Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 9741-9743 [2024-02930]

Download as PDF 9741 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 89, No. 29 Monday, February 12, 2024 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–0224; Project Identifier AD–2024–00055–T; Amendment 39–22673; AD 2024–03–04] 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 (Boeing) Model 737–8, 737–8200, and 737–9 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a missing washer and nut and consequent migrated bolt discovered by an operator during scheduled maintenance. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the aft rudder quadrant and applicable oncondition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective February 12, 2024. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 28, 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:48 Feb 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2024– 0224; 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Caldejon, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206– 231–3534; email: Anthony.V.Caldejon@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA–2024–0224 and Project Identifier AD–2024–00055– 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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 Anthony Caldejon, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3534; email: Anthony.V.Caldejon@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 a report of a missing nut and washer and of a migrated bolt in the aft rudder quadrant, which were discovered by an operator during a scheduled routine inspection in mid-December 2023. Boeing subsequently inspected all Model 737– 8, –8200, and –9 airplanes in production and found one additional under-torqued nut at the same location. It was discovered that the required run-on and final torques had not been applied to the nut in production. A disconnect between the aft rudder quadrant and the output rod (due to the bolt falling out) would result in loss of rudder control via the rudder pedals. Rudder surface position would then be based only on the rudder trim and yaw damper systems. The pilots would be able to slowly move the rudder surface by adjusting the rudder trim position but would be limited by the maximum rudder trim authority. In the event of a disconnect, and with the limited rudder trim authority, there would not be enough rudder control to counter an engine-out scenario during takeoff/ climb out or to counter a high crosswind (above 20 kts) during landing. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the loss of continued safe flight and landing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Related Service Information The FAA reviewed Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM–MOM–23– 0993–01B, dated December 27, 2023. The service information specifies E:\FR\FM\12FER1.SGM 12FER1 9742 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2024 / Rules and Regulations performing a one-time detailed visual inspection or remote video inspection of the aft rudder quadrant for any missing bolt, nut, or washer; any gap between the bolt/nut/washer and quadrant; and insufficient thread protrusion. The service information also specifies the following corrective actions if necessary: inspection of the bolt and nut for damage and replacement as needed; torque application; and a rudder travel test. AD Requirements This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than 30 days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because a disconnect between the aft rudder quadrant and the output rod would result in loss of rudder control via the rudder pedals and insufficient rudder control to counter an engine-out scenario during takeoff/climb out or to counter a high crosswind during landing, which could result in the loss of continued safe flight and landing. The corrective actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 30 days. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. 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 The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 482 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Inspection ................................. 0.50 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 ................................. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition actions that would be required based on the results Parts cost of the inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes Cost per product $0 Cost on U.S. operators $42.50 $20,485 that might need these on-condition actions: ON-CONDITION COSTS Actions Labor cost Inspection/replacement of bolt/nut, torque application, rudder travel test. 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................... khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:48 Feb 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 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: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Cost per product Parts cost $3 $173 (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. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: E:\FR\FM\12FER1.SGM 12FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 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: ■ 2024–03–04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–22673; Docket No. FAA–2024–0224; Project Identifier AD– 2024–00055–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 12, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737–8, 737–8200, and 737–9 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 20, 2023. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight controls. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a missing washer and nut and consequent migrated bolt discovered by an operator during scheduled maintenance. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improper torque of the aft rudder quadrant output rod fasteners, which may cause a disconnect between the aft rudder quadrant and the output rod, which would result in loss of rudder control via the rudder pedals to counter an engine-out scenario during takeoff/climb out or to counter a high crosswind during landing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of continued safe flight and landing. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection or remote video inspection of the aft rudder quadrant for missing bolts, nuts, and washers; a gap between the bolt/nut/ washer and quadrant; and insufficient thread protrusion. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD can be found in Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM– MOM–23–0993–01B, dated December 27, 2023. (h) On-Condition Actions If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:48 Feb 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD before further flight. (1) Do a detailed inspection of the bolt, washer, and nut for damage and, before further flight, replace any missing or damaged bolts, washers, and nuts. (2) Install each bolt, washer, and nut with a torque of 65 in-lb. (3) Perform a rudder travel test to ensure that the rudder is operating correctly. If the test fails, before further flight, do applicable corrective actions and repeat until the test is passed. Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM–MOM–23–0993–01B, dated December 27, 2023. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM– MOM–23–0993–01B, dated December 27, 2023. RIN 0910–AH50 (j) 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 (k)(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 the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. SUMMARY: (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Caldejon, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3534; email: Anthony.V.Caldejon@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, 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. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 9743 Issued on February 2, 2024. Caitlin Locke, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–02930 Filed 2–8–24; 2:00 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR Part 601 [Docket No. FDA–2019–N–1363] Biologics License Applications and Master Files AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Final rule. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is issuing a final rule to amend its regulations to address the use of master files by applications licensed under the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act). This final rule codifies FDA’s existing approach that former approved applications for certain biological products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) that have been deemed to be licenses for the biological products under the PHS Act may continue to incorporate by reference drug substance, drug substance intermediate, or drug product (DS/DSI/DP) information contained in a drug master file (DMF) if such information was being referenced at the time the application was deemed to be a license. This final rule also codifies FDA’s general practices regarding the referencing of information in master files by applications licensed under the PHS Act, including applications for combination products licensed under the PHS Act, and by investigational new drug applications (INDs) for products that would be subject to licensure under the PHS Act. DATES: This rule is effective March 13, 2024. ADDRESSES: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this final rule into the ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts, and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852, 240–402–7500. E:\FR\FM\12FER1.SGM 12FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9741-9743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-02930]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2024 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 9741]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0224; Project Identifier AD-2024-00055-T; 
Amendment 39-22673; AD 2024-03-04]
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 (Boeing) Model 737-8, 737-8200, and 737-9 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a missing washer and nut 
and consequent migrated bolt discovered by an operator during scheduled 
maintenance. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the aft rudder 
quadrant and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 12, 2024.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 28, 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-2024-0224; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Caldejon, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3534; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2024-0224 and Project Identifier AD-
2024-00055-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 Anthony 
Caldejon, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3534; 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 of a missing nut and washer and of a 
migrated bolt in the aft rudder quadrant, which were discovered by an 
operator during a scheduled routine inspection in mid-December 2023. 
Boeing subsequently inspected all Model 737-8, -8200, and -9 airplanes 
in production and found one additional under-torqued nut at the same 
location. It was discovered that the required run-on and final torques 
had not been applied to the nut in production.
    A disconnect between the aft rudder quadrant and the output rod 
(due to the bolt falling out) would result in loss of rudder control 
via the rudder pedals. Rudder surface position would then be based only 
on the rudder trim and yaw damper systems. The pilots would be able to 
slowly move the rudder surface by adjusting the rudder trim position 
but would be limited by the maximum rudder trim authority. In the event 
of a disconnect, and with the limited rudder trim authority, there 
would not be enough rudder control to counter an engine-out scenario 
during takeoff/climb out or to counter a high crosswind (above 20 kts) 
during landing. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the 
loss of continued safe flight and landing. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

