Rule2021-25533
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 24, 2021
Effective
December 29, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by crack indications found in the lower aft wing skin bolt holes where the flap tracks attach to the track support fitting; this finding was on a Model 737-300 series airplane, which has a design similar to the Model 757 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the lower aft wing skin aft edge at certain flap tracks, and repair 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 224 (Wednesday, November 24, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66931-66934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25533]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0262; Project Identifier AD-2020-00815-T;
Amendment 39-21796; AD 2021-22-23]
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 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by crack indications found in the lower
aft wing skin bolt holes where the flap tracks attach to the track
support fitting; this finding was on a Model 737-300 series airplane,
which has a design similar to the Model 757 airplanes. This AD requires
repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking
of the lower aft wing skin aft edge at certain flap tracks, and repair
if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 29, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 29,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For Boeing 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>. For Aviation Partners Boeing service information
identified in this final rule, contact Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 S
102nd Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; telephone: 206-830-7699;
internet: <a href="https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com">https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.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-2021-0262.
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-2021-0262; 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: David Truong, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5224; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe9a9f88979ad08a8c8b919099be989f9fd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81e5e0f7e8e5aff5f3f4eeefe6c1e7e0e0afe6eef7">[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 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2021 (86 FR 18482). The
NPRM was prompted by crack indications found in the lower aft wing skin
bolt holes where the flap tracks attach to the track support fitting.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive HFEC inspections
for cracking of the lower aft wing skin aft edge at certain flap
tracks, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
undetected cracking in the lower aft wing skin, which could result in
the inability of the structure to carry limit load and could adversely
affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
[[Page 66932]]
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from five commenters, including Aviation
Partners Boeing, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, FedEx, and Boeing.
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request for Correction of Typographical Error
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested
that references to ``Aviation Partner Boeing'' at several places in the
proposed AD be corrected to ``Aviation Partners Boeing.'' APB noted
that this typographical error appeared in paragraphs (g)(2), (h)(3),
and (h)(4) of the proposed AD. DAL also noted the typographical error
in the ``Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51'' section of
the proposed AD.
The FAA acknowledges the error and has corrected those references
in this AD at the places noted.
Request for Revision of Required Actions Paragraph
DAL requested that the qualifying statement of paragraph (g)(2) of
the proposed AD be revised or greater clarity added to paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of the proposed AD regarding the status of aircraft
modified in accordance with Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin
AP757-57-001, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2012, which removes winglets
installed per supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01518SE. DAL stated
that, because the compliance times for aircraft affected by Aviation
Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-57-011, dated August 21,
2020, are shortened and additional inspection areas included, it is
unlikely that accomplishment of Aviation Partners Boeing Service
Bulletin AP757-57-001, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2012, would restore
the aircraft to a configuration that could use the inspection times and
locations defined in paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD, even though
they would no longer be regarded as having blended winglets or scimitar
blended winglets installed.
The FAA agrees with the request to revise the qualifying statement
of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. For aircraft modified in accordance
with STC ST01518SE that subsequently have the STC winglets removed by
Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP757-57-001, Revision 1,
dated May 18, 2012, the wing modification does not get removed,
therefore Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-57-011,
dated August 21, 2020, would still be applicable. The qualifying
statement of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD has been changed to read,
``For airplanes on which Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglets or
scimitar blended winglets are installed using STC ST01518SE, or on
which such winglets have been installed and subsequently removed.''
Request To Clarify Source of Findings
Boeing requested that the Summary and paragraph (e) of the proposed
AD be rewritten to clarify that the unsafe condition prompting the
proposed AD was not discovered on a Model 757 airplane. The commenter
stated that the subject sentence may be misleading as is. Boeing noted
that crack indications were found in a Model 737-300 airplane, which
has a similar configuration to the Model 757 airplane in this area, but
there are no reports of cracking in the area for a Model 757 airplane.
The FAA agrees with the request to clarify. The suggested
clarification has been added to the Summary and paragraph (e) of this
AD.
Request To Confirm Inspection Effectiveness
FedEx requested confirmation that the HFEC inspection described in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-57A0074, dated June 11, 2020, will be
sufficient to detect the described unsafe condition. FedEx noted that
the proposed AD is based on a crack originating from a fastener hole.
FedEx stated that, due to the relatively low depth penetration of HFEC,
the inspection specified in the service information will not likely
detect a crack until it has propagated through to the free edge of the
lower aft wing skin.
