Rule2022-20736
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 26, 2022
Effective
October 31, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain web lap splices in the center dome apex of the aft pressure bulkhead are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires a general visual inspection for existing repairs at the aft pressure bulkhead; repetitive detailed, high frequency eddy current (HFEC), and low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections; 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 87 Issue 185 (Monday, September 26, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 185 (Monday, September 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58257-58259]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20736]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0093; Project Identifier AD-2021-00987-T;
Amendment 39-22164; AD 2022-18-13]
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
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design
approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain web lap splices in the
center dome apex of the aft pressure bulkhead are subject to widespread
fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires a general visual inspection for
existing repairs at the aft pressure bulkhead; repetitive detailed,
high frequency eddy current (HFEC), and low frequency eddy current
(LFEC) inspections; and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 31, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 31,
2022.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0093; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-0093.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3520; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ae8e3e6e6a4ebf9e2ece5f8fee2caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="35575c59591b54465d535a47415d755354541b525a43">[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 certain The Boeing
Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2022 (87 FR
10755). The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by the DAH indicating
that certain web lap splices in the center dome apex of the aft
pressure bulkhead are subject to WFD. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require a general visual inspection for existing repairs at the aft
pressure bulkhead; repetitive detailed, HFEC, and LFEC inspections; and
repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue
cracks in the webs of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from United Airlines and two individuals,
who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Southwest Airlines (SWA),
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 accomplishing Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE 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
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
[[Page 58258]]
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.
Request To Revise Cause of Unsafe Condition
Boeing requested that the FAA revise the SUMMARY of the NPRM and
paragraph (e) of the proposed AD. Boeing noted that the SUMMARY of the
NPRM and paragraph (e) of the proposed AD refer to WFD, but Boeing
contends that the unsafe condition was caused by pull up on the first
two fasteners at the web lap splices in the center dome apex. Boeing
explained that these fasteners, which are located adjacent to the area
where the aft web transitions over the forward web in the lap splice,
are subject to clamp-up stresses (which are pre-stresses during the
assembly). These stresses, combined with pressurization, will reduce
the fatigue life of the web at the center dome apex and potentially
cause early cracking in this location.
The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees with Boeing that the
unsafe condition was discovered through clamp-up stresses, as well as
other non-WFD events. The WFD evaluation revealed that the area is
susceptible to WFD; as a result, this unsafe condition is related to
WFD. Therefore, the FAA maintains that the SUMMARY of this final rule
and paragraph (e) of this AD are correct in stating that the affected
areas are subject to WFD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request for Clarification for Repairs Found in the Aft Pressure
Bulkhead
SWA requested clarification regarding paragraph (h)(2) of the
proposed AD. SWA noted that in Table 1 of paragraph 3., Compliance, of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB, dated August 26,
2021, CONDITION 1 (ACTION 1) specifies to contact Boeing for any repair
found during the general visual inspection of the aft pressure
bulkhead. CONDITION 1 (ACTION 1) also references flag note (a), which
states:
CONDITION 1 (ACTION 1) is not required for any repair found
during the General Visual Inspection of the APB [aft pressure
bulkhead] aft side in areas where a repair covers the affected
inspection zones provided that the installed repair was approved by
The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) via
a FAA Form 8100-9 and inspections are accomplished in accordance
with the scheduled repair approval listed on the FAA Form 8100-9.
SWA stated that its interpretation is that paragraph (h)(2) of the
proposed AD applies to all repairs found where the operator must
contact Boeing due to the repair not meeting the criteria listed in
flag note (a). SWA went on to observe that if the repairs found during
CONDITION 1 (ACTION 1) meet the requirements of flag note (a), then the
operator is not required to contact Boeing.
The FAA provides the following clarification. SWA is correct in its
interpretation that paragraph (h)(2) of this AD applies to all
instances where the operator must contact Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections. If the repairs found
during the general visual inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead aft
side meet the requirements of flag note (a) of Table 1 of paragraph 3.,
Compliance, of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB, dated
August 26, 2021, then contacting Boeing is not required. 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 Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB,
dated August 26, 2021. This service information specifies procedures
for a general visual inspection for existing repairs at the aft
pressure bulkhead; repetitive detailed, HFEC, and LFEC inspections for
any crack; and repair of cracks if necessary. 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 1,187 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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Inspection for repairs............ 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................. $100,895.
per hour = $85.
Repetitive detailed, HFEC, and Up to 9 work-hours x 0 Up to $765 per Up to $908,055 per
LFEC inspections. $85 per hour = Up inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
to $765 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
[[Page 58259]]
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:
2022-18-13 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22164; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0093; Project Identifier AD-2021-00987-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 31, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB,
dated August 26, 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 an evaluation by the design approval
holder (DAH) indicating that certain web lap splices in the center
dome apex of the aft pressure bulkhead are subject to widespread
fatigue damage (WFD). The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue
cracks in the webs of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result
in reduced structural integrity 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 737-53A1403 RB, dated August 26, 2021,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-53A1403 RB, dated August 26, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1403, dated August 26, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB, dated August 26, 2021.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1403 RB, dated August 26, 2021, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of the Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB,
dated August 26, 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 (i) of this AD.
(i) 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 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) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8f1e5898685e59bada9bcbca4ade5898b87e58985878be59aadb9bdadbbbcbb88aea9a9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c05117d7271116f595d48485059117d7f73117d71737f116e594d49594f484f7c5a5d5d125b534a">[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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3520;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3a58535656145b49525c55484e527a5c5b5b145d554c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b09020707450a18030d04191f032b0d0a0a450c041d">[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) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1403 RB, dated
August 26, 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="http://myboeingfleet.com">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, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#caacb8e4a3a4b9baafa9bea3a5a48aa4abb8abe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91f7e3bff8ffe2e1f4f2e5f8feffd1fff0e3f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 24, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20736 Filed 9-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 26, 2022.
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