Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 55325-55328 [2022-19298]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS prohibited tasks were accomplished during or after compliance with paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, or if it cannot be conclusively confirmed that they were not accomplished during or after compliance with paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable. (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 4598 and subsequent, with an airplane date of manufacture, as identified on the identification plate of the airplane, dated before the effective date of this AD: Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, review the airplane maintenance records to confirm if any of the prohibited tasks (defined in paragraph (g) of this AD) were accomplished on or after the airplane date of manufacture. If any of the prohibited tasks were accomplished on or after the airplane date of manufacture, or if it cannot be conclusively confirmed that they were not accomplished on or after the airplane date of manufacture: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, obtain and follow instructions for rework using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAOauthorized signature. (j) Maintenance Task Prohibitions For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, comply with the prohibitions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this AD. (1) It is prohibited to use the Bombardier aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks identified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (vii) of this AD, which are specified in the Bombardier Q400, PSM 1–84–2, Revision 63, dated October 5, 2018, or earlier revisions of these tasks. Temporary Revisions (TRs) including these AMM tasks, dated November 2, 2018, or earlier, are also prohibited for use except as specified in paragraph (j)(1)(i) through (vii) of this AD. (i) Task 28–12–01–000–801, Removal of the Inboard Vent Line, with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28–170, dated November 2, 2018. (ii) Task 28–12–01–400–801, Installation of the Inboard Vent Line, with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28–171, dated November 2, 2018. (iii) Task 28–11–06–000–801, Removal of the Motive Flow Lines, with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28–166, dated November 2, 2018. (iv) Task 28–11–06–400–801, Installation of the Motive Flow Lines, with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28– 167, dated November 2, 2018. (v) Task 28–11–16–000–801, Removal of the Scavenge Flow Lines, with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28– 168, dated November 2, 2018. (vi) Task 28–11–16–400–801, Installation of the Scavenge Flow Lines, with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28–169 dated November 2, 2018. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 (vii) Task 28–10–00–280–806, Detailed Inspection of the TeflonTM Sleeve on the Fuel Tank Vent Line, LH and RH (FSL #284000– 406), with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 AMM TR 28–163, dated August 1, 2018. (2) It is prohibited to use the Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Task Card Manual (MTCM) task cards identified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD that are specified in the Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 MTCM, PSM 1–84–7TC, Revision 43, dated May 5, 2018, or earlier revisions or amendments of these task cards. MTCM task card revisions or amendments dated August 1, 2018, or earlier, are also prohibited for use, except as specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 MTCM Maintenance Task Card 000–28–520–704 (Config A01), Detailed Inspection of the TeflonTM Sleeve on the Fuel Tank Vent Line (LH), with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 MTCM Maintenance Task Card 000–28–520–704 (Config A01), Detailed Inspection of the TeflonTM Sleeve on the Fuel Tank Vent Line (LH), Revision 43, Amendment 0001, dated August 1, 2018. (ii) Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 MTCM Maintenance Task Card 000–28–620–704 (Config A01), Detailed Inspection of the TeflonTM Sleeve on the Fuel Tank Vent Line (RH), with the exception of (Bombardier) Q400 Dash 8 MTCM Maintenance Task Card 000–28–620–704 (Config A01), Detailed Inspection of the TeflonTM Sleeve on the Fuel Tank Vent Line (RH), Revision 43, Amendment 0001, dated August 1, 2018. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York 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 ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s TCCA DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. (l) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) TCCA AD CF–2020–01, dated January 14, 2020, for related information. This MCAI may be PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55325 found in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– 2022–1151. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Catanzaro, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7366; email 9-avs-nyacocos@faa.gov. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9, Canada; North America (toll-free): 855–310–1013, Direct: 647–277–5820; email thd@ dehavilland.com; internet dehavilland.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. Issued on August 31, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–19232 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–0815; Project Identifier AD–2021–00679–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 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing shims, a wrong type of shims, shanked fasteners, fastener head gaps, and incorrect hole sizes common to the left and right side at a certain station (STA) frame inner chord and web. This proposed AD would require inspecting for existing repairs, inspecting the area for cracking, and applicable oncondition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 24, 2022. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 55326 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules 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 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 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 www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022– 0815. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022– 0815; 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: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3520; email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS 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–2022–0815; Project Identifier AD– 2021–00679–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 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 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. before the cracking reaches a critical length. This condition, if not addressed, could result in cracks in fatigue critical baseline structure (FCBS) and the inability of a principal structural element (PSE) to sustain limit load, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane. 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 Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3520; email: bill.ashforth@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. The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for a general visual inspection of the left and right side STA 727 frame inner chord at S–18A for existing repairs, an open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the left and right side entire stackup of the STA 727 frame inner chord at S–18A for cracking (for certain configurations), a surface HFEC inspection of the left and right side STA 727 frame inner chord at S–18A web for cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include installing a new shim, a surface HFECD inspection of the STA 727 frame inner chord at S–18A for cracking, and repair. 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. Background The FAA has received a report indicating that a Boeing quality investigation found missing shims, a wrong type of shims, shanked fasteners, fastener head gaps, and incorrect hole sizes common to the left and right side STA 727 frame inner chord and S–18A web. These conditions could exist on delivered airplanes. The FAA is proposing this AD to address cracking in the left and right side of STA 727 frame inner chord and S–18A web PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 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 www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0815. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 1,925 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 55327 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost General visual inspection ................................ HFEC inspection and shim installation ........... 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ............. 5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ............. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs or inspections that would be required Cost per product Parts cost based on the results of the proposed inspection. The agency has no way of $0 0 Cost on U.S. operators $170 425 $327,250 818,125 determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs or inspections: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Inspection ..................................................................... 3 work hours × $85 per hour = $255 ........................... The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 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: ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2022–0815; Project Identifier AD–2021– 00679–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by October 24, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost per product Parts cost $0 $255 (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of missing shims, a wrong type of shims, shanked fasteners, fastener head gaps, and incorrect hole sizes common to the left and right side station (STA) 727 frame inner chord and S–18A web. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in the left and right side of STA 727 frame inner chord and S–18A web before it reaches a critical length. This condition, if not addressed, could result in cracks in fatigue critical baseline structure (FCBS) and the inability of a principal structural element (PSE) to sustain limit load, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1402, dated July 2, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737– 53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021, use the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of the Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or for alternative inspections: E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1 55328 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Proposed Rules This AD requires doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable oncondition actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) [Docket No. FAA–2022–0978; Project Identifier AD–2022–00460–E] (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)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3520; email: bill.ashforth@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 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. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS Issued on July 1, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–19298 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B and GEnx-2B model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed that certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools were manufactured from powder metal material suspected to contain iron inclusion. This proposed AD would require the replacement of the affected HPT stage 2 disks, forward seals, and stages 6–10 compressor rotor spools. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 24, 2022. DATES: 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 General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552–3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: https://www.ge.com. 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 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 material at the FAA, call (817) 222– 5110. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0978; 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: Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7178; email: Alexei.T.Marqueen@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–2022–0978; Project Identifier AD– 2022–00460–E’’ 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 E:\FR\FM\09SEP1.SGM 09SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55325-55328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19298]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0815; Project Identifier AD-2021-00679-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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, 
and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports 
of missing shims, a wrong type of shims, shanked fasteners, fastener 
head gaps, and incorrect hole sizes common to the left and right side 
at a certain station (STA) frame inner chord and web. This proposed AD 
would require inspecting for existing repairs, inspecting the area for 
cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 24, 
2022.

