Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 69107-69110 [2023-22066]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 192 / Thursday, October 5, 2023 / Proposed Rules
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone:
206–231–3220; email:
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
Saab Aeronautics) Model SAAB 2000
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a review of the
anti-skid system revealed the possibility of
inadvertently connecting the inboard harness
to the outboard channel (and vice versa) of
the wheel speed transducers in the main
landing gear (MLG) wheel axles. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address incorrect
connections of the harnesses to the wheel
speed transducers. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in wrong inputs
to the anti-skid function, whenever activated,
with consequent reduced braking capability,
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2023–0135,
dated July 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0135).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0135
(1) Where EASA AD 2023–0135 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023–0135 requires a
‘‘visual check,’’ this AD requires replacing
those words with ‘‘visual inspection.’’
(3) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2023–0135.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, mail it to the address identified in
paragraph (j) of this AD or email to: 9-AVSAIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing
information, also submit information by
email. 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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB, Support
and Services’ EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Oct 04, 2023
Jkt 262001
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2023–0135, dated July 10, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023–0135, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD
on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(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
fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 28, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–22069 Filed 10–4–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1986; Project
Identifier AD–2022–00015–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 767
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of cracks on the
forward entry door and forward service
door cutout aft lower corner fuselage
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
69107
skin and bear strap. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections for
cracking at the affected area, 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 November 20,
2023.
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
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1986; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• 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; website
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
regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2023–1986.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–
231–3962; email: Joseph.J.Hodgin@
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.
E:\FR\FM\05OCP1.SGM
05OCP1
69108
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 192 / Thursday, October 5, 2023 / Proposed Rules
FAA–2023–1986; Project Identifier AD–
2022–00015–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
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 Joseph Hodgin,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: 206–231–3962; email:
Joseph.J.Hodgin@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.
Background
The FAA has received reports from
operators of cracks found on the forward
entry door and forward service door
cutout aft lower corner fuselage skin
and bear strap between stringer 19 and
the lower main sill chord, from station
(STA) 332 to STA 340. The cracks were
reported between 25,983 and 47,385
total flight cycles, and between 45,771
and 80,680 total flight hours. These
cracks have been occurring at earlier
flight cycles and are spreading faster
than initially predicted. One Model
767–300 operator reported a 5.3-inch
crack on the forward service door,
common to only the skin in the lower
aft corner, and an associated 0.32-inch
crack in the bear strap at the same
location. The airplane had completed
43,459 total flight cycles and 61,086
total flight hours when the cracks were
discovered. Undetected fatigue cracks, if
not addressed, could result in a
principal structural element’s loss of
limit load capability, adversely affecting
the airplane’s structural integrity.
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 767–53A0301
RB, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023.
This service information specifies
procedures for repetitive inspections
(external detailed, internal detailed, and
open hole high frequency eddy current)
for cracking at the forward entry door
and forward service door cutout aft
lower corner fuselage skin and bear
strap area. This service information also
specifies procedures for on-condition
actions, including crack 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 682
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspections .............................
Up to 8 work-hours × $85 per
hour = $680 per inspection
cycle.
$0
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
for the on-condition actions (i.e.,
possible crack repair) specified in this
proposed AD.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Oct 04, 2023
Jkt 262001
Cost per
product
Up to $680 per inspection
cycle.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $463,760 per inspection
cycle.
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,
E:\FR\FM\05OCP1.SGM
05OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 192 / Thursday, October 5, 2023 / Proposed Rules
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2023–1986; Project Identifier AD–2022–
00015–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by November
20, 2023.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
airplanes, certificated in any category,
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this
AD.
(1) Model 767–200, –300, –300F, and
–400ER series airplanes, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–
53A0301 RB, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023.
(2) Model 767–2C series airplanes, line
numbers 1065, 1066, 1067, 1069, 1091, 1092,
1098, 1100, 1102, 1104, 1107, 1109, 1111,
1113, 1114, 1116, 1117, 1119, 1120, 1122,
1124, 1126, 1128, 1129, 1131, 1132, 1134,
1135, 1137, 1139, 1143, 1145, 1147, 1149,
1151, 1154, 1156, 1158, 1160, 1162, 1164,
1166, 1168, 1170, 1172, 1174, 1176, 1178,
1181, 1184, 1188, 1192, 1196, 1200, 1202,
1205, 1207, 1210, 1213, 1216, 1219, 1223,
1226, 1230, 1234, 1236, 1238, 1241, 1243,
1246, 1248, 1250, 1252, 1254, 1257, 1259,
1261, 1264, 1267, 1269, 1271, and 1273.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
cracks found on the forward entry door and
forward service door cutout aft lower corner
fuselage skin and bear strap. The FAA is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Oct 04, 2023
Jkt 262001
issuing this AD to address undetected fatigue
cracks. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in a principal
structural element losing its limit load
capability, adversely affecting the airplane’s
structural integrity.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions: Model 767–200, –300,
–300F, and –400ER
For Model 767–200, –300, –300F, –400ER
series airplanes: Except as specified by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable
times specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’
paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB, Revision 2, dated
May 24, 2023, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB,
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 767–53A0301, Revision 2, dated
May 24, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0301,
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB, dated May 24,
2023, compliance time columns in Tables 1
and 2, paragraph E (Compliance), use the
phrase ‘‘the Original Issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB,’’
this AD requires replacing those words with
‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB, Revision 2, dated
May 24, 2023, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions: This AD requires doing
the repair before further flight using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(i) Required Actions: Model 767–2C
At the later of the times specified in
paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this AD: Perform
inspections (external detailed, internal
detailed, and open hole high frequency eddy
current, as applicable) for cracking at the
forward entry door and forward service door
cutout aft lower corner fuselage skin and bear
strap area, and repair any cracks found, in
accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational
Safety Branch, FAA.
