Rule2021-13124
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 717-200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of discrepant spoiler assemblies, which have the wrong splice bar installed and lack reinforcing doublers, and by reports that some splice bars were shipped for installation on Model 717-200 airplanes, although they were not eligible for installation on Model 717-200 airplanes and were identified incorrectly with the Model 717-200 splice bar part number. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the left- and right-wing inboard and outboard spoiler assemblies, for the correct configuration of the splice bar and doublers, and repair or replacement if necessary. 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 33116-33119]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13124]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1028; Project Identifier AD-2020-00978-T;
Amendment 39-21599; AD 2021-12-12]
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 717-200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of discrepant spoiler assemblies, which have the wrong splice
bar installed and lack reinforcing doublers, and by reports that some
splice bars were shipped for installation on Model 717-200 airplanes,
although they were not eligible for installation on Model 717-200
airplanes and were identified incorrectly with the Model 717-200 splice
bar part number. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the left-
and right-wing inboard and outboard spoiler assemblies, for the correct
configuration of the splice bar and doublers, and repair or replacement
if necessary. 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-2020-1028.
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-2020-1028; 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: Mohit Garg, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82efedeaebf6ace5e3f0e5c2e4e3e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f525057564b11585e4d587f595e5e11585049">[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 717-200 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
December 29, 2020 (85 FR 85559). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
discrepant spoiler assemblies, which have the wrong splice bar
installed and lack reinforcing doublers, and by reports that some
splice bars were shipped for installation on Model 717-200 airplanes,
although they were not eligible for installation on Model 717-200
airplanes and were identified incorrectly with the Model 717-200 splice
bar part number. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time
inspection of the left- and right-wing inboard and outboard spoiler
assemblies for the correct splice bar and doublers
[[Page 33117]]
configuration, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address splice bars which are not structurally adequate, which can lead
to failure of the splice bar to keep the spoiler drive link engaged,
and could result in spoiler float and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and Boeing, who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received comments from two additional commenters, Delta Air
Lines (Delta) and Hawaiian Airlines. The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Revise Compliance Time
Delta asked that the compliance time of the proposed AD be changed
to 27 months of ``flying days'' instead of calendar days. Delta stated
that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD states, in part, ``At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB, dated June 26, 2020.''
Delta noted that Paragraph 1.E., Compliance, of the referenced service
information requires a general visual inspection for the correct splice
bar and doubler configuration within 6,400 flight hours or 27 months.
Delta added that because of the Covid-19 pandemic airlines have a large
quantity of aircraft in storage, so changing to flight time would not
affect the unsafe condition.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. In developing
an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered the
degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe
condition, the manufacturer's recommendation for an appropriate
compliance time, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the required
inspection within a period of time that corresponds to the normal
scheduled maintenance for most affected operators. In addition, the FAA
notes that some Model 717-200 airplanes may have been in service during
the pandemic and must comply within the required compliance time.
Operators do have the option to inspect the airplane before the first
flight following storage if the airplane is in storage for more than 27
months. However, under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, the
FAA will consider requests for approval of an extension of the
compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that
the new compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety.
Requests To Allow Alternative Methods for Corrective Action
Hawaiian Airlines asked that paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD,
which requires obtaining approval of an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) for repair of any discrepant spoiler, be changed to
add another method: Removal and replacement of the discrepant spoiler
with a serviceable spoiler that has the correct splice bar and doublers
using the procedure specified in the Model 717 airplane maintenance
manual (AMM), Chapter 27-60-01. Hawaiian Airlines stated that this
would alleviate further out-of-service time of the aircraft, and the
discrepant spoiler can be repaired off-wing.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The FAA has added
paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD to specify that either repair
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (k) of this AD or replacement of any spoiler assembly having
an incorrect configuration with a replacement spoiler assembly is
acceptable for compliance with this AD. The FAA notes that a
replacement spoiler assembly must have a correct configuration as
specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB, dated
June 26, 2020. The FAA has also added Note 2 to paragraph (h)(2)(ii) to
specify that guidance for replacement can be found in Model 717 AMM,
Chapter 27-60-01.
Delta requested the FAA provide an approved method to correct the
unsafe condition by removing and discarding any non-blueprint parts and
re-assembling per original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spoiler drawing
5940974-1/-2/-501/-502. Delta stated that the OEM spoiler drawing was
acceptable for the type certification basis for the Model 717-200
airplane during assembly of the aircraft. Delta added that restoring
the spoiler to the OEM blueprint would restore the part to an approved
configuration with the unsafe condition removed.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. An operator cannot
bring a discrepant spoiler assembly back to the OEM correct
configuration without modifying the underlying spoiler structure.
Modifying the spoiler assembly requires repair instructions from the
OEM. An operator may request an AMOC under the provisions of paragraph
(k) of this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. 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 717-57A0027 RB,
dated June 26, 2020. This service information describes procedures for
a one-time general visual inspection of the left- and right-wing
inboard and outboard spoiler assemblies for the correct splice bar and
doublers configuration, and repair. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 114 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 per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection........................ 4 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $340 $38,760
= $340.
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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:
[[Page 33118]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 2 work-hour x $85 per hour $5,432 per spoiler Up to $5,602 per
= Up to $170 per spoiler assembly. spoiler assembly.
assembly.
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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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-12-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21599; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1028; Project Identifier AD-2020-00978-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 717-200
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of discrepant spoiler
assemblies, which have the wrong splice bar installed and lack
reinforcing doublers. The FAA is issuing this AD to address splice
bars which are not structurally adequate, which can lead to failure
of the splice bar to keep the spoiler drive link engaged, and could
result in spoiler float and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB, dated June 26, 2020, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
717-57A0027 RB, dated June 26, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
717-57A0027, dated June 26, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB, dated June 26, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB,
dated June 26, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB,
dated June 26, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the actions specified in
paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD before further flight.
(i) Repair using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(ii) Replace any spoiler assembly having incorrect configuration
with a replacement spoiler assembly. A replacement spoiler assembly
must have a correct configuration as specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 717-57A0027 RB, dated June 26, 2020.
Note 2 to paragraph (h)(2)(ii): Guidance for replacing the
spoiler assembly with the correct configuration spoiler assembly can
be found in Model 717 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), Chapter 27-
60-01.
(i) 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 Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-19-0572-01B, dated October 16, 2019.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, any affected spoiler assembly (a spoiler assembly that
does not have a splice bar having part number 3914588-501 and two
doublers having part number 5940974-31), unless it has been
inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been done as
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) 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 (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5f66721e111272131e1e1c10721e12101c720d3a2e2a3a2c2b2c1f393e3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1c8dcb0bfbcdcbdb0b0b2bedcb0bcbeb2dca394808494828582b1979090df969e87">[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.
[[Page 33119]]
(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mohit Garg,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84e9ebecedf0aae3e5f6e3c4e2e5e5aae3ebf2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0adafa8a9b4eea7a1b2a780a6a1a1eea7afb6">[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 (m)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(m) 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 717-57A0027 RB, dated
June 26, 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#c6a0a3a2b4a3a1e8aaa3a1a7aa86a8a7b4a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96f0f3f2e4f3f1b8faf3f1f7fad6f8f7e4f7b8f1f9e0">[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 June 3, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13124 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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