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

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-23-0993-01B, 
dated December 27, 2023. The service information specifies

[[Page 9742]]

performing a one-time detailed visual inspection or remote video 
inspection of the aft rudder quadrant for any missing bolt, nut, or 
washer; any gap between the bolt/nut/washer and quadrant; and 
insufficient thread protrusion. The service information also specifies 
the following corrective actions if necessary: inspection of the bolt 
and nut for damage and replacement as needed; torque application; and a 
rudder travel test.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than 30 days, upon 
a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because a disconnect between the aft rudder quadrant and the output rod 
would result in loss of rudder control via the rudder pedals and 
insufficient rudder control to counter an engine-out scenario during 
takeoff/climb out or to counter a high crosswind during landing, which 
could result in the loss of continued safe flight and landing. The 
corrective actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 30 
days. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the 
public to comment and for publication of the final rule. 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

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 482 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                          Labor cost            Parts cost      product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...........................  0.50 work-hour x $85 per               $0          $42.50         $20,485
                                        hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of the inspection. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might 
need these on-condition actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Actions                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/replacement of bolt/nut, torque      2 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $3            $173
 application, rudder travel test.                $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

The Amendment

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

[[Page 9743]]

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:

2024-03-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22673; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0224; Project Identifier AD-2024-00055-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 12, 
2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-8200, and 
737-9 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before December 20, 2023.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a missing washer and nut and 
consequent migrated bolt discovered by an operator during scheduled 
maintenance. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improper torque 
of the aft rudder quadrant output rod fasteners, which may cause a 
disconnect between the aft rudder quadrant and the output rod, which 
would result in loss of rudder control via the rudder pedals to 
counter an engine-out scenario during takeoff/climb out or to 
counter a high crosswind during landing. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in loss of continued safe flight and 
landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a 
one-time detailed visual inspection or remote video inspection of 
the aft rudder quadrant for missing bolts, nuts, and washers; a gap 
between the bolt/nut/washer and quadrant; and insufficient thread 
protrusion.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g):  Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD can be found in Boeing Multi 
Operator Message MOM-MOM-23-0993-01B, dated December 27, 2023.

(h) On-Condition Actions

    If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) through (3) of this AD before further flight.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection of the bolt, washer, and nut for 
damage and, before further flight, replace any missing or damaged 
bolts, washers, and nuts.
    (2) Install each bolt, washer, and nut with a torque of 65 in-
lb.
    (3) Perform a rudder travel test to ensure that the rudder is 
operating correctly. If the test fails, before further flight, do 
applicable corrective actions and repeat until the test is passed.

    Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in 
Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-23-0993-01B, dated December 
27, 2023.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Multi Operator 
Message MOM-MOM-23-0993-01B, dated December 27, 2023.

(j) 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 
(k)(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 the 
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony 
Caldejon, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3534; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, 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.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on February 2, 2024.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-02930 Filed 2-8-24; 2:00 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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