Rule2023-00129
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
January 12, 2023
Effective
February 16, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 707 and Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating cracking in fastener holes at the center wing box and at certain positions of the rear spar and lower skin on a Model 737-300 airplane. A cross model review determined that similar cracking of the fastener holes in the center wing box lower skin could occur on Model 707 and Model 727 airplanes. For Model 707 airplanes this AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the center wing box lower skin for cracking and repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) and ultrasonic (UT) inspections of the rear spar lower chord at a certain position for cracking, repetitive sealant application, and repair if necessary. For Model 727 airplanes this AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the center wing box, lower skin, and rear spar lower chord at a certain location for cracking, repetitive sealant application, 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 88 Issue 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1984-1987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-00129]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1051; Project Identifier AD-2022-00089-T;
Amendment 39-22257; AD 2022-25-01]
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 707 and Model 727 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report indicating cracking in fastener holes at the
center wing box and at certain positions of the rear spar and lower
skin on a Model 737-300 airplane. A cross model review determined that
similar cracking of the fastener holes in the center wing box lower
skin could occur on Model 707 and Model 727 airplanes. For Model 707
airplanes this AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the
center wing box lower skin for cracking and repetitive high frequency
eddy current (HFEC) and ultrasonic (UT) inspections of the rear spar
lower chord at a certain position for cracking, repetitive sealant
application, and repair if necessary. For Model 727 airplanes this AD
requires repetitive detailed inspections of the center wing box, lower
skin, and rear spar lower chord at a certain location for cracking,
repetitive sealant application, and repair if necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 16, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 16,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1051; 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:
[[Page 1985]]
<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; website <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-2022-1051.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sean Newell, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5266; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#451620242b6b086b0b2032202929052324246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c2f191d1252315232190b1910103c1a1d1d521b130a">[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 707 and Model 727 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 15, 2022 (87 FR 56596). The NPRM was prompted by
a report indicating cracking in fastener holes at the center wing box
and at certain positions of the rear spar and lower skin on a Model
737-300 airplane. A cross model review determined that similar cracking
of the fastener holes in the center wing box lower skin could occur on
Model 707 and Model 727 airplanes. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require, for Model 707 airplanes, repetitive detailed inspections of
the center wing box lower skin for cracking and repetitive HFEC and UT
inspections of the rear spar lower chord at a certain position for
cracking, repetitive sealant application, and repair if necessary. For
Model 727 airplanes, the NPRM proposed to require repetitive detailed
inspections of the center wing box, lower skin, and rear spar lower
chord at a certain location for cracking, repetitive sealant
application, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address cracking in the center wing box lower skin or rear spar lower
chord, which could result in the inability of the structure to sustain
limit load and adversely affect the structural integrity of the
airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Boeing and an individual who
supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, 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 707 Alert Requirements Bulletin A3544 RB,
dated November 1, 2021. This service information specifies procedures
for repetitive internal detailed inspections of the center wing box
lower skin for cracking and repetitive internal surface HFEC and UT
inspections of the rear spar lower chord between left body buttock line
(LBBL) 40 and right body buttock line (RBBL) 40 for cracking,
repetitive sealant application, and repair.
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB,
dated September 13, 2021. This service information specifies procedures
for repetitive internal detailed inspections for cracking of the center
wing box, lower skin, and rear spar lower chord between LBBL 34.7 and
RBBL 34.7, repetitive sealant application, 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 48 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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Inspections and sealant 34 work-hours x $85 $0 $2,890 per $66,470 per
application Model 707 airplanes. per hour = $2,890 inspection cycle. inspection cycle
per inspection (23 airplanes).
cycle.
Inspections and sealant 22 work-hours x $85 0 $1,870 per $46,750 per
application Model 727 airplanes. per hour = $1,870 inspection cycle. inspection cycle
per inspection (25 airplanes).
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,
[[Page 1986]]
(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: 9 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:
2022-25-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22257; Docket No. FAA-
2022-1051; Project Identifier AD-2022-00089-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 16,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model 707-100 Long Body, -200, -100B Long Body, and -100B
Short Body series airplanes.
(2) Model 707-300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes.
(3) Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F
series airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating cracking in fastener
holes at the center wing box and at certain positions of the rear
spar and lower skin on a Model 737-300 airplane. A cross model
review determined that similar cracking of the fastener holes in the
center wing box lower skin could occur on Model 707 and Model 727
airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in the
center wing box lower skin or rear spar lower chord, which could
result in the inability of the structure to sustain limit load and
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 for Group 1 Model 727 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB, dated September 13, 2021: Within 120 days
after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane and do all
applicable on-condition actions using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(h) Required Actions for Groups 2 and 3 Model 727 Airplanes and All
Model 707 Airplanes
Except as specified by paragraph (i) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
707 Alert Requirements Bulletin A3544 RB, dated November 1, 2021; or
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB, dated September
13, 2021; as applicable, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
707 Alert Requirements Bulletin A3544 RB, dated November 1, 2021; or
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB, dated September
13, 2021, as applicable.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing 707 Alert Service
Bulletin A3544, dated November 1, 2021, which is referred to in
Boeing 707 Alert Requirements Bulletin A3544 RB, dated November 1,
2021; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0190, dated September
13, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
727-57A0190 RB, dated September 13, 2021.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 707 Alert Requirements Bulletin
A3544 RB, dated November 1, 2021, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 707A3544 RB'' this AD requires
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-
57A0190 RB, dated September 13, 2021, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(3) Where Boeing 707 Alert Requirements Bulletin A3544 RB, dated
November 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.
(4) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB,
dated September 13, 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.
(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 paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e1d8cca0afacccada0a0a2aecca0acaea2ccb384909484929592a1878080cf868e97"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83baaec2cdceaecfc2c2c0ccaec2ceccc0aed1e6f2f6e6f0f7f0c3e5e2e2ade4ecf5">[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.
(k) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Sean Newell,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5266; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4e1d2b2f20600360002b392b22220e282f2f60292138"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88dbede9e6a6c5a6c6edffede4e4c8eee9e9a6efe7fe">[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 707 Alert Requirements Bulletin A3544 RB, dated
November 1, 2021.
(ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0190 RB, dated
September 13, 2021.
(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; website <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,
[[Page 1987]]
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aaccd884c3c4d9dacfc9dec3c5c4eac4cbd8cb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f59387db9c9b86859096819c9a9bb59b948794db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on November 22, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-00129 Filed 1-11-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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