Rule2021-13122
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 24, 2021
Effective
July 29, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a crack was found on the splice angle flange that is attached to the station (STA) 540 bulkhead in the area between certain stringers. This AD requires repetitive surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections at the radius of the left- and right-side of the STA 540 bulkhead splice angle for any cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33101-33103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13122]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0026; Project Identifier AD-2020-01164-T;
Amendment 39-21544; AD 2021-10-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a
crack was found on the splice angle flange that is attached to the
station (STA) 540 bulkhead in the area between certain stringers. This
AD requires repetitive surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections at the radius of the left- and right-side of the STA 540
bulkhead splice angle for any cracking, and applicable on-condition
actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 29,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. 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
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0026.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0026; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Ha, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5238; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f685e46515a11775e7f595e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1740766e7972395f765771767639707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company
Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 24, 2021 (86 FR
11186). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that a crack was
found on the splice angle flange that is attached to the STA 540
bulkhead in the area between certain stringers. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require repetitive surface HFEC inspections at the radius
of the left- and right-side of the STA 540 bulkhead splice angle for
any cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address any cracking in the splice angle, which could result
in the inability of a principal structural element to sustain limit
load and could adversely affect the structural integrity of the
airplane; in addition, such cracking could lead to
[[Page 33102]]
adjoining parts cracking and a potential fuel leak and consequent fire.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Boeing who supported the NPRM
without change.
The FAA also received an additional comment from Aviation Partners
Boeing.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified
in the proposed AD.
The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and
added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive surface HFEC inspections at the radius of the left- and
right-side of the STA 540 bulkhead splice angle for any cracking, and
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include repair or
replacement. This service information is reasonably available because
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 117 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Repetitive surface HFEC 7 work-hour x $85 $0 $595 per inspection $69,615 per
inspections. per hour = $595 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition
actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 53 work-hour x $85 per Up to $1,000........... Up to $5,505.
hour = Up to $4,505
(replacement).
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repair 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,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[[Page 33103]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-10-11 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21544; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0026 Project Identifier AD-2020-01164-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in
any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a crack was
found on the splice angle flange that is attached to the station
(STA) 540 bulkhead in the area between stringer 21 to stringer 22.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address any cracking in the splice
angle, which could result in the inability of a principal structural
element to sustain limit load and could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane; in addition, such cracking
could lead to adjoining parts cracking and a potential fuel leak and
consequent fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020: Within
120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane
and do all applicable on-condition actions using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020: Except as
specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020, do all
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-57A1347, dated July 29, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated July 29, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB,
dated July 29, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a63771b141777161b1b1915771b17151977083f2b2f3f292e291a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e07137f707313727f7f7d71137f73717d136c5b4f4b5b4d4a4d7e585f5f10595148">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Ha,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5238; fax: 562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8addebf3e4efa4c2ebcaecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1f6c0d8cfc48fe9c0e1c7c0c08fc6ced7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1347 RB, dated
July 29, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#07616263756260296b6260666b476966756629606871"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="305655544255571e5c5557515c705e5142511e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on April 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13122 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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