Proposed Rule2024-10645
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
May 20, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating cracks in the frame inner chord and web at station (STA) 727. This proposed AD would require an inspection for any repair, repetitive inspections of the frame inner chord and web at STA 727 for any crack, 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 89 Issue 98 (Monday, May 20, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 98 (Monday, May 20, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43792-43794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10645]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1467; Project Identifier AD-2023-01241-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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 all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and
-500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report
indicating cracks in the frame inner chord and web at station (STA)
727. This proposed AD would require an inspection for any repair,
repetitive inspections of the frame inner chord and web at STA 727 for
any crack, 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 July 5,
2024.
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-2024-1467; 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-2024-1467.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Muoi Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-
5205; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d8b5adb7b1f6aeadb7b6bf98beb9b9f6bfb7ae"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="117c647e783f67647e7f76517770703f767e67">[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-2024-1467; Project Identifier
AD-2023-01241-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
[[Page 43793]]
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 Muoi Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5205; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b465e4442055d5e44454c6b4d4a4a054c445d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b465e4442055d5e44454c6b4d4a4a054c445d">[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 was found in
the frame inner chord and web at STA 727 between S-11L and S-13L. The
cracks were found on a Model 737-400 series airplane that had completed
49,724 flight cycles and 50,875 flight hours. Inspections were
performed following accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1177 (which is also required for the affected airplanes in AD 2015-
21-06, Amendment 39-18298 (80 FR 69839, November 12, 2015)), during
which cracks were found above S-4L and S-4R. Cracks between S-11L and
S-13L were found on that airplane after The Boeing Company advised the
operator to remove and replace the bonded ring assembly from the frame
at STA 727 and to inspect all open fastener holes in the adjacent
structure. Such cracking, if not addressed, may result in the inability
of a Principal Structural Element to sustain limit load, which 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 737-53A1416 RB,
dated July 21, 2023. This service information specifies procedures for
a general visual inspection for any repair and repetitive high
frequency eddy current inspections of the frame inner chord and web at
STA 727, between S-11 and S-13, left and right sides, for any crack,
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
obtaining and following repair instructions.
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-
2024-1467.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 245 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspections....................... 8 work-hours x $85 per $0 $680 $166,600
hour = $680.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions 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-2024-1467; Project Identifier AD-
2023-01241-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 5, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
[[Page 43794]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating cracks in the frame
inner chord and web at station (STA) 727. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address cracks in the left and right frames at STA 727 before
they reach a critical length. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, may result in the inability of a principal structural
element (PSE) to sustain limit load, which 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 for Group 1 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB, dated July 21, 2023: Within 120 days after
the effective date of this AD, inspect for existing repairs and
cracking of the frame inner chord and web at STA 727, between S-11
and S-13, left and right sides, using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(h) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB, dated July 21, 2023: Except as specified by
paragraph (i) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1416 RB, dated July 21, 2023, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB,
dated July 21, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53A1416, dated July 21, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB, dated July 21, 2023.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1416 RB, dated July 21, 2023, use the phrase ``the original issue
date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB,'' this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB,
dated July 21, 2023, 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, before further flight 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, AIR-520, 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
(k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e3a2aeaca0a3858282cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="febfb3b1bdbe989f9fd0999188">[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, AIR-
520, 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Muoi Vuong,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5205; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fb968e9492d58d8e94959cbb9d9a9ad59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="58352d3731762e2d37363f183e3939763f372e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in
paragraph (l)(3) 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 Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1416 RB, dated
July 21, 2023.
(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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c3a2e7235322f2c393f283533321c323d2e3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e78195c98e8994978284938e8889a789869586c9808891">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 9, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-10645 Filed 5-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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