Proposed Rule2021-19460
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
September 9, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21-17, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. AD 2020-21-17 requires repetitive inspections for skin cracking and shim migration at the upper link drag fittings, diagonal brace cracking, and fastener looseness; and applicable on-condition actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-21-17, a determination has been made that the compliance times for certain groups are not adequate. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-21-17 with reduced compliance times for certain airplane groups. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 172 (Thursday, September 9, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 172 (Thursday, September 9, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50485-50487]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19460]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0685; Project Identifier AD-2021-00432-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020-21-17, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757
airplanes. AD 2020-21-17 requires repetitive inspections for skin
cracking and shim migration at the upper link drag fittings, diagonal
brace cracking, and fastener looseness; and applicable on-condition
actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-21-17, a determination has been
made that the compliance times for certain groups are not adequate.
This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-21-17 with
reduced compliance times for certain airplane groups. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 25,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; 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-2021-0685.
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-2021-0685; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Truong, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5224; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#583c392e313c762c2a2d37363f183e3939763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e08481968984ce9492958f8e87a0868181ce878f96">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0685; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00432-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to David
Truong, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5224; fax: 562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e88c899e818cc69c9a9d87868fa88e8989c68f879e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="452124332c216b3137302a2b22052324246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2020-21-17, Amendment 39-21290 (85 FR 79418,
December 10, 2020) (AD 2020-21-17), for all The Boeing Company Model
757 airplanes. AD 2020-21-17 was prompted by reports of bolt rotation
in the engine drag fitting joint and fastener heads; an inspection of
the fastener holes revealed that cracks were found in the skin, and
certain inspections revealed multiple cracks found in the drag fitting
at fastener holes. AD 2020-21-17 requires repetitive inspections for
skin cracking and shim migration at the upper link drag fittings,
diagonal brace cracking, and fastener looseness; and applicable on-
condition actions. The agency issued AD 2020-21-17 to address cracking
in the wing upper skin and forward drag fittings, which could lead to a
compromised upper link and reduced structural integrity of the engine
strut.
Actions Since AD 2020-21-17 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2020-21-17, a determination has been made
that the compliance times for group 3 and 4 airplanes are not adequate.
An operator reported that during performance of the inspections
required by AD 2020-21-17, the wing upper skin panel was found cracked
at hole #2. The airplane had 19,432 total flight cycles and was a group
3 airplane (Model 757-200 airplane with Rolls-Royce engines and non-
cold worked skin). Therefore, because of similar airplane
[[Page 50486]]
configurations, the compliance times for group 3 and 4 airplanes have
been reduced to maintain structural integrity of the airplane.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021. This service information specifies
procedures for repetitive general visual and detailed inspections for
loose fasteners, skin cracking, and shim migration at the upper link
drag fittings, and for cracking in the diagonal brace and diagonal
brace fittings; repetitive open-hole high frequency eddy current
inspections for cracking of the fastener holes and loose bolt holes;
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
installing the upper link and upper link pins; replacing drag fittings;
installing bolts, washers, and nuts; performing a torque check of
fasteners on the affected shims; trimming affected shims and applying
chemical conversion coating on the shims, fillet seal, and drag
fittings; and repairing cracks, migrated shims, mistorqued bolts, and
loose fasteners.
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 the ADDRESSES section.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2020-21-17, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2020-21-17. Those requirements are referenced in the
service information identified previously, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would
reduce the compliance times for certain airplanes. This proposed AD
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information already described, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0685.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 450 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Repetitive HFEC inspections.... 85 work-hours x $85 per $0 $7,225 per $3,251,250 per
hour = $7,225 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD
would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21-17, Amendment 39-21290
(85 FR 79418, December 10, 2020), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-0685; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00432-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 25, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-21-17, Amendment 39-21290 (85 FR 79418,
December 10, 2020) (AD 2020-21-17).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF,
-200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
[[Page 50487]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of bolt rotation in the engine
drag fitting joint and fastener heads and cracks found in the skin
of the fastener holes, and the need to reduce the compliance time
for certain groups. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking
in the wing upper skin and forward drag fittings, which could lead
to a compromised upper link and reduced structural integrity of the
engine strut, and possible separation of a strut and engine from the
airplane during flight.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) New 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 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 2, dated March
1, 2021, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-57A0073, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021, which is referred to
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 2,
dated March 1, 2021.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021 uses the phrase ``the Original Issue
date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' this AD requires
using September 10, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-16-05,
Amendment 39-19345 (83 FR 38250, August 6, 2018)).
(2) Where the ``Effectivity'' paragraph and the Condition and
Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ``Compliance''
paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Revision 1
date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB date of this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires using January 14, 2021 (the effective
date of AD 2020-21-17).
(3) Where the ``Effectivity'' paragraph and the Condition and
Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ``Compliance''
paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Revision 2
date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, except for the open-hole high frequency
eddy current inspections at fastener locations 11-18, if those
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, dated July 14,
2017.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB, Revision 1, dated August 1, 2019. This service
information is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(j) 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 Related Information. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b42563a353656373a3a3834563a36343856291e0a0e1e080f083b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="043d29454a4929484545474b2945494b47295661757161777077446265652a636b72">[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.
(4) AMOCs approved for AD 2020-21-17 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021, that are required
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact David Truong,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5224; fax: 562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7115100718155f0503041e1f16311710105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f59194839c91db8187809a9b92b5939494db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) 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>. You may view this referenced 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.
Issued on August 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19460 Filed 9-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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