The FAA has determined that the HFEC inspection will be sufficient
to detect the unsafe condition. This is a proactive AD for the 757
fleet, based on a crack finding in a Model 737 airplane with a similar
design. The unsafe condition exists when a fastener hole crack reaches
the lower aft wing skin aft edge. Crack growth analysis has determined
that the existing structural integrity of the Model 757 airplanes in
this area is such that HFEC inspections at the intervals specified in
the applicable service information would be able to detect a crack
propagating from a fastener hole to the lower aft wing skin aft edge.
Request To Modify Proposed AD Requirements Paragraph
Boeing requested that the APB service information be added to the
``Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM'' section of the NPRM. The
commenter stated that the addition of the APB bulletin information in
the statement would inform the reviewer of all applicable service
information addressed by the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees that APB service information should have been
included in the referenced section of the NPRM. However, the referenced
section does not appear in this final rule. This AD has not been
changed with regard to this request.
Request To Clarify Intent of Note
Boeing requested that ``Note 1 to paragraph (g)'' be changed to
``Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1)'' because as worded it implies that the
Boeing service bulletin gives additional guidance for the APB bulletin,
but it only gives additional guidance for the specified Boeing
requirements bulletin.
The FAA agrees and has made the specified change.
Request To Modify Related Service Information Paragraph
United Airlines, DAL, and Boeing asked that the Related Service
Information under 1 CFR part 51 paragraph be clarified to include HFEC
inspections at flap track numbers 1 and 8 for aircraft with blended
winglets or scimitar blended winglets. The commenters stated that the
APB service bulletin requires additional inspections other than those
required in the Boeing requirements bulletin. DAL noted that if the
intent is to not require inspections at flap track numbers 1 and 8,
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD should be revised to clarify that
intent.
The FAA agrees with the request and notes that the intent is to
require inspections at all flap track numbers specified in the
applicable service information. The FAA has revised the ``Related
Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51'' section of this AD
accordingly. The FAA has also revised the ``Costs of Compliance''
section to clarify the difference in work hours between the two
bulletins.
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
[[Page 66933]]
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB,
dated June 11, 2020. This service information specifies procedures for
repetitive HFEC inspections for cracking of the lower aft wing skin aft
edge at flap track numbers 2 and 7 attachment locations, and repair.
The FAA also reviewed Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
AP757-57-011, dated August 21, 2020, which specifies procedures for
repetitive HFEC inspections for cracking of the lower aft wing skin aft
edge at flap track numbers 1, 2, 7, and 8 attachment locations, 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 483 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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Repetitive inspections (per 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection Up to $82,110 per
Boeing bulletin). per hour = $170 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
Repetitive inspections (per APB 3 work-hours x $85 0 $255 per inspection Up to $123,165 per
bulletin). per hour = $255 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-22-23 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21796; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0262; Project Identifier AD-2020-00815-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 29,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF,
-200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by crack indications found in the lower aft
wing skin bolt holes where the flap tracks attach to the track
support fitting; this finding was on a Model 737-300 series
airplane, which has a similar design to the Model 757 airplanes. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address undetected cracking in the lower
aft wing skin, which could result in the inability of the structure
to carry limit load and could adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For all airplanes except those identified in paragraph
(g)(2) of this AD: Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD,
at the applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB, dated June 11,
2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB, dated June 11, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance for accomplishing the
actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 757-57A0074, dated June 11, 2020, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB, dated June 11,
2020.
(2) For airplanes on which Aviation Partners Boeing blended
winglets or scimitar blended winglets are installed using
supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01518SE, or on which they have
been installed and subsequently removed: Except as specified by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance'' of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin AP757-57-011, dated August 21, 2020, do all
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance)
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of
Aviation
[[Page 66934]]
Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-57-011, dated August
21, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB,
dated June 11, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB,
dated June 11, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair before further
flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(3) Where Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-
57-011, dated August 21, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(4) Where Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-
57-011, dated August 21, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions: This AD requires doing the repair before
further flight 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 Related Information. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7d44503c333050313c3c3e32503c30323e502f180c08180e090e3d1b1c1c531a120b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="576e7a16191a7a1b161614187a161a18147a05322622322423241731363679303821">[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
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; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bfdbdec9d6db91cbcdcad0d1d8ffd9dede91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cbafaabda2afe5bfb9bea4a5ac8badaaaae5aca4bd">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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) Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-57-
011, dated August 21, 2020.
(ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0074 RB, dated
June 11, 2020.
(3) For Boeing 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>. For Aviation Partners Boeing service
information identified in this AD, contact Aviation Partners Boeing,
2811 S. 102nd Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; telephone: 206-
830-7699; internet: <a href="https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com">https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.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, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#492f3b6720273a392c2a3d2026270927283b28672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a4c58044344595a4f495e4345446a444b584b044d455c">[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 22, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25533 Filed 11-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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