Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 3337-3339 [2024-00993]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 12 / Thursday, January 18, 2024 / Rules and Regulations to the airplane control domain, and airline information services domain. The airplanes’ control domain and airline information-services domain perform functions required for the safe operation and maintenance of the airplane. Previously, these domains had very limited connectivity with external network sources. This data network and design integration creates a potential for unauthorized persons to access the airplanes’ control domain and airline information-services domain and presents security vulnerabilities related to the introduction of computer viruses and worms, user errors, and intentional sabotage of airplane electronic assets (networks, systems, and databases) critical to the safety and maintenance of the airplane. The existing FAA regulations did not anticipate these networked airplanesystem architectures. Furthermore, these regulations and the current guidance material do not address potential security vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by unauthorized access to airplane networks, data buses, and servers. Therefore, these special conditions ensure that the security (i.e., confidentiality, integrity, and availability) of the airplane’s systems is not compromised by unauthorized wired or wireless electronic connections. This includes ensuring that the security of the airplane’s systems is not compromised during maintenance of the airplane’s electronic systems. These special conditions also require the applicant to provide appropriate instructions to the operator to maintain all electronic-system safeguards that have been implemented as part of the original network design so that this feature does not allow or introduce security threats. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Applicability As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the Gulfstream Model GVIII–G700 and GVIII–G800 series airplanes. Should Gulfstream apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model that incorporates the same novel or unusual design feature, or should any other model already included on the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that model as well. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Jan 17, 2024 Jkt 262001 3337 Conclusion DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION This action affects only a certain novel or unusual design feature on the Gulfstream Model GVIII–G700 and GVIII–G800 series of airplanes. It is not a rule of general applicability. Federal Aviation Administration List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority Citation The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, and 44704. The Special Conditions Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of the type certification basis for Gulfstream Model GVIII–G700 and GVIII–G800 series airplanes for airplane electronic unauthorized external access. 1. The applicant must ensure that the airplane electronic systems are protected from access by unauthorized sources external to the airplane, including those possibly caused by maintenance activity. 2. The applicant must ensure that airplane electronic system-security threats are identified and assessed, and that effective electronic system-security protection strategies are implemented to protect the airplane from all adverse impacts on safety, functionality, and continued airworthiness. 3. The applicant must establish appropriate procedures to allow the operator to ensure that continued airworthiness of the airplane is maintained, including all post-typecertification modifications that may have an impact on the approved electronic system-security safeguards. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 11, 2024. Patrick R. Mullen, Manager, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–00841 Filed 1–17–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–0032; Project Identifier AD–2024–00021–T; Amendment 39–22663; AD 2024–02–51] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–9 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight departure of a mid cabin door plug, which resulted in a rapid decompression of the airplane. This AD prohibits further flight of affected airplanes, until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been performed. The FAA previously sent an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective on January 18, 2024. Emergency AD 2024–02–51, issued on January 6, 2024, which contained the requirements of this amendment, was effective with actual notice. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 4, 2024. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2024– 0032; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18JAR1.SGM 18JAR1 3338 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 12 / Thursday, January 18, 2024 / Rules and Regulations FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Linegang, Manager, Operational Safety Branch, FAA; phone: 817–222– 5390; email: OperationalSafety@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2024–0032; Project Identifier AD–2024– 00021–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Michael Linegang, Manager, Operational Safety Branch, FAA; phone: 817–222–5390; email: OperationalSafety@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 issued Emergency AD 2024– 02–51, dated January 6, 2024 (Emergency AD 2024–02–51), to address an unsafe condition on certain The Boeing Company Model 737–9 airplanes. The FAA sent the emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. Emergency AD 2024–02–51 prohibits further flight until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been performed. Emergency AD 2024–02–51 was prompted by a report of an in-flight departure of a mid cabin door plug, which resulted in a rapid decompression of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential in-flight loss of a mid cabin door plug. This condition, if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew, the door impacting the airplane, and/or loss of control of the airplane. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD prohibits further flight of affected airplanes, until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been performed using a method approved by the Manager, AIR– 520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA. Interim Action The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that required the immediate adoption of Emergency AD 2024–02–51 issued on January 6, 2024, to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. The FAA found that the risk to the flying public justified waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the in-flight loss of a mid cabin door plug could result in injury to passengers and crew, the door impacting the airplane, and/or loss of control of the airplane. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 14 CFR 39.13 to make it effective to all persons. Given the significance of the risk presented by this unsafe condition, it must be immediately addressed. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 144 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Inspection ....... Up to 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $680 .. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Jan 17, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Parts cost Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Cost per product $0 Sfmt 4700 Up to $680 ........................ E:\FR\FM\18JAR1.SGM 18JAR1 Cost on U.S. operators Up to $12,240. Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 12 / Thursday, January 18, 2024 / Rules and Regulations The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the corrective actions specified in this AD. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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: ■ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Jan 17, 2024 Jkt 262001 2024–02–51 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–22663; Docket No. FAA–2024–0032; Project Identifier AD– 2024–00021–T. (a) Effective Date The FAA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024–02–51 on January 6, 2024, directly to affected owners and operators. As a result of such actual notice, the emergency AD was effective for those owners and operators on the date it was provided. This AD contains the same requirements as that emergency AD and, for those who did not receive actual notice, is effective on January 18, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–9 airplanes, certificated in any category, with a mid cabin door plug installed. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight departure of a mid cabin door plug, which resulted in a rapid decompression of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential in-flight loss of a mid cabin door plug, which could result in injury to passengers and crew, the door impacting the airplane, and/or loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection or Other Action As of the effective date of this AD, further flight is prohibited until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been performed using a method approved by the Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA. (h) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are allowed only for unpressurized flights. (i) 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in 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 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 3339 of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district 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 the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (j) Related Information For further information about this AD, contact Michael Linegang, Manager, Operational Safety Branch, FAA; phone: 817–222–5390; email: OperationalSafety@ faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on January 12, 2024. Caitlin Locke, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–00993 Filed 1–16–24; 2:00 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1715; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00548–T; Amendment 39–22640; AD 2023–25–13] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Editorial Note: Rule document 2023–28849 originally published on pages 256–258 in the issue of Wednesday, January 3, 2024. In that publication, on page 256, in the second column, in the DATES section, on the first, second, and sixth lines, and on page 257, in the third column, in paragraph ‘‘(a) Effective Date,’’ on the second line, ‘‘February 7, 2023’’ should read ‘‘February 7, 2024’’. The rule is republished here corrected and in its entirety. The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that some airplanes were delivered without a portable protective breathing equipment (PBE) device located in the left-side forward wardrobe, flight deck, or passenger cabin area of the airplane. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18JAR1.SGM 18JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 12 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3337-3339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00993]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0032; Project Identifier AD-2024-00021-T; 
Amendment 39-22663; AD 2024-02-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-9 airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by a report of an in-flight departure of a mid cabin door plug, which 
resulted in a rapid decompression of the airplane. This AD prohibits 
further flight of affected airplanes, until the airplane is inspected 
and all applicable corrective actions have been performed. The FAA 
previously sent an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators 
of these airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective on January 18, 2024. Emergency AD 2024-02-
51, issued on January 6, 2024, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment, was effective with actual notice.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 4, 2024.

