Rule2021-24225
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
November 8, 2021
Effective
December 13, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-05- 18, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, - 700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2005-05-18 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the webs of the aft pressure bulkhead at a certain body station, and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by cracking found in that inspection area on airplanes not identified in the applicability of AD 2005-05-18. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2005-05-18, revises the applicability to include additional airplanes, and adds an inspection for existing repairs on the newly added airplanes. 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 213 (Monday, November 8, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 213 (Monday, November 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61679-61682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24225]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0503; Project Identifier AD-2021-00163-T;
Amendment 39-21769; AD 2021-21-09]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-05-
18, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2005-05-18 required
repetitive inspections for cracking of the webs of the aft pressure
bulkhead at a certain body station, and corrective action if necessary.
This AD was prompted by cracking found in that inspection area on
airplanes not identified in the applicability of AD 2005-05-18. This AD
retains the requirements of AD 2005-05-18, revises the applicability to
include additional airplanes, and adds an inspection for existing
repairs on the newly added airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 13,
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-2021-0503.
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-2021-0503; 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 Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3524; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9dec8d0c7cc87c5c6cac2ccdddde9cfc8c887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6314021a0d064d0f0c0008061717230502024d040c15">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2005-05-18, Amendment 39-14007 (70 FR
12410, March 14, 2005) (AD 2005-05-18). AD 2005-05-18 applied to
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
[[Page 61680]]
Register on June 30, 2021 (86 FR 34660). The NPRM was prompted by
cracking found in an inspection area on airplanes not identified in the
applicability of AD 2005-05-18. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
continue to require repetitive inspections for cracking of the webs of
the aft pressure bulkhead at a certain body station, and corrective
action if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the
applicability to include additional airplanes, and adding an inspection
for existing repairs on the newly added airplanes. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address fatigue cracks in the webs of the aft pressure
bulkhead, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from United Airlines and Jack Kendrick,
who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from two commenters, including
Boeing and Aviation Partners Boeing. The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effects of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of blended or
split scimitar winglets per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE does not affect compliance with the proposed actions.
The FAA agrees with the commenter that the installation of winglets
per STC ST00830SE does not affect the accomplishment of the
manufacturer's service instructions. Therefore, the installation of STC
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Operators of airplanes with these winglets do not
need to request a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval as specified in 14 CFR 39.17. 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 accordingly.
Request To Clarify Service Information Description
Boeing asked that the FAA clarify the language describing the
inspection location and reporting requirements in the ``Related Service
Information Under 1 CFR 51'' paragraph in the preamble of the proposed
AD. Boeing stated that the language should identify the center dome
apex location, and also specify reporting of any cracks found.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request to clarify the
inspection location in the ``Related Service Information'' section, due
to the vast number of web fasteners located around the bulkhead. The
FAA has clarified that language accordingly.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request to add
reporting language to that section, because the manufacturer did not
include a reporting requirement for this particular cracking condition
in the service information. Therefore, the FAA has not changed this AD
in this regard.
Request To Clarify Language in Actions Since AD 2005-05-18 Was Issued
Section
Boeing requested that the FAA clarify the language in the Actions
Since AD 2005-05-18 Was Issued section of the proposed AD. Boeing
suggested changing the sentence that begins ``During the assembly
process on line numbers 1167 through 1755, the fasteners,'' as follows:
``Fasteners on line numbers 1167 through 1755 in the apex dome region
are subjected to clamp-up stresses from the assembly process and
fatigue cycles during fuselage pressurization.'' Boeing stated that
this change is to clarify the meaning of the language used in the
proposed AD.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request and agrees the
proposed wording provides clarity. However, that section is not carried
over into this final rule. Therefore, the FAA has not changed this AD
in this regard.
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 Service Bulletin 737-53A1251,
Revision 2, dated January 20, 2021. This service information specifies
procedures for a general visual inspection for existing repairs,
repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections
for cracks around the web center dome apex fasteners, repetitive low
frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection for cracks around the hidden
web lap splice fastener locations, and repair of cracks. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 744 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Detailed, HFEC, and LFEC Up to 10 work-hours $0 Up to $850 per Up to $632,400 per
inspections. x $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
Up to $850 per
inspection cycle.
General visual inspection (194 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85................ $16,490.
airplanes). per hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
that are required based on the results of the inspections. The FAA has
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
repairs:
[[Page 61681]]
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repair...................... Up to 30 * work- Up to $30,000 *............... Up to $32,550.*
hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$2,550.
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* Repair costs will vary depending on size of the repair required.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-05-18, Amendment 39-14007
(70 FR 12410, March 14, 2005); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-21-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21769; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0503; Project Identifier AD-2021-00163-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 13,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2005-05-18, Amendment 39-14007 (70 FR 12410,
March 14, 2005) (AD 2005-05-18).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision
2, dated January 20, 2021.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found at several of
the fastener rows in the web lap splices at the dome apex of the aft
pressure bulkhead, and the determination that airplanes not affected
by AD 2005-05-18 are subject to this unsafe condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracks in the webs of the aft
pressure bulkhead, which could result in rapid decompression 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 paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251 Revision 2, dated January
20, 2021, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required
for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision
2, dated January 20, 2021. For Group 1 airplanes, as defined in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2, dated January
20, 2021: Step 3.B.2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2, dated January 20,
2021, is an RC step, and the provisions of paragraphs (j)(5)(i) and
(ii) of this AD apply.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2,
dated January 20, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Revision 1 date of
this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date
of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2,
dated January 20, 2021, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing
the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-
condition actions using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) For airplanes having line numbers 1 through 1166 inclusive:
This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2, dated January
20, 2021, that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using
Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1251, dated June 3, 2004, which was
incorporated by reference in AD 2005-05-18.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2, dated
January 20, 2021, that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 1, dated
September 22, 2020, which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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
[[Page 61682]]
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c15016d6261017f494d58584049016d6f63016d61636f017e495d59495f585f6c4a4d4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f26325e5152324c7a7e6b6b737a325e5c50325e52505c324d7a6e6a7a6c6b6c5f797e7e31787069">[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, Seattle
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 2005-05-18 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1251, Revision 2, dated January 20, 2021, that are required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(5) Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(5)(i) and (ii) of
this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Lockett,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3524;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e495f47505b1052515d555b4a4a7e585f5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4d3c5ddcac18ac8cbc7cfc1d0d0e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2">[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 (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) 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 Service Bulletin 737-53A1251, Revision 2, dated
January 20, 2021.
(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#2d4b5f0344435e5d484e594442436d434c5f4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2442560a4d4a57544147504d4b4a644a4556450a434b52">[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 October 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24225 Filed 11-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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