMOC request
would need to show that the alternate
sealant meets or exceeds the
performance or characteristics of the
E:\FR\FM\03NOR1.SGM
03NOR1
60564
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 210 / Wednesday, November 3, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
current sealant that is identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020.
While paragraph (i) of this AD indicates
that AMOC authority may be delegated
to the Boeing ODA, the ODA would still
need to request that authority from the
FAA and should include justification
for why the authority should be granted.
The FAA will then make the
determination whether the ODA may
grant AMOCs for this specific AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered any comments received, and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD. Except for minor
editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350
RB, dated April 23, 2020. The service
information specifies procedures for
doing a fluid seal contact inspection and
a detailed inspection of the left and
right wing leading edge outboard
blowout door, at the inboard and
outboard ends of the hinge, for missing
sealant and applying sealant, if
necessary. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 14 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Inspections ......................................................
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 .............
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary repairs that
would be required based on the results
Cost per
product
Parts cost
of the inspections. The FAA has no way
of determining the number of aircraft
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
$340
$4,760
that might need these on-condition
actions.
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $340 ..................................................
Up to $100 .............................................
The FAA has included all known
costs in this cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some or all
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:53 Nov 02, 2021
Jkt 256001
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Cost per product
Up to $440.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–19–19 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–21737; Docket No.
FAA–2020–1166; Project Identifier AD–
2020–00906–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective December 8, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 737–9 airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350 RB,
dated April 23, 2020.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 210 / Wednesday, November 3, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
missing sealant on the left and right wing
leading edge outboard blowout door. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
missing sealant, which is intended to act as
a fuel barrier. In the presence of a substantial
fuel leak from the wing box, the unintended
drain path could allow fuel to come into
contact with the engine. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to a large ground
fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD, at the applicable times specified in the
Compliance paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350 RB,
dated April 23, 2020, do all applicable
actions identified in, and in accordance with,
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350
RB, dated April 23, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1350, dated April 23, 2020,
which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350 RB,
dated April 23, 2020.
(h) Exception to Service Information
Specifications
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Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020,
refers to ‘‘the Original Issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1350 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or 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) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-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, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:53 Nov 02, 2021
Jkt 256001
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Chris Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3552;
email: christopher.r.baker@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–23935 Filed 11–2–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
14 CFR Part 1215
[Document Number NASA–21–058; Docket
Number–NASA–2021–0005]
RIN 2700–AE62
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite
System (TDRSS)
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
ACTION: Direct final rule; nomenclature
change.
AGENCY:
This direct final rule amends
NASA’s rule on Tracking and Data
Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) to make
nomenclature changes to update
acronyms, network names, and office
designations cited in the rule.
SUMMARY:
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60565
This direct final rule is effective
on January 3, 2022. Comments due on
or before December 3, 2021. If adverse
comments are received, NASA will
publish a timely withdrawal of the rule
in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Comments must be
identified with RINs 2700–AE62 and
may be sent to NASA via the Federal ERulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Please note that NASA will post all
comments on the internet with changes,
including any personal information
provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Salvas, 202–358–2330,
craig.salvas@nasa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
I. Direct Final Rule and Significant
Adverse Comments
NASA has determined this
rulemaking meets the criteria for a
direct final rule because it makes nonsubstantive changes to make
nomenclature changes to update
acronyms, network names, and office
designations cited in the rule. No
opposition to the changes and no
significant adverse comments are
expected. However, if NASA receives
significant adverse comments, it will
withdraw this direct final rule by
publishing a notice in the Federal
Register. A significant adverse comment
is one that explains: (1) Why the direct
final rule is inappropriate, including
challenges to the rule’s underlying
premise or approach; or (2) why the
direct final rule will be ineffective or
unacceptable without a change. In
determining whether a comment
necessitates withdrawal of this direct
final rule, NASA will consider whether
it warrants a substantive response in a
notice and comment process.
II. Background
TDRSS is a network of U.S.
communication satellites and ground
stations used by NASA for space
communications near the Earth. The
system was designed to increase the
time spacecraft were in communication
with the ground and improve the
amount of data that could be
transferred. The primary goal of TDRSS
is to provide improved tracking and
data acquisition services capability to
spacecraft in low-Earth orbit or to
mobile terrestrial users such as aircraft
or balloons. NASA is amending this rule
to make nomenclature changes to
update acronyms, network names, and
office designations cited in §§ 1215.103,
1215.108, and 1215.109.