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 by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2024-0032; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

[[Page 3338]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Linegang, Manager, Operational 
Safety Branch, FAA; phone: 817-222-5390; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0032; Project Identifier AD-
2024-00021-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Michael 
Linegang, Manager, Operational Safety Branch, FAA; phone: 817-222-5390; 
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 issued Emergency AD 2024-02-51, dated January 6, 2024 
(Emergency AD 2024-02-51), to address an unsafe condition on certain 
The Boeing Company Model 737-9 airplanes. The FAA sent the emergency AD 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. Emergency AD 
2024-02-51 prohibits further flight until the airplane is inspected and 
all applicable corrective actions have been performed.
    Emergency AD 2024-02-51 was prompted by a report of an in-flight 
departure of a mid cabin door plug, which resulted in a rapid 
decompression of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the potential in-flight loss of a mid cabin door plug. This condition, 
if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew, the 
door impacting the airplane, and/or loss of control of the airplane.

FAA's Determination

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

AD Requirements

    This AD prohibits further flight of affected airplanes, until the 
airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been 
performed using a method approved by the Manager, AIR-520, Continued 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that required the immediate adoption of 
Emergency AD 2024-02-51 issued on January 6, 2024, to all known U.S. 
owners and operators of these airplanes. The FAA found that the risk to 
the flying public justified waiving notice and comment prior to 
adoption of this rule because the in-flight loss of a mid cabin door 
plug could result in injury to passengers and crew, the door impacting 
the airplane, and/or loss of control of the airplane. These conditions 
still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as 
an amendment to 14 CFR 39.13 to make it effective to all persons. Given 
the significance of the risk presented by this unsafe condition, it 
must be immediately addressed. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds 
that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA 
found good cause to forgo notice and comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 144 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
          Action                 Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product           operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...............  Up to 8 work-hours x                $0  Up to $680............  Up to $12,240.
                            $85 per hour = Up to
                            $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 3339]]

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2024-02-51 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22663; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0032; Project Identifier AD-2024-00021-T.

(a) Effective Date

    The FAA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-02-51 
on January 6, 2024, directly to affected owners and operators. As a 
result of such actual notice, the emergency AD was effective for 
those owners and operators on the date it was provided. This AD 
contains the same requirements as that emergency AD and, for those 
who did not receive actual notice, is effective on January 18, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-9 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, with a mid cabin door plug installed.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight departure of a 
mid cabin door plug, which resulted in a rapid decompression of the 
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential in-
flight loss of a mid cabin door plug, which could result in injury 
to passengers and crew, the door impacting the airplane, and/or loss 
of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection or Other Action

    As of the effective date of this AD, further flight is 
prohibited until the airplane is inspected and all applicable 
corrective actions have been performed using a method approved by 
the Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are allowed only for unpressurized flights.

(i) 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 local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the certification office, 
send it to the attention of the person identified in 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 local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district 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 the 
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(j) Related Information

    For further information about this AD, contact Michael Linegang, 
Manager, Operational Safety Branch, FAA; phone: 817-222-5390; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on January 12, 2024.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-00993 Filed 1-16-24; 2:00 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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