[[Page 55326]]


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 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 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 www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0815.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0815; 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: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3520; 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-2022-0815; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-00679-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 
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 Bill 
Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3520; 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.

Background

    The FAA has received a report indicating that a Boeing quality 
investigation found missing shims, a wrong type of shims, shanked 
fasteners, fastener head gaps, and incorrect hole sizes common to the 
left and right side STA 727 frame inner chord and S-18A web. These 
conditions could exist on delivered airplanes. The FAA is proposing 
this AD to address cracking in the left and right side of STA 727 frame 
inner chord and S-18A web before the cracking reaches a critical 
length. This condition, if not addressed, could result in cracks in 
fatigue critical baseline structure (FCBS) and the inability of a 
principal structural element (PSE) to sustain limit load, which could 
adversely affect the structural integrity 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 Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1402 RB, 
dated July 2, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for a 
general visual inspection of the left and right side STA 727 frame 
inner chord at S-18A for existing repairs, an open hole high frequency 
eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the left and right side entire 
stackup of the STA 727 frame inner chord at S-18A for cracking (for 
certain configurations), a surface HFEC inspection of the left and 
right side STA 727 frame inner chord at S-18A web for cracking, and 
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include 
installing a new shim, a surface HFECD inspection of the STA 727 frame 
inner chord at S-18A for cracking, and repair.
    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 specified 
in the service information 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 www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0815.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,925 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 55327]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General visual inspection.............  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170        $327,250
                                         hour = $170.
HFEC inspection and shim installation.  5 work-hours x $85 per                 0             425         818,125
                                         hour = $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs 
or inspections 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 repairs or inspections:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection....................................  3 work hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $255
                                                 $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0815; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00679-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by October 24, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of missing shims, a wrong type 
of shims, shanked fasteners, fastener head gaps, and incorrect hole 
sizes common to the left and right side station (STA) 727 frame 
inner chord and S-18A web. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
cracking in the left and right side of STA 727 frame inner chord and 
S-18A web before it reaches a critical length. This condition, if 
not addressed, could result in cracks in fatigue critical baseline 
structure (FCBS) and the inability of a principal structural element 
(PSE) to sustain limit load, which could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021, do 
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
737-53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-53A1402, dated July 2, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1402 RB, dated July 2, 2021, use the phrase ``the original issue 
date of the Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1402 RB,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1402 RB, 
dated July 2, 2021, specifies contacting Boeing for repair 
instructions or for alternative inspections:

[[Page 55328]]

This AD requires doing the repair, or doing the alternative 
inspections and applicable on-condition actions using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(i) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, 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)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3520; 
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 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 July 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19298 Filed 9-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.