Proposed Rule2023-15302
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
July 24, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a crack growth analysis, which indicated that current inspections are not adequate to detect cracks in certain sections of the upper frame at the frame splice between certain stringers before a single frame fails. This proposed AD would require an inspection or records review for existing repairs; repetitive inspections for cracks of the upper frame at the frame splices between certain stringers in certain sections, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 140 (Monday, July 24, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 140 (Monday, July 24, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47402-47404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15302]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1053; Project Identifier AD-2023-00164-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a crack growth analysis,
which indicated that current inspections are not adequate to detect
cracks in certain sections of the upper frame at the frame splice
between certain stringers before a single frame fails. This proposed AD
would require an inspection or records review for existing repairs;
repetitive inspections for cracks of the upper frame at the frame
splices between certain stringers in certain sections, and applicable
on-condition actions. 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 September
7, 2023.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1053; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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; 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> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1053.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Ha, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5238; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b4c5a42555e15535a7b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7403150d1a115a1c15341215155a131b02">[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-2023-1053; Project Identifier
AD-2023-00164-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
this 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
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 Wayne
Ha, Aviation Safety Engineer, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5238;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5423352d3a317a3c35143235357a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e592849c8b80cb8d84a5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received a report indicating that cracking has occurred
in the frame splice doubler and may occur in the upper frame at the
upper frame splice between stringer S-13 and S-14 on Boeing Model 737-
300, -400, and -500 airplanes at multiple frame locations. The FAA
issued AD 2021-26-
[[Page 47403]]
03, Amendment 29-21861 (87 FR 2534, January 18, 2022) to address the
unsafe condition on Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 airplanes.
Since Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes have a
similar design, Boeing conducted a cross model evaluation and crack
growth analysis on these airplane models. The analysis indicated that
current Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) and Supplemental Structural
Inspection Program (SSIP) tasks do not provide adequate inspections to
detect cracks before a single frame fails. The single frame failure
criteria is needed because of the potential interaction between cracks
in the upper frame at the frame splice between S-13 and S-14 and known
fuselage skin cracking at the S-14 lap splice in the affected 757
airplanes. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the
inability of principal structural element to sustain limit loads and
could adversely affect the 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 757-53A0115 RB,
dated January 25, 2022. This service information specifies procedures
for a general visual inspection (GVI) or records review between
stringers S-13 and S-14 in Sections 43 and 46 for existing repairs.
This service information also describes procedures, depending on the
configuration, for repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) and
low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for cracking of the upper
frames at the frame splices between stringers S-13 and S-14, left- and
right-hand sides, in Sections 43 and 46; and applicable on-condition
actions. On-condition actions include 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1053.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 456 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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GVI................................... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170............................... $77,520.
hour = $170 per
inspection cycle.
Repetitive Inspections................ Up to 267 work-hour x $85 0 Up to $22,695...................... Up to $10,348,920.
per hour = $22,695 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 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 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 this 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2023-1053; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00164-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 7, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and
-200PF series
[[Page 47404]]
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB, dated January 25, 2022.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a crack growth analysis, which indicated
that current inspections are not adequate to detect cracks in the
Sections 43 and 46 upper frame at the frame splice between stringers
S-13 and S-14 before a single frame fails. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address cracking at the upper frames common to the splice at
stringers S-13 to S-14, which could interact with fuselage skin
cracking at the stringer S-14 lap splice. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in the inability of a principal
structural element to sustain limit loads 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
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB, dated January 25, 2022,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-53A0115 RB, dated January 25, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-53A0115, dated January 25, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB, dated January 25, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-
53A0115 RB, dated January 25, 2022, use the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB,
dated January 25, 2022, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing
the repair and 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.
(3) For Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 airplanes, as identified
in Boeing Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB, dated January 25,
2022, with APB winglets installed in accordance with STC ST01518SE:
Where Table 1, Conditions 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2; Table 2, Conditions
6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2; Table 3 Conditions 10.1, 10.2, 12.1, 12.2; and
Table 4 Conditions 14.1, 14.2, 16.1, 16.2 in the ``Compliance''
paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0115 RB,
dated January 25, 2022, specify a repeat inspection interval of
3,000 flight cycles, this AD requires using a repeat inspection
interval of 2,600 flight cycles.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Continued Operational Safety 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#724b5f333c3f5f2133313d5f333f3d315f2017030717010601321413135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="675e4a26292a4a342624284a262a28244a35021612021413142701060649000811">[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,
Continued Operational Safety 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Ha,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5238;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bfceaf2e5eea5e3eacbedeaeaa5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d4a3b5adbab1fabcb594b2b5b5fab3bba2">[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 (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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 757-53A0115 RB, dated
January 25, 2022.
(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; 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, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f39581dd9a9d80839690879a9c9db39d928192dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2244500c4b4c51524741564b4d4c624c4350430c454d54">[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 May 24, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-15302 Filed 7-21-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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