Note 1 to paragraph (i): Guidance on doing
the required actions can be found in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0303
RB, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2023; and
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–
53A0308 RB, Revision 1, dated June 21, 2023.
(1) Before 15,000 cumulative flight cycles
or 30,000 cumulative total accumulated
cycles, whichever occurs first. These terms
are defined in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(2) Within 2,250 flight cycles, 4,500 total
accumulated cycles, or 24 months after the
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
69109
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first.
(j) Compliance Time Definitions
The definitions in paragraphs (j)(1) through
(5) of this AD apply to this AD.
(1) A ‘‘flight cycle’’ is an operation by an
aircraft that is initially stopped on the
ground, departs in flight, attains a maximum
above ground level (AGL) altitude greater
than 5,000 feet relative to the runway, lands
on a runway, and stops on the ground. A
flight cycle may include one or more touchand-go cycles.
(2) A ‘‘touch-and-go cycle’’ is an operation
by an aircraft that lands and departs on a
runway without stopping or exiting the
runway and is immediately followed by a
short flight with a maximum AGL altitude of
5,000 feet relative to the runway.
(3) ‘‘Total accumulated cycles’’ is the sum
of the accumulated number of flight cycles,
accumulated missed approaches, and the
accumulated number of touch-and-go cycles.
(4) A ‘‘missed approach’’ (or go-around) is
an aircraft landing approach that is
discontinued and proceeded by a climb-out
for any reason without landing gear touching
the runway and is either immediately
preceded by or immediately followed by a
short flight with a maximum AGL altitude of
5,000 feet relative to the runway. Any flight
operation not meeting this definition is
considered a flight cycle.
(5) ‘‘Cumulative’’ cycles are total cycles
since new.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB,
dated April 21, 2021, or Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0301 RB,
Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR–520, Continued
Operational Safety 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 (m)(1) 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, AIR–520, Continued Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, to make those findings.
To be approved, the repair method,
modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
E:\FR\FM\05OCP1.SGM
05OCP1
69110
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 192 / Thursday, October 5, 2023 / Proposed Rules
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3962;
email: Joseph.J.Hodgin@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(n) 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
767–53A0301 RB, Revision 2, dated May 24,
2023.
(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; website
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:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 28, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–22066 Filed 10–4–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1897; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00921–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Oct 04, 2023
Jkt 262001
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A320–214,
A320–216, A320–251N, A320–271N,
and A321–253NX airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a quality
review of the forward cargo door frameto-fuselage skin panel assembly
identified several fastener holes that
deviated from the manufacturing
requirements. This proposed AD would
require repetitive special detailed
inspections of the affected area for
discrepancies and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective actions, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 November 20,
2023.
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
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1897; 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, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For material that is proposed for
IBR in this AD, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website
ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2023–1897.
• You may view this material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th Street, Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone: 206–231–3667; email:
timothy.p.dowling@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–2023–1897; Project Identifier
MCAI–2023–00921–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
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 Timothy Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
NY 11590; telephone: 206–231–3667;
email: timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
E:\FR\FM\05OCP1.SGM
05OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 192 (Thursday, October 5, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69107-69110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22066]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1986; Project Identifier AD-2022-00015-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 767 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of cracks on the forward entry door and
forward service door cutout aft lower corner fuselage skin and bear
strap. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for
cracking at the affected area, 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 November
20, 2023.
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 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1986; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
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; website 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
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1986.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3962; 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.
[[Page 69108]]
FAA-2023-1986; Project Identifier AD-2022-00015-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
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
Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3962; 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 reports from operators of cracks found on the
forward entry door and forward service door cutout aft lower corner
fuselage skin and bear strap between stringer 19 and the lower main
sill chord, from station (STA) 332 to STA 340. The cracks were reported
between 25,983 and 47,385 total flight cycles, and between 45,771 and
80,680 total flight hours. These cracks have been occurring at earlier
flight cycles and are spreading faster than initially predicted. One
Model 767-300 operator reported a 5.3-inch crack on the forward service
door, common to only the skin in the lower aft corner, and an
associated 0.32-inch crack in the bear strap at the same location. The
airplane had completed 43,459 total flight cycles and 61,086 total
flight hours when the cracks were discovered. Undetected fatigue
cracks, if not addressed, could result in a principal structural
element's loss of limit load capability, adversely affecting the
airplane's structural integrity.