E:\FR\FM\03NOR1.SGM
03NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 210 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60563-60565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23935]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1166; Project Identifier AD-2020-00906-T;
Amendment 39-21737; AD 2021-19-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-9 airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a report of missing sealant on the left and right wing leading edge
outboard blowout door. This AD requires doing a fluid seal contact
inspection and a detailed inspection for missing sealant on each
blowout door and applying sealant if necessary. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 8, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 8,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-1166.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1166; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3552; email:
[email protected].
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 The Boeing Company
Model 737-9 airplanes having line numbers 6834, 6852, 6872, 6899, 6917,
6935, 7096, 7173, 7196, 7201, 7208, 7216, 7246, 7253, 7261, 7268, 7306,
7316, 7338, 7348, 7361, 7384, 7388, 7394, and 7428. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on January 21, 2021 (86 FR 6269). The NPRM was
prompted by a report indicating that the application of sealant on the
left wing and right wing leading edge outboard blowout door was missed
during the airplane manufacturing process on some Model 737-9
airplanes. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require doing a fluid seal
contact inspection and a detailed inspection for missing sealant on
each blowout door and applying sealant if necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the missing sealant, which is intended to act as a
fuel barrier. In the presence of a substantial fuel leak from the wing
box, the unintended drain path could allow fuel to come into contact
with the engine. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to a
large ground fire.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), Boeing, and an individual, who all stated that
they supported the NPRM without change. The FAA also received comments
from United Airlines (UAL) and two individuals. The following
discussion presents those comments and the FAA's response.
Request To Use Alternative Products
UAL suggested that the FAA work with Boeing on identifying
acceptable alternatives to the developer specified in the service
information. UAL stated that during initial accomplishment of the
inspection there were difficulties sourcing the specified developer due
to the requirement in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB
to use the bulk material and not the aerosol spray. UAL stated it was
ultimately able to procure the required bulk material.
The FAA disagrees with the request to change the AD to allow the
use of alternative developers. Use of the bulk developer identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated April 23,
2020, is needed for effective inspection. The aerosol spray form of the
developer penetrates more aggressively than the bulk form, so it could
cause existing sealants to swell. The use of bulk material avoids the
potential for false readings of the gasket contact verification to be
caused by sealant swelling.
The commenter also did not identify any alternative developers in
either bulk or aerosol spray that would be an acceptable alternative to
the developer identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020. However, operators may submit an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) request using the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD; the request should include data
that substantiates the alternative developer will ensure an effective
inspection to determine if additional sealant is required. The FAA has
not changed this AD as a result of this comment.
Request for Information on the Approval Process for Alternative
Materials
Two individuals asked about the approval process for alternative
suitable materials (sealant) and procedures. In addition, the
individuals questioned the role of the Boeing Company Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) in the approval process.
In order to receive an AMOC to use an alternate sealant, the AMOC
request would need to show that the alternate sealant meets or exceeds
the performance or characteristics of the
[[Page 60564]]
current sealant that is identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020. While paragraph (i) of
this AD indicates that AMOC authority may be delegated to the Boeing
ODA, the ODA would still need to request that authority from the FAA
and should include justification for why the authority should be
granted. The FAA will then make the determination whether the ODA may
grant AMOCs for this specific AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD.
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in
the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB,
dated April 23, 2020. The service information specifies procedures for
doing a fluid seal contact inspection and a detailed inspection of the
left and right wing leading edge outboard blowout door, at the inboard
and outboard ends of the hinge, for missing sealant and applying
sealant, if necessary. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections........................... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $4,760
hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
that would be required based on the results of the inspections. The FAA
has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
on-condition actions.
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 4 work-hours x $85 per Up to $100..... Up to $440.
hour = Up to $340.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in this cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
2021-19-19 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21737; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1166; Project Identifier AD-2020-00906-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 8, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-9 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
[[Page 60565]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of missing sealant on the left
and right wing leading edge outboard blowout door. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the missing sealant, which is intended to
act as a fuel barrier. In the presence of a substantial fuel leak
from the wing box, the unintended drain path could allow fuel to
come into contact with the engine. This condition, if not addressed,
could lead to a large ground fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the
applicable times specified in the Compliance paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1350, dated April 23, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated April 23, 2020.
(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated
April 23, 2020, refers to ``the Original Issue date of Requirements
Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective
date of this AD.''
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or 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) 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, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Chris Baker,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3552; email: [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1350 RB, dated
April 23, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-23935 Filed 11-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