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 767-53A0301 RB,
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023. This service information specifies
procedures for repetitive inspections (external detailed, internal
detailed, and open hole high frequency eddy current) for cracking at
the forward entry door and forward service door cutout aft lower corner
fuselage skin and bear strap area. This service information also
specifies procedures for on-condition actions, including crack 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 682 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections..................... Up to 8 work-hours $0 Up to $680 per Up to $463,760 per
x $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$680 per
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions (i.e., possible crack repair)
specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
[[Page 69109]]
(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-2023-1986; Project Identifier AD-
2022-00015-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 20, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB,
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023.
(2) Model 767-2C series airplanes, line numbers 1065, 1066,
1067, 1069, 1091, 1092, 1098, 1100, 1102, 1104, 1107, 1109, 1111,
1113, 1114, 1116, 1117, 1119, 1120, 1122, 1124, 1126, 1128, 1129,
1131, 1132, 1134, 1135, 1137, 1139, 1143, 1145, 1147, 1149, 1151,
1154, 1156, 1158, 1160, 1162, 1164, 1166, 1168, 1170, 1172, 1174,
1176, 1178, 1181, 1184, 1188, 1192, 1196, 1200, 1202, 1205, 1207,
1210, 1213, 1216, 1219, 1223, 1226, 1230, 1234, 1236, 1238, 1241,
1243, 1246, 1248, 1250, 1252, 1254, 1257, 1259, 1261, 1264, 1267,
1269, 1271, and 1273.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found on the forward
entry door and forward service door cutout aft lower corner fuselage
skin and bear strap. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
undetected fatigue cracks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in a principal structural element losing its limit load
capability, adversely affecting the airplane's structural integrity.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions: Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER
For Model 767-200, -300, -300F, -400ER series airplanes: Except
as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB, Revision 2, dated May 24,
2023, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
767-53A0301, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0301, Revision 2, dated
May 24, 2023.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB,
dated May 24, 2023, compliance time columns in Tables 1 and 2,
paragraph E (Compliance), use the phrase ``the Original Issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB,'' this AD requires
replacing those words with ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB,
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2023, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions: This AD requires doing the repair before
further flight using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(i) Required Actions: Model 767-2C
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2)
of this AD: Perform inspections (external detailed, internal
detailed, and open hole high frequency eddy current, as applicable)
for cracking at the forward entry door and forward service door
cutout aft lower corner fuselage skin and bear strap area, and
repair any cracks found, in accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA.
Note 1 to paragraph (i): Guidance on doing the required actions
can be found in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0303 RB,
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2023; and Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767-53A0308 RB, Revision 1, dated June 21, 2023.
(1) Before 15,000 cumulative flight cycles or 30,000 cumulative
total accumulated cycles, whichever occurs first. These terms are
defined in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(2) Within 2,250 flight cycles, 4,500 total accumulated cycles,
or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first.
(j) Compliance Time Definitions
The definitions in paragraphs (j)(1) through (5) of this AD
apply to this AD.
(1) A ``flight cycle'' is an operation by an aircraft that is
initially stopped on the ground, departs in flight, attains a
maximum above ground level (AGL) altitude greater than 5,000 feet
relative to the runway, lands on a runway, and stops on the ground.
A flight cycle may include one or more touch-and-go cycles.
(2) A ``touch-and-go cycle'' is an operation by an aircraft that
lands and departs on a runway without stopping or exiting the runway
and is immediately followed by a short flight with a maximum AGL
altitude of 5,000 feet relative to the runway.
(3) ``Total accumulated cycles'' is the sum of the accumulated
number of flight cycles, accumulated missed approaches, and the
accumulated number of touch-and-go cycles.
(4) A ``missed approach'' (or go-around) is an aircraft landing
approach that is discontinued and proceeded by a climb-out for any
reason without landing gear touching the runway and is either
immediately preceded by or immediately followed by a short flight
with a maximum AGL altitude of 5,000 feet relative to the runway.
Any flight operation not meeting this definition is considered a
flight cycle.
(5) ``Cumulative'' cycles are total cycles since new.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767-53A0301 RB, dated April 21, 2021, or Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 767-53A0301 RB, Revision 1, dated April 11, 2022.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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
(m)(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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation,
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of
[[Page 69110]]
the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(n) 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 767-53A0301 RB, Revision
2, dated May 24, 2023.
(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; website 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 28, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-22066 Filed 